What is comprehensive college admissions planning?

Comprehensive college admissions planning is a personalized service that helps students navigate every step of the admissions journey. At The College Planning Center, this includes college selection guidance, SAT ACT test prep, college essay coaching, college application review, and financial aid counseling. Our goal is to create a custom plan that maximizes your student's chances of admission to their top-choice schools.

When should my child start planning for college admissions?

We recommend beginning the college planning process as early as freshman or sophomore year of high school. Early planning allows time for academic course selection, extracurricular activities, community service opportunities, and standardized test prep, all of which strengthen a student's application.

How is The College Planning Center different from a high school guidance counselor?

While school counselors provide general advice, The College Planning Center offers one-on-one expert guidance with a personalized approach. Our team provides in-depth college counseling services, tailored timelines, test prep tutoring, scholarship search support, and detailed application strategies that school counselors often don't have the time or resources to deliver.

Why should we choose The College Planning Center for college planning?

With over 80 years of higher education experience among staff, our team delivers proven results through personalized college planning, expert test prep tutoring, and financial aid assistance. We have worked with 1,000+ students across 13 years, helping them earn $20M+ in aid awarded ($255K per student). We focus on creating a balanced targeted school list, preparing winning applications, and maximizing elite scholarship opportunities to reduce college costs.

How can The College Planning Center help improve SAT or ACT scores?

We offer expert SAT ACT test prep through customized learning plans, diagnostic testing, practice exams, and one-on-one tutoring. Our expert test prep tutoring ensures students understand key concepts, develop test-taking strategies, and improve performance on standardized tests.

When is the best time to start SAT/ACT test preparation?

Most students benefit from starting SAT and ACT prep during sophomore or junior year. Our diagnostic tests help determine a starting point, and our flexible scheduling allows for expert test prep tutoring that fits into even the busiest student schedules.

How do you help students find the right college fit?

We guide students through a college selection process based on academic goals, campus culture, location, and financial considerations. Using our college financial planning tools, we identify schools that align with the student's interests and offer elite scholarship opportunities.

Does The College Planning Center help with college essays and applications?

Yes — our college admissions experts provide college essay coaching, application review, and step-by-step support for completing all required forms, including FAFSA and scholarship applications. We ensure every submission highlights the student's strengths and tells their unique story.

How do we get started with The College Planning Center?

Getting started is easy. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our college planning experts. We'll review your student's goals, outline a personalized plan, and explain our college planning services to help you feel confident about the path ahead.

Your Child Deserves a Clear Path to the Right College

We've guided 1,000+ South Carolina families through admissions, scholarships, and financial aid — with a personalized plan built around every student.

📕 Now Available

The Admissions Playbook Every SC Family Needs

Christopher Parsons — founder of College Planning Centers — distills 13 years of insider strategies into one practical guide. Build a balanced college list. Master the essay. Maximize financial aid. Stay sane through the process.

Families Trust Us With Their Future

Real results from real families — read what parents say about working with Chris.

Dana J.

Local Guide · 16 reviews · 2 photos

3 weeks ago

At first, I was a bit hesitant about the cost of working with Chris, the college planner for my son. However, it absolutely paid off in the end. My son was accepted into every college he applied to, and the guidance and support throughout the process were invaluable.

+200 SAT Points · Accepted Everywhere

Gwyn S.

3 reviews · 2 photos

3 weeks ago

I cannot recommend Christopher Parsons highly enough for his work with students navigating the college application process. Christopher began working with my son, Harrison, at the start of his senior year — which was a relatively late start for college planning — yet he immediately brought structure, clarity, and momentum to the process.

Dream School · Merit Scholarship

Ladonna Susan C.

5 reviews · 0 photos

3 weeks ago

We highly recommend Christopher Parsons of College Planning Center. We had some unique needs, and he was able to create trust with our senior. Our family is so pleased with Christopher’s help.

+5 ACT Points · $40K+ Scholarships

Why Families Choose Us

Why Families Choose The College Planning Center

Expert Guidance You Can Trust

With over 80 years of combined educational consulting and college counseling services, our team — led by founder Christopher Parsons — delivers insider strategies on college admissions, scholarship opportunities, and college readiness.

Proven Scholarship & Financial Aid Results

From merit-based scholarships to full-ride offers, our students have earned $20M+ in aid awarded across 13 years, averaging $255K per student. These scholarship opportunities help reduce family costs and make dream schools a reality.

Personalized, High-Touch Planning

We limit the number of families we work with to ensure every student receives individualized admissions planning, tailored application process support, and targeted college essay coaching — maximizing both acceptance rates and financial outcomes.

Years — working with students

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Acceptance into Top 3 Choices

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In aid awarded across 13 years — $255K per student

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Students served across 13 years

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Our Services

College Planning Center Services

Comprehensive Admissions Planning

Full-service guidance from school selection to acceptance — essays, applications, interviews, and strategy.

SAT & ACT Test Prep

One-on-one expert tutoring with diagnostic tests, targeted strategies, and 2,000+ practice questions.

College Financial Planning

FAFSA, CSS Profile, merit scholarships, and aid package comparison to minimize what families pay.

Stand-Alone Sessions

Flexible, a la carte help — essay review, interview prep, or test strategy exactly when you need it.

Who We Are

Helping Students Achieve Academic Success for Over 13 Years

For over a decade, The College Planning Center has been a trusted education consultant for families seeking expert college planning services and personalized higher education consulting. Our team of experienced educational consultants provides proven strategies for college admissions consulting, tailored academic success plans, and dedicated career counseling for students.

From building a targeted schools list and offering curriculum review to assisting with examination review, student resume, and essays, we help you move through college preparation with confidence.

Our Mission

Guiding Students Toward College and Career Achievement

Our mission is to equip students with the tools and confidence to succeed through proven student success planning and tailored support. As a trusted education center, we provide expert guidance across every stage of the admissions journey — from building a strong academic profile and preparing with a college essay consultant to navigating college financial planning and scholarships.

Our team of professional educational consultants and interview coaches works with students to create a personalized student success plan that highlights their strengths and ensures standout applications.

"As a parent, author, and someone who earned nearly $250K in scholarships myself — I know what your student is going through because I've been there."

Christopher Parsons, M.A. — Founder & President

Doctoral studies at USC · Summa Cum Laude from The Citadel · 25+ years in education · IECA & NACAC member · Author of Entering the Arena

Simple Process

Your Path to College Success: Step-by-Step

Book Free Consultation

Full-service guidance from school selection to acceptance — essays, applications, interviews, and strategy.

Get Your Custom Plan

A personalized admissions strategy built around your student’s strengths.

Execute With Expert Support

Your consultant guides every application, essay, and deadline.

Celebrate Acceptance

Choose the best-fit school with confidence.

Free Resources

Get Started Today

Entering the Arena

Get a free chapter preview from Christopher Parsons’ college admissions book — plus our complete college planning checklist. Enter your info to download instantly.

CPC App

Student dashboard with quizzes, scholarships, internships, and service opportunities.

All-In College Planning

Self-paced starter course with short videos and practical tools to build your plan.

As Seen In & Proud Member Of

WMBF News

Live 5 News

Feedspot

IECA

MB Chamber

NACAC

Common Questions

College Planning Questions? We Have Answers.

When should my child start planning for college?

We recommend beginning as early as freshman or sophomore year. Early planning allows time for strategic course selection, extracurriculars, and standardized test prep. That said, we regularly help families who start junior or senior year and still achieve excellent results.

How is College Planning Centers different from a school counselor?

School counselors manage 400+ students. Our team of 9 specialists limits caseloads to ensure every family gets dedicated one-on-one support — personalized college lists, essay coaching, financial aid strategy, and application management throughout the process.

How much does college planning cost?

We offer several service levels — from stand-alone sessions to comprehensive packages. The best way to understand pricing is a free 30-minute consultation where we assess your student’s situation and recommend the right level of support. Many families find the investment pays for itself through scholarship awards alone.

Can you help with financial aid and scholarships?

Absolutely. We help families navigate FAFSA, CSS Profile, merit scholarships, and full-ride opportunities. Students have earned $20M+ in aid awarded across 13 years, averaging $255K per student.

Do you help with SAT and ACT preparation?

Yes — expert one-on-one tutoring with full diagnostic tests, targeted strategies, and 2,000+ practice questions. Customized plans based on each student’s diagnostic results.

Do you work with students outside South Carolina?

Yes. We have offices in Murrells Inlet and Mount Pleasant, but work with families nationwide via video calls and our online student portal.

How do we get started?

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation — call 855-442-4222 or book online. We’ll discuss your student’s goals, assess their position, and recommend a plan. No commitment, no pressure.

Your Student's Future Starts With One Conversation

Join 1,000+ families who found clarity, confidence, and $20M+ in aid awarded across 13 years with our team.

No commitment. No pressure. Just a clear plan forward.