COLLEGE JUMPSTART

Hello! We’re College Smart Start, and this is your college application jumpSTART.

We’ve been offering exclusive, concierge college advising services for decades — but we’ve started jumpSTART to be a more accessible and affordable option, within everyone's reach. jumpSTART levels the playing field.

We simplify and streamline the process, supporting you every step of the way. We know what you need to do (and what you don’t!). With decades of experience and constant contact with admissions offices, we save you time and stress as you navigate this process. Whether you’re considering the Ivies and selectives, a big state university, a liberal arts college, or a smaller, local school, jumpSTART meets you where you are and guides you to where you want to go.

jumpSTART is time-efficient and customizable. It works WITH your life, not against it.

You'll have all our resources and our experts at your disposal. Want to attend every single class? Great! We're excited to get to know you! Can't make it to class? Head to the library to catch up on anything you've missed! Only have an hour a week? That works, too — use only the resources you need in a timely manner. Have a specific question and need a little personal advice? Come to an office hour! (Heck, come to them all!) Want to work through things on your own? Use our learning modules to navigate all the steps.

We’re your partner in this process, helping you eliminate the things you don’t need to do and focus on the things that actually matter.

With tools to support students at all stages of the process, from eager freshmen to oh-my-god seniors, a jumpSTART membership demystifies and streamlines the process for students and parents, lowering everyone’s stress.

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.

And parents — we've got you, too, with special courses just for you.

How do we do this?

• Passion projects: Helping start or grow a club, foundation, business, or blog
• Identifying summer programs and/or relevant internships
• Course selection (we examine what each student needs based on their intended major and interests; the differences between AP, IB, and other programs; and what it all means in the context of your student’s school and applications)
• Advising about standardized testing (discussing timing; how best to prep; how to select between the ACT or SAT; the differences between test-blind and test-optional and whether those are good choices)
• Suggesting academic and/or research opportunities

jumpSTART begins slowly and builds as students advance through high school. For students joining us in 11th grade, it includes everything provided in the earlier grades, just amped up for the high school junior. Joining us in the second half of 11th grade? We'll catch you up! (11th grade is definitely NOT too late.)

No matter when you join, we help you create a customized action plan centered around your specific interests and goals. We help students intentionally select the coursework, activities, and opportunities that they enjoy AND that are most impactful on their college application.