College Planning 101

Real answers for students and families

College planning comes with a lot of questions. This service gives students and families a dedicated hour to talk through whatever is on their mind. Just an honest conversation with someone who knows the process inside and out.

In-person or Zoom — whichever works best

Things Families Often Want to Talk About

• Navigating the college planning process at any grade level
• When to start thinking about applications
• Exploring vocational and trade school options
• Understanding the Common Application
• How much grades and essays really matter
• Building a college list that fits the student’s interests, goals, and strengths
• How to work effectively with your school counselor
• Reviewing a student’s high school transcript
• Finding and applying for scholarships
• Creating a Brag Sheet — and why it matters
• Considering a Gap Year
• Staying motivated throughout the college planning process

Who This Is For

Any high school student — freshman through senior — and their family. No prior knowledge of the college planning process needed.

Disclaimer: This service provides independent educational consulting and general college planning guidance. It does not guarantee admission to any college or university. All admission decisions are made solely by the institutions to which students apply. Families are encouraged to work closely with their school counselor throughout the process, as this service is designed to complement, not replace, that important relationship.

College Planning Services: Start Early, Finish Strong

Grades 9 through 11

College planning isn’t just for seniors. The decisions students make in 9th, 10th, and 11th grade — the courses they take, the activities they pursue, the story they’re building — shape every application they’ll submit. These packages give students and families the guidance they need, at exactly the right time.

In-person or Zoom — whichever works best

Individual Grade Packages

Grade 9 — The Strong Start (One session)
A big-picture conversation about high school planning. We look at course selection, extracurriculars, and early habits that set students up for a strong college application later. No pressure — just a smart head start.

Grade 10 — The Plan (One session + 30-day email follow-up)
We go deeper — reviewing your transcript so far, identifying strengths and gaps, exploring potential college directions, and building a sophomore-to-senior roadmap. Students leave with a clear picture of where they’re headed and what to focus on.

Grade 11 — The Launch Package (Three sessions across the school year)
The most critical year. We cover college list building, test prep strategy, activity and resume development, and begin laying the groundwork for senior year applications. This is where planning becomes action.

Essay Jumpstart (Add-On for 11th grade students)
An early look at the Common App personal statement. We identify the student’s story, brainstorm angles, and outline a direction — so they’re not starting from scratch senior year.

Disclaimer: This service provides independent educational consulting and general college planning guidance. It does not guarantee admission to any college or university. All admission decisions are made solely by the institutions to which students apply. Families are encouraged to work closely with their school counselor throughout the process, as this service is designed to complement, not replace, that important relationship.

Countdown to College

The Comprehensive Package for High School Seniors

Senior year moves fast. This package gives students and families a dedicated guide through every step — from building a college list to submitting your last application and everything in between. No detail gets missed, no deadline sneaks up on you.

12 sessions across the school year  |  In-person or Zoom — whichever works best  |  Email & text support throughout the year

What We Cover

Getting organized

• Mapping out your college planning timeline and to-do list
• Reviewing your high school transcript
• Understanding your college entrance exam schedule (SAT, ACT, PSAT, and others)

Finding the right schools

• Building a balanced college list — reach, target, and safety schools
• Planning college visits
• Preparing for college interviews

Applying

• Brag Sheet development
• College essay brainstorming and feedback
• Application review before you hit “submit”

Paying for college

• Navigating FAFSA and scholarship applications
• Exploring funding options to make college more affordable

After the decisions

• Making sense of acceptance offers, waitlist notifications, and rejection letters
• Post-admission guidance — student portals, orientation, registration, and campus services
• Exploring Gap Year options if the timing isn’t right

Who This Is For

High school seniors and their families who want comprehensive, guided support from the start of senior year through the final college decision.

Disclaimer: This service provides independent educational consulting and general college planning guidance. It does not guarantee admission to any college or university. All admission decisions are made solely by the institutions to which students apply. Families are encouraged to work closely with their school counselor throughout the process, as this service is designed to complement, not replace, that important relationship.

The Financial Aid Walkthrough

Guided financial aid support for students and parents

Applying for financial aid is one of the most important steps in planning for college — and one of the most confusing. The Financial Aid Walkthrough takes you through the entire process, step by step, so nothing gets missed and nothing feels overwhelming. From your first login to your final submission, you’ll have expert guidance every step of the way.

What’s Included

Session 1 — Prep & Kickoff
Document review · FSA ID setup for student and parent · Walk through FAFSA before submitting · Identify dependency status and household questions

Session 2 — FAFSA & TAP Submission
Complete the federal FAFSA application · Complete the New York State TAP application through HESC · Confirm school list on both applications · Review financial aid summaries upon submission

Session 3 — Award Review & Next Steps
Review financial aid award letters · Explain grants vs. loans vs. work-study · Identify next steps with colleges

Also Included

• A document checklist to help you gather everything you need before your session
• 60 days of email Q&A support

Disclaimer: This service provides general guidance and educational support to families navigating the financial aid application process. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice, and should not be relied upon as such. The independent educational consultant is not a Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA), attorney, or licensed financial advisor. Families with complex financial circumstances — including divorce or separation, small business ownership, unusual asset structures, or other non-standard situations — may be referred to a qualified tax professional or certified financial aid expert for guidance specific to their circumstances. All financial aid decisions, deadlines, and eligibility determinations are made solely by the U.S. Department of Education, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), and the colleges and universities to which students apply. This independent educational consultant makes no guarantees regarding aid awards, eligibility, or outcomes.

College Planning Services for School Districts

Booker College Planning partners with local school districts to provide personalized, student-centered workshops and services designed to help students and families successfully navigate the college planning process. Our workshop offerings cover a range of topics — from the Common Application to the FAFSA — with options in between to meet a variety of needs. We also develop customized workshops tailored to your district’s specific goals.

If your school district is interested in learning more, we would love to connect. Meetings are available in person or virtually at your convenience.