“THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE BEAUTY OF THEIR DREAMS.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

OVERVIEW OF COLLEGE ADMISSIONS & TRANSITIONS SERVICES

Believing While Achieving’s College Admissions & Transitions program guides students through every stage of their collegejourney, from preparing strong applications to adjusting to college life with confidence. We offer comprehensive support in academic planning, test preparation, and application strategies while developing essential skills for success in higher education. With a personalized approach, BWA helps students overcome challenges, build independence, and enter their next chapter feeling prepared and empowered. BWA’s College Admissions & Transitions program encompasses ACT/SAT Test Prep, College Admissions Counseling, and College Transition Support services.   

ACT/SAT TEST PREP

Standardized tests can be a significant hurdle for students preparing for college admissions. Through specialized instruction, our ACT/SAT Test Prep program helps students confidently master content, strengthen study skills, and improve test-taking strategies. Some ways we ensure students perform their best is by: 

  • Creating personalized study plans based on practice tests, previous scores, grades, and other relevant data

  • Grasping techniques tailored to student strengths and weaknesses

  • Learning and implementing effective test-taking strategies to improve timing, accuracy, and stress management

  • Providing subject-specific review and resources for math, reading, writing, and science content 

  • Completing practice exams while getting real-time feedback for continuous improvement

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COUNSELING

While applying to college marks the beginning of an exciting journey, this process can also feel overwhelming and stressful. Our College Counseling program provides compassionate guidance, leading to a positive and empowering experience for all. Through three tailored programs, BWA offers a variety of counseling options, including but not limited to:

  • Building a balanced college list based on fit and interests 

  • Providing targeted guidance on application strategies, deadlines, and requirements

  • Crafting editable timelines and checklists 

  • Outlining and writing compelling activities resumes, personal statements, and essays

  • Organizing application materials, recommendation letters, and due dates 

  • Preparing for college visits and interviews 

  • Guidance on early decision, early action, and regular decision options

  • Navigating college application portals and resources, such as the Common App, Naviance, etc. 

  • Scaffolding student-athletes with NCAA eligibility requirements, recruitment strategies, athletic resumes, highlight reels, and outreach to college coaches

  • Understanding and completing financial aid, scholarships, and FAFSA applications

COLLEGE TRANSITIONS SUPPORT

The start of college marks a life-changing milestone that comes with new challenges and expectations. Our College Transitions Support program helps recently graduated high schoolers smoothly transition into college life by equipping them with the tools needed to succeed academically, socially, and personally. While fostering independence and confidence, we guide students in areas such as: 

  • Developing a structured academic and personal calendar to balance coursework, activities, and social life

  • Understanding college-level expectations, academic standards, course material, and class syllabi 

  • Mastering self-advocacy skills to confidently communicate with peers, professors, and advisors

  • Building effective time management and organizational strategies

  • Elevating study skills, writing methods, and note-taking techniques to align with college level standards

  • Aiding in curricular comprehension 

  • Managing stress, self-care, and mental wellness in a new environment

  • Navigating campus resources, clubs, and social opportunities

  • Gaining budgeting and financial literacy basics for independent living

*Unless otherwise arranged, BWA’s services are conducted one-on-one in a personalized, online format, providing flexibility and convenience for caregivers while offering support to families nationwide.

 FAQs

  • • Students who are applying to colleges, including student-athletes

    • Students who are transitioning from high school to college

    • Students who are resistant to change

    • Students who find transitions to be difficult

    • Students who benefit from executive functioning skill support, including organization, time management, and task initiation

    • Students who struggle with studying, test-taking, critical thinking, problem-solving, and/or self-advocacy skills

    • Students who want extra support navigating campus resources, expectations, and standards

  • While each session is tailored to the individual student, the admissions process follows a general structure and timeline that helps students stay on track. Sessions typically last one hour, with options to shorter or extend sessions.

  • Absolutely; in fact, this is ideal!

    One major benefit is that BWA truly gets to know each individual student and their families, allowing for more cohesive assistance with the application process. This is especially noticeable during steps like finding colleges that reflect both learning and personal profiles, highlight strengths through written essays, and positively explaining lulls in applications.

    Additionally, unlike most college counselors, BWA also has an extensive background in assisting students who have learning challenges and/or who are student-athletes. This allows teens to be met where they’re at, ultimately leading to an exciting, rather than stressful, college application process.

  • Including but not limited to: American University, Boston College, Chapman University, Clemson University, Colgate University, College of Charleston, Columbia University, Elon University, High Point University, Indiana University, Lewis & Clark University, Montana State University, North Carolina State University, Ole Miss University, Penn State University, Providence College, Quinnipiac University, Rollins College, San Diego State University, Santa Clara University, Stanford University, Syracuse University, Texas A&M, University of Arizona, University of Colorado - Boulder, University of Delaware, University of Denver, University of Georgia, University of Kansas, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of Pittsburg, University of Richmond, University of South Carolina, University of Utah, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Virginia Tech University

  • Additional information may be requested by submitting a Questionnaire or by emailing cassidy@believingwhileachieving.com.

  • Executive functions consist of skills that people use on a daily basis to complete tasks in a timely, organized manner.

    Executive functions include:

    • Emotional Control

    • Impulse Control

    • Problem Solving

    • Working Memory

    • Flexible Thinking

    • Reflecting on Previous Behavior and Assignments

    • Managing Time

    • Organization (Both Thoughts and Materials)

    • Task Initiation (Getting Started on Assignments)

    • Planning and Prioritizing

    • Metacognition (Self-Monitoring)