THE INDEPENDENT PATH
Flexible support for self-directed seniors who want expert guidance when they need it.
The Independent Path is designed for students who are comfortable managing their own college application process but want access to professional guidance at key moments. Students receive a flexible bank of 10 session credits that can be used throughout the admissions season while remaining responsible for their own scheduling, deadlines, and next steps.
BEST FOR
Students who are organized, self-motivated, and comfortable taking the lead on their college applications but want expert guidance for specific questions, decisions, or application needs along the way.
This option provides more flexibility than a comprehensive advising pathway while still giving students ongoing access to professional support throughout senior year.
HOW THE INDEPENDENT PATH WORKS
10 Flexible Session Credits
Students receive 10 advising credits to use throughout the college application season based on their individual needs and priorities.
50-Minute Live Advising Sessions
Credits may be used for focused one-on-one sessions via Google Meet or Zoom when the student needs guidance with a specific part of the process.
Essay & Document Review
One credit may also be used for an eligible asynchronous essay or document review, with up to two rounds of feedback per credit.
Student-Directed Support
The student determines when to schedule a session and what they would like to address. Unlike the comprehensive pathways, The Independent Path does not follow a counselor-managed application timeline.
Questions Between Sessions
Brief email or text questions are welcome between scheduled sessions for clarification related to the student’s advising work.
WHAT CAN WE WORK ON?
College List Development
Guidance with researching, building, or refining a balanced college list based on academics, goals, interests, preferences, and overall fit.
College Application Strategy
Support with application rounds, timelines, requirements, testing decisions, and other strategic questions related to the student’s college list.
Common App Guidance
Help navigating the Common Application, including profile sections, education history, honors, Activities, Additional Information, and college-specific requirements.
Common App Activities Strategy
Guidance with selecting, organizing, and presenting activities so the section accurately reflects the student’s involvement, responsibilities, and impact.
Personal Statement & Supplemental Essay Support
Students may use session credits for focused essay support, including brainstorming, structure, development, or written feedback, while maintaining ownership of their individual voice.
Interview & Video Response Preparation
Preparation for traditional admissions interviews, college-specific video introductions, recorded questions, and asynchronous responses, including platforms such as Glimpse by InitialView and Kira Talent, with a focus on clear, authentic, and confident communication.
Academic Resume Development
Support with building or refining an academic resume that highlights activities, leadership, service, employment, awards, and accomplishments.
Self-Reported Transcript Support
Guidance with STARS, SPARK, and other college-specific self-reported academic record requirements, when applicable.
Testing Strategy
Guidance with SAT/ACT reporting decisions, test-optional considerations, testing timelines, and other testing questions related to the student’s college list.
Scholarship & Financial Aid Guidance
General guidance with scholarship opportunities, FAFSA, CSS Profile, institutional financial aid requirements, and related deadlines.
Application Planning & Next Steps
Focused support when a student needs help determining priorities, organizing upcoming tasks, or working through a specific application question.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
The Student Leads the Process
The Independent Path is designed for students who are comfortable taking ownership of their college application process. Students are responsible for tracking deadlines, completing application requirements, scheduling advising sessions, requesting reviews, and deciding when they need support.
Unlike The Personalized Path and The Selective Admissions Path, this option does not include the same level of ongoing timeline management, reminders, or counselor-directed application oversight.
ADDITIONAL SESSION CREDITS
Need additional support after using the 10 included credits?
Additional Session Credit
$195 each
Additional credits may be purchased individually as needed throughout the admissions season.