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College Counseling

We offer personalized guidance at every stage of the process, including college exploration and list building, academic and extracurricular planning, application strategy, essay brainstorming and feedback, interview preparation, and support with timelines and deadlines. We also help families navigate financial aid, scholarships, and final enrollment decisions.

Our college counseling services are designed to support students and families through the college journey. We believe there’s no single “right” path to college, and our goal is to help students discover options that truly fit who they are and who they’re becoming.

At the heart of our work is a student-centered approach. We take time to get to know each student—their interests, strengths, and goals—so their applications reflect their authentic voice and story. Whether a student is just beginning to think about college or preparing to make a final decision, we’re here to provide thoughtful guidance and steady encouragement every step of the way.

Our College Counseling Process

  • Build a strategic college list 

  • Create a personalized application plan and timeline

  • Guide students through the Common Application and individual college applications

  • Assist with résumé development

  • Provide feedback on multiple drafts of the personal statement

  • Help organize, streamline, draft and edit supplemental essays

  • Create a clear application checklist, including testing, recommendations, transcripts, financial aid, and submission deadlines

Contact Us

College Counseling with Jennifer Burke

Jennifer Burke brings over two decades of specialized experience guiding students through the college application process. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in English (1990) and Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (1998) from Wesleyan University, she spent more than thirty years teaching English at both the high school and collegiate levels throughout southeastern Connecticut.

Her college counseling career began in 2002 when a group of parents sought her expertise with college essays. Since then, she has worked extensively in both private practice and within high school counseling offices, helping hundreds of students navigate the complexities of college admissions.

Jennifer designed and currently teaches a specialized course for high school seniors that guides them through every stage of the application process. This course empowers students to take ownership of their post-graduation plans, helping them identify schools that align with their goals, craft compelling applications, and make informed decisions about their futures. Her approach emphasizes thoughtful self-reflection, strategic planning, and authentic self-presentation—skills that serve students well beyond the application season.

Through one-on-one counseling and her structured course, Jennifer helps students and families maximize their high school experience while building a college list and application strategy that reflects each student's unique strengths, interests, and aspirations.