Comprehensive College Admission Planning From An Expert Educational Consultant
College Application Support, Essay Coaching, Interview Preparation, and Strategic Admissions Guidance

Families Trust Us With Their Future
Real results from real families — read what parents say about working with Chris.
Posted on Google Kevin KinleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a parent of two teenagers entering adulthood that are very different, having a "coach" in our corner was a game changer. They are hearing a voice that's not their parent, guides them with no judgement and does so with experience and vast options of the future. Our first experience was easier because our daughter was organized and had an idea of what she wanted to do after high school. She was tasked with structured steps to help her and the coach determine the best path throughout her journey. We're on the home stretch and feel confident that the work she put in the last few years will be fruitful. Our son was slow out of the gate. Although he has high ambitions of playing a sport post-high school, it took some time for him to realize the importance of academics in the step ladder of success. With procrastination playing a part, we became frustrated with the progress he was making towards his potential. Chris and his team were able to discern his personality and assign him a coach that was relatable and encouraging. Within a month, our son was scheduling his coach meetings, completing tasks towards the checklist and forging forward in his own quest. We're so grateful for the time and thoughtfulness of Chris and all of the coaches we've had.Posted on Google Meg SandefurTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris and The College Planning Center did an amazing job helping my daughter get though every step of high school - from assisting with test prep to reviewing college applications and so much more. As parents, having someone so knowledgeable about the testing and college application process relieved so much stress from us!Posted on Google Vann RoeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The College Planning Center was a huge help. I didn’t realize how much work the college process involved, but Christopher guided me through everything and made it simple. He’s always available, keeps you on track, and genuinely cares. Highly recommend.Posted on Google Harrison SingleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I first met with Christopher I was completely behind in my college application process. I did not have a good enough SAT score, my essay and common app weren’t even complete. With the help of Christopher Parsons and Miles Kelly, I was all caught up and ready to submit my college applications two months after meeting with them. As a result of them pushing me and holding me accountable I got into all seven colleges I applied to including my reach school. They truly care about each kid they work with and helped me tremendously in those two months.Posted on Google Reyna FloresTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris has been such a big help with my college craziness. He has helped me through the whole process and gave me so many valuable toolsPosted on Google Lily SandefurTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Deciding to use the College Planning Center to help me through my middle and high school years made them so much less overwhelming and helped me to curate a path perfect for my future goals. Chris was so helpful and guided me through everything from choosing classes to writing college essays, and test prep with Miles was extremely beneficial for my scores. I’m so grateful I had their guidance as it has helped me get into the college I had been hoping to get in to!Posted on Google Ladonna Susan CampbellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Posted on Google Gwyn SingleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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. Christopher worked directly with Harrison, setting clear deadlines and holding him accountable at every step. He helped Harrison improve his SAT scores, guided him through the Common Application, and provided thoughtful support in developing and refining his college essay. His approach struck the perfect balance between encouragement and expectation, ensuring Harrison stayed on track while still owning the process. Our family was also in the middle of moving out of state, which added another layer of complexity. Christopher was incredibly helpful in helping us navigate the logistics of Harrison graduating early in December while simultaneously applying to out-of-state colleges. His knowledge and calm guidance made what could have been an overwhelming situation feel manageable. The results speak for themselves: Harrison has been accepted to every college he applied to and has received merit money based on his grades and improved test scores. Christopher’s guidance played a significant role in that success. Beyond the outcomes, what impressed me most was Christopher’s ability to connect directly with Harrison, motivate him, and keep him focused during a very busy and transitional time. His organization, experience, and genuine investment in his students make him an exceptional college advisor. I am extremely grateful for Christopher’s help and would wholeheartedly recommend him to any family looking for expert guidance through the college application process. -Gwyn Single (Harrison Single WHS Class of 2026)Posted on Google Dana JohnsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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. I highly recommend Chris and his services to any family navigating the college application process and SAT prep!! His scores increased by 200 points on the SAT in a 3 month period.Posted on Google Thomas YoungTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience! We came late to the program but it was excellent. Our son already had great ACT and SAT scores but really needed vocational counseling to narrow down choice and identify best direction. Christopher Parsons guided him through very thorough vocational testing and Tom was able to utilize online college interface College Planning Center offers to then identify best fit schools. Christopher was very flexible meeting over Skype around a busy senior fall schedule and guided him through advising process with tons of support for the essays required for honor colleges, etc. We appreciated the opportunity to be the parent cheerleader instead of the nag. Christopher kept on top of deadlines and worked directly with our student. I would advise to start earlier than we did and highly recommend the vocational testing/advising which felt like a more old fashioned guidance counseling. Tom received excellent offers from the 4 colleges selected and he chose the college Christopher had initially recommended which wasn't on our radar but upon visiting was EXACTLY what Tom was looking for in a school.
“It’s not just about getting them into college. It’s about their future.” —Chris Parsons, Founder
Our college planning consultants are here from the very beginning to simplify the admission planning process and guide families through every step of the college admissions journey. With personalized student success plans, expert admissions strategies, and proven support in building resumes, essays, and interviews, we give students the tools to turn their college dreams into reality.
At The College Planning Center, we take the stress out of college admissions planning by giving families a clear roadmap from freshman year through senior year. Our college planning consultants develop a customized student success plan that balances academics, extracurriculars, and test prep so students can stand out in today’s competitive college admissions landscape. By combining proven admissions strategies with one-on-one support, we help students move forward with confidence instead of confusion.
We go beyond grades by building a well-rounded profile that colleges value. From guiding students on how to create a college list to matching them with high school student internships or paid internships for high school students, we strengthen both resumes and real-world experience. Our team also provides access to expert college essay coaching, college essay review services, and personalized interview coaching services, ensuring every application is polished, persuasive, and ready to succeed.
400:1
15:1
$20M+
Scholarships/financial aid awarded to our students across 13 years ($255K per student)
Once the foundation is set, we deliver a full range of professional college admissions planning services to guide students beyond applications. Our approach ensures not only strong college admission results but also maximizes financial aid opportunities. With customized student success plans, expert admissions strategies, and tools like portfolio assessments, we prepare students for long-term achievement in college and beyond.
OUR COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE PLANNING SERVICES
Comprehensive College Admissions Counseling Programs
Students enrolled in our college counseling services receive one-on-one support from expert advisors who specialize in college admissions planning and building a strong student success plan. From freshman year through senior year, we help students design the right courses, activities, and experiences to create standout profiles that colleges notice.
As senior year approaches, our personalized application guidance includes expert college essay coaching, interview coaching services, and proven admissions strategies to strengthen every application. With targeted advice on elite scholarship opportunities and financial aid, we ensure students not only apply with confidence but also maximize their chances of acceptance to top-choice schools.
Available in:
- Gold
- Platinum*
*receive 24 hours of personalized one-on-one in person and/or online standardized test tutoring
At The College Planning Center, we believe every family deserves access to expert college admissions planning and personalized college counseling services. That’s why we offer flexible service packages, family discounts, and convenient pay-as-you-go options. Our programs guide students step by step—whether they’re creating a student success plan in freshman year, exploring admissions strategies as a junior, or finalizing essays and applications as a senior. With CPC, professional college planning is always within reach.
College Counseling in Freshmen
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- Preliminary diagnostic assessment to learn student’s early interests/aptitudes.
- Preliminary interview to learn student’s early college aspirations.
- High school academic and extracurricular curriculum review to ensure student early actions“lock up” with dream college requirements.
- Anytime access to our CPC App for tracking all college admission related details.
College Counseling in Sophomore & Junior
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- Diagnostic re-assessment/initial assessment to learn student interests/aptitudes or change from prior year.
- Community service/internship/summer job counseling and help with placement.
- Recommendation of extracurricular pursuits to strengthen student resume.
- Research, recommendation of best colleges for optimal financial aid.
- College list creation to ensure the best overall “fit”.
- Assistance with determining which schools to tour.
- 24/7/365 access to our test prep virtual program with over 2,000 practice questions, and more than 200 lessons.
- Unlimited admission to all College Planning Center workshops.
- College admission essay and studentresume writing support.
- Pre-visit college interview coaching
College Counseling in Senior
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Assistance completing up to 8 college applications.
Assistance developing FAFSA/Scholarship/Grant award strategies.
Assistance completing up to 2 scholarship applications.
Mock interview coaching as part of admission prep.
Help with making college acceptance decisions.
Evaluation of financial aid letters and help facilitating award reconsideration.
To make the college planning process easier and more transparent for both students and parents, The College Planning Center uses the CPC App. This powerful tool supports every step of the college admission planning, from creating a personalized student success plan to tracking admissions strategies, deadlines, and financial aid opportunities. By keeping everything organized in one place, families stay on the same page and students remain on track toward their college goals.
Build an effective college list by having a single point of access to detailed information about more than 3,500 colleges and universities nationwide
Target schools where students will receive the most scholarship money
View profiles of the most successful candidates for highly sought-after colleges and universities
Outline college admission deadlines and monitor student progress against meeting deadlines
Upload, review and edit drafts of required materials, such as college essays and FAFSA applications
Correspond with one another via a central platform
FAQ
Have questions about college planning?
You’re not alone.
Planning for college comes with a lot of questions—from college admission planning and college essay help to student success plan, high school internships, and interview coaching services. Families often wonder when to start, what steps matter most, and how to stay on track in the competitive college admissions process.
Our FAQ section highlights the questions we hear most often from students and parents, with clear answers from our experienced consultants. Whether you’re building a college list, looking for elite scholarship opportunitiesand financial aid, or navigating the application process, these insights will help guide your family every step of the way.
It’s best to start college admissionplanning as early as freshman year of high school. Early planning allows students to build a strong academic record, develop extracurricular activities, and create a clear student success plan that aligns with their dream schools.
Start with three priorities: academics, exploration, and planning. That means taking rigorous classes, thinking about future majors or careers, and creating a timeline for the college search, essays, admissions deadlines, and financial aid. The earlier students begin college planning, the easier it is to find the right school and avoid last-minute mistakes.
We guide students step by step in creating a compelling high school student resume that highlights academic strengths, leadership roles, community service, and internships. This ensures their application stands out to admissions officers.
Yes. Our consultants connect students with high school internships and even opportunities for paid internships for high school students. These experiences strengthen resumes, provide valuable skills, and demonstrate initiative to colleges.
The best essay for college admission is one that answers the prompt clearly and shows your personality, growth, and values. A strong essay should be personal, specific, and authentic, helping an admission counselor see who you are beyond grades. In the application process, the right essay can improve your overall application by showing voice, maturity, and college fit. Many students also work with a college planning consultant to strengthen their essay while keeping it genuine.
Students should start the college search as early as 9th or 10th grade, because early planning gives them more time to meet college admissions requirements and build a strong application profile. College Board advises researching colleges sooner rather than later, while campus visits are often most useful in junior or senior year when a student has a clearer sense of college fit.
Through personalized interview coaching services, students practice common and practical interview questions, build confidence, and improve communication skills. Our coaching ensures they are fully prepared for college interviews and pre-admission meetings.
Yes. For students pursuing competitive majors like arts, design, or specialized honors programs, we provide portfolio assessments. This ensures applications showcase the best of their academic and creative work.
We guide families through every step of the scholarship and financial aid process—from FAFSA applications to identifying schools with strong merit aid packages. Our goal is to help families secure the maximum financial support possible.
No, you do not need a college admissions counselor to apply successfully, but many students benefit from expert guidance. Personalized support can help with college admissions, essay development, application timelines, college fit, and scholarships for college. A trusted resource like College Planning Center can guide families through each step of the process, helping students stay organized and make informed decisions. If your school counselor already provides strong one-on-one support, outside help may not be necessary.
Secure Your College Future Now!
Maximize your college admissions success with expert test prep, admission planning, financial aid consulting, and flexible stand-alone services. From winning applications to elite scholarships, we guide you every step toward your dream school.