Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Ongoing Advisory and Focused Consulting?
Ongoing Advisory is for families who want Summitways proactively guiding the student's overall college planning over time. I look across academics, interests, activities, testing, college goals, and athletics when relevant so decisions work together.
Focused Consulting is for families who already have a specific question, project, or application need and want help with that defined area.
Do you work with student athletes?
Yes. I work with students in demanding athletic environments and help them evaluate the full college experience, including academics, majors, campus life, location, and opportunities beyond their sport.
Summitways is a college advising practice. I focus on institutional fit and academic planning alongside the athletic journey.
Do you work with international families?
Yes. I help international students and parents understand how U.S. college admissions works and how academics, activities, testing, essays, recommendations, and other factors fit together.
Guidance is available in English or Spanish.
Who writes the student's essays?
The student does.
Summitways supports brainstorming, reflection, structure, clarity, and revision, but the student remains the author of the essay and application.
Do you provide SAT or ACT tutoring?
Summitways can help families think through testing strategy and decide when testing may be useful. When specialized SAT or ACT instruction is needed, I can recommend independent tutors or testing specialists.
Those specialists work independently.
How do we get started?
Start with an initial consultation. We will discuss the student, where they are in the process, what the family needs, and whether Ongoing Advisory or Focused Consulting is the better fit.
How do you build a college list?
We create a balanced college list based on academic profile, personal interests, long term goals, and overall institutional fit. We categorize schools into reach, target, and likely options to ensure a strategic approach.
What parts of the application do you support?
We provide guidance on the Common Application, supplemental essays, activity descriptions, application timelines, interview preparation, and final submission strategy.
Do you provide standardized test guidance?
We provide guidance on testing timelines and strategy. While we do not directly provide tutoring, we can recommend trusted resources when appropriate.
Do you help with scholarships?
No. Summitways does not provide scholarship search or scholarship application services. Our focus is on academic planning, admissions strategy, and application development.
How long does the process take?
The length of engagement varies. Some families work with us over multiple years beginning in early high school, while others seek focused support during junior and senior year.
How is Summitways different from other consulting services?
Summitways emphasizes strategic clarity, student identity development, and emotional balance throughout the admissions process. We focus on long term positioning, not just application completion.
Student Success Snippets
“The calm guidance throughout the essay process transformed what could have been a discovery of my own voice. I felt truly seen.”
Student, Class of 2025
“Having a trusted advisor who understood both my academic and athletic goals made the college selection process clear and manageable for our entire family.”