College Smart Start
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We simplify, streamline, and personalize the college application process — to destress students and their parents.
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You're overwhelmed. We can help.
The College Smart Start Difference
Think of us the way you'd think of a coach: our focus is on the player. While parents play a big part, this is a student-centered exercise.
With tools to support students at all stages of the process, from eager freshmen to oh-my-god seniors, we demystify and streamline everything for students and parents. By breaking the process down into bite-sized pieces, we help lower the whole family's stress level.
The college application process can be nerve-wracking, but we make it manageable (and maybe even fun!). Our time-efficient, customizable method works WITH your life, not against it.
We help students stand out and be recognized as the amazing people they are. They're seen as the best version of themselves, as interesting and 3-dimensional people — not just as collections of scores and activities.
We offer various levels of support, but all of our options are geared to making this process easier.
- Exactly what to do, when it needs to be done, and how to do it well: school selection, passion projects, college applications, essays, activities list, scholarship applications
- A holistic approach to each student, while still helping you make data-driven decisions
- The truth about merit and financial aid, and different ways to bring college financially within reach
- Access to planning tools, from a searchable database to brainstorming worksheets and proofreading processes
- Many levels include personalized goal-setting, extracurricular strategies, essay support, check-ins to keep you on track and meeting those deadlines, and a final application check before hitting "submit"
College Admissions Services
Class of 2026
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Academic Support
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LEARN MOREFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to start thinking about the college application process?
The answer is “almost any time,” but the sooner, the better. Many students come to us as juniors or seniors and are highly successful. But students who start the process in 9th or 10th grade can develop a multi-year plan, positioning themselves for college admission success from the get-go with the courses they choose, the extracurriculars that support their interests, and advice about standardized testing.
Do you only focus on students who want to attend elite colleges and universities?
Heck, no! We work with all kinds of students, with a broad range of abilities and interests. We want to help you find the just-right college for YOU. If it’s an elite school, great! We’ve helped students be accepted to MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and other prestigious schools nationwide and abroad. But most students don’t go (and don’t want to go!) to elite schools. The “best” school means “the best school for you,” and that’s where we want to help you go.Â
Do you work mostly with students or parents?
While parents are a vital part of the process and should absolutely be involved in this journey, our method is student-centered. We mostly work with the students — they’re the ones who’ll be attending college, after all — but we’re here for parents as well.
Which service level is right for my student? What if I decide I need something different or more?
College Smart Start offers a wide range of services, from bootcamps and group classes to full, concierge-level support. If you choose one type of support and decide you want something different or more, simply contact us to discuss your options.
Do you work with students with learning differences?
We absolutely do! Additionally, we have resources and experience helping students find the right school to support their unique needs.
Why do we need you if our child already has a school counselor?
We’re not competing with your school counselor; we’re collaborating with you and your student, just as they are. Your school counselor will absolutely be instrumental to the process — with transcripts and recommendations and data about the types of students historically accepted from your high school to the schools you’re interested in. Consider us part of the team, the part with the bandwidth to focus on your student’s particular needs and goals. Working with many students in many schools, we can identify admissions trends in real time. With specialists focused on each piece of the process, we can make sure that your effort translates into the results you want.
Testimonials
Choosing a college is more complicated and confusing now than ever. You wouldn't try to trek through the Amazon without a guide. Don't try to navigate the college jungle without Jodi. She gives actionable advice and insights while helping students (and parents) arrive at a decision they can feel confident and excited about. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
— Daughter attending University of South Carolina (with merit)
Good morning Jodi. I hear you’re off to an amazing start with my kid. She was super excited about your conversation and I wanted to thank you again. She is keeping me in the loop and we appreciate everything you and your team are doing.
~ Debbie P., FL
Concierge 2025
