Frequently Asked Questions 

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Q: When do students usually begin working with College Starpoint?

 

Normally, we start working with students in 9th grade and take them through the whole high school journey, including the college application process. However, the work with College Starpoint can start at any point during the student’s high school career. We encourage early engagement to ensure consultant availability. 

 

Q: I just want a one-time consultation. Do you offer hourly meetings?

 

Yes, we do offer individual meetings as well as longer term packages. If you have individual questions that you need quick answers to, feel free to book a 30 or a 60 minute Q&A session. Scheduling an individual consultation is quick and easy through the Book Online tab.

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Q: I know I will need multiple consultations. Do I need to buy a package?

 

No, you do not have to buy a package if you don’t want to. However, if you know that you will need an on-going support and you'd like an advisor to lead the student through the process, it makes sense to engage in one of our packaged programs.  In addition, financially, the cost per hour will be less in a package than buying individual consultations each time.

 

Q: If I buy a package, how often will we meet?

 

Our approach, including meeting times, frequency, and hours spent together, is customized to each family. 

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Generally, 9th and 10th grade students in a Discovery Package meet with us 4 times per academic year (twice in the fall semester and twice in the spring). In 11th grade, we meeting with students once a month in the fall semester, and then once every 2-3 weeks in the spring and over the summer before senior year. In 12th grade, the frequency of meetings is totally dependent on the student's needs. Juniors and Seniors in the College Prep Advisory Programs meet as many times as allocated in the package that is purchased (from 15 up to 25). In addition, all packages include 4 group workshops from September of junior year to October of senior year. 

 

Q: Do you fill up?

 

Yes, we do. While we try and accommodate students and families at least through individual consultations, we typically have a cap on how many students with long-term commitments we can accommodate each year. This especially applies to juniors and seniors, as those two years are the most time and labor intensive.

 

Q: I am an international student. Can you help me?

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Yes! We frequently work with international students and families. We help with everything: from selecting colleges to going through the admission process and wring essays. We will act as your “feet on the ground” and will help coordinate everything while you are afar. Once you make your way to the United States, we can answer any questions you may have about the school or the American culture. All consultations can be held in Russian or in English languages. 

 

Q: Where are the meetings held?

 

All meetings are held virtually online through Zoom.

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Q: What is your refund policy?

 

College Starpoint will not refund fees paid for work that has already been completed.

If you need to reschedule or cancel a meeting, please do so in writing by emailing info@collegestarpoint.com AT LEAST 24 hours in advance to receive a new date/time or a full refund.

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Q: Is what you do any different from what a guidance counselor would do?  

 

Most of us are aware how large school counselor caseloads are, and how often their responsibilities pull them in many different directions, including behavioral and mental health issues. In fact, an average student to counselor ratio at a public school is 1:500. College coaching is typically a small part of the guidance counselor's responsibility. We are fortunate to work with far fewer students and to be able to provide a tailored approach to each individual family. In addition, we offer financial aid coaching for parents, which does not fall under high school counselor purview. 

 

Do you provide SAT/ACT tutoring?

If you need SAT/ACT tutoring, please let us know and we will discuss your options.