I have found that my relationships with client families are most productive when they understand the four basic principles that underlie my practice. They are largely informed by the guiding principles of the Educational Conservancy, a group of admission professionals "committed to calming the commercial frenzy by affirming educational values in college admission."

• The college search should focus on finding the best fit for the student.
  The college search is not about identifying the most prestigious colleges a student might be able to get into. It's about finding colleges that fit the student's needs, interests, and abilities, and where the student can be successful. I encourage students to look beyond "name-brand" colleges to find hidden gems that may actually provide a superior undergraduate experience.

• The student must take responsibility for college matters.
  I assess the student's level of intensity about college applications, and provide a relaxed, welcoming environment for honest and open discussion. I provide information, support, and advice to both students and parents, but I do not direct their college process. Rather, my aim is to provide tools and resources to allow them to manage the process independently.

• Parent involvement is a plus.
  Parents can help with the college process in many ways, and I advise them to stay involved. Even though the college search is not primarily about what parents want, they usually know their children better than anyone else does, so parent perspectives are always valuable. At the same time, the student will be heading off to college alone, and the college application process is a perfect opportunity to help the student practice the intellectual, social, and organizational skills needed for college itself!

• It's important for students to be themselves.
  I do not typically urge a student to do something just so it will "look good on the application." Of course, activities or accomplishments that look good often are good for developing self-confidence and preparing for college. But these should spring from the student's own unique set of aspirations and dreams, not from a desire to pad a resume!  I do help students understand how their profile will be perceived by colleges, but I see my role as helping the student effectively present a portrait of who he or she really is.