Hourly Counseling Programs
Due to capacity, we might not have room for every student interested in our High School Planning Comprehensive Counseling Program. However, through hourly counseling sessions, we would like to share with more families our decade of experience in advising on high school planning and college admissions, and help student realize their dreams!
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If you choose to join our Comprehensive Counseling Programs after hourly sessions, please inform us promptly. Priority enrollment is available for siblings of former students and those who have engaged with us through hourly sessions.
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If you're wondering when to schedule planning sessions for your student’s academic and extracurricular success, here are our Recommended Checkpoints. Of course, you’re always welcome to reach out for support anytime outside these suggested times.
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**IMPORTANT** All hourly programs are closed to new students in 2024 due to workload capacity, and are expected to resume in January 2025.
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Early Stage HS Planning
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Grade 8 Spring - Grade 9 (before Summer)
Serving Students in Metro Seattle
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Admissions Profile Booster
Grade 9 Summer - Grade 11
Serving Students in Metro Seattle
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Dream School App Review
Grade 11 (Summer) - Grade 12
Serving Students across the U.S.
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College Application Support
Grade 11 (Spr/Sum) - Grade 12
Serving Students across the U.S.
â‘ Early Stage High School Planning Session
Grade 8 Spring - Grade 9 (before Summer)
Serving Students in Metro Seattle
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​This meeting is designed to help students make the first successful step on their road to college. We will guide students to holistically understand the expectations of college admissions, form long-term goals, and make important academic and extracurricular decisions at the early stage of their high school career.
Topics may be covered in a session includes: course selection, school clubs, community volunteer activities, talent development, competitions, passion projects, reading plans, summer programs, research experience, work experience, college major and career exploration, resume and cover letter writing. ​
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§§ The hourly counseling session does not include summer program/internship application writing support, progress follow-up, or other tasks that require our post-meeting investment. ​
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¶¶ We highly encourage students to contact us at least 5 business days to arrange a counseling session as we might get too busy during the spring course selection season and fall college application season to accommodate all the requests.
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②​ Admissions Profile Booster Session
Grade 9 Summer - Grade 11
Serving Students in Metro Seattle
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This program is open to sophomores and juniors (and advanced freshmen) who have accumulated some experience and are wondering about the next steps in preparation for applying to selective colleges.
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We will provide an in-depth assessment of and expert advice on all the elements in the student’s academic and extracurricular life that will be factored in during the college admissions process. During the meeting, we will help the student form a holistic picture of his/her current situation, understand his/her strengths, tease out important themes in non/academic investments, set priorities among myriad tasks, build a compelling personal brand, and eventually stand out in even the most competitive applicant pool.
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Topics may be covered in a session includes: course selection, school clubs, community volunteer activities, talent development, competitions, passion projects, reading plans, summer programs, research experience, work experience, resume and cover letter writing, standardized tests, major and career exploration, and college research.
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§§ The hourly counseling session does not include progress follow-up, summer program/internship application guidance, college list development, and other tasks that require our post-meeting investment. ​
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¶¶ We highly encourage students to contact us at least 5 business days to arrange a counseling session as we might get too busy during the spring course selection season and fall college application season to accommodate all the requests.
â‘¢ Dream School Application Package Hourly Review
Grades 11 (Summer) - 12th
Serving Students across the U.S.
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Materials Needed for a Thorough Review​
​1. All the essays and short-answer responses saved in one Microsoft Word document.
2. All other parts of the application saved through the application system as one PDF.
3. Unofficial 4-year high school transcript.
4. Questions and issues you’d like to cover in the meeting.
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​Submission
You have the option to share these materials either through a Google Drive folder or by sending an email to office@polariscollegecounseling.com.
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Please make sure to submit a polished application package rather than a rough draft as this program is NOT designed for students who have just started the process.
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Turnaround
The student will be contacted to schedule an online review within 5 business days during these periods. Turnaround may be longer outside these times due to increasing review workload:
- Before October 1
- November 5 to December 20
- After January 6
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ΦΦ This session is intended for a one-time review. If additional reviews are necessary after the revision, please arrange for additional sessions.
§§ ​We highly encourage the student to contact us as early as possible so they have enough time to fully incorporate our suggestions as they improve their materials.
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¶¶ The meeting lasts about an hour and is highly intense. We expect the student to get ready to absorb a large amount of information and advice.
â‘£ College Application Support
Grades 11 (Spring/Summer) - 12th
Serving Students across the U.S.
👉 Booking Instructions
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**A discounted, renewable 5-hour Mini Package is available upon request, subject to availability. To book in advance, a non-refundable deposit may be required to reserve our time during the application season.
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Please prepare and share your materials and questions at least 5 business days before the meeting. Understand that due to time constraints, we can't cover all college admissions issues in one session. The hour-long session may address (each bullet point outlines the usual agenda for ONE session):
Application Strategies
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Reviewing the admissions profile, crafting a standout person brand, and making a strategic application blueprint
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Identifying college majors, creating a balanced college list, navigating REA, EA, ED, Regular, Rolling admissions policies to make a feasible application timeline.
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After the meeting, the student is expected to conduct additional research to create a personalized college list. It's worth noting that while Polaris will offer guidance and resources, it is not responsible for crafting the list.
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Written Materials
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Reviewing the counselor's Brag Sheet and recommendation letter questionnaires
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​​Reviewing the college resume, Common App/UC/MIT Activities List and Additional Information sections
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Brainstorming topics for the written materials of ONE college (limited to ONE college per session)
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Reviewing the written materials for ONE college (limited to ONE college, or a portion of materials from multiple colleges, in accordance with Polaris' agreement, ensuring an equal workload).
Miscellaneous
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Discussing deferral/waitlist strategies, and reviewing Letters of Continued Interest
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Preparing for college interviews
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Reviewing offer letters and making the final decision
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