Confluence College Counseling is an independent educational consulting practice that guides students and families through the college application process. The world of college admissions is more complicated, pressured, and competitive than it was even a few years ago. And the available information is always changing, always increasing, and sometimes contradictory. The journey to college is an incredibly exciting and important stage of life, but the process of applications can also be stressful and time consuming. And in the end, it can be hard to know how to help your student make the best decision for his or her future. By providing timely, balanced, and informed guidance, I work to reduce stress and uncertainty and to facilitate an application process that is personalized, organized, reflective, and (yes!) enjoyable.
About Louise Franklin
I have advised students and families for over 5 years. I have a BA in Human Biology and a JD from Stanford University. I am a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and a Member of the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC) and Seattle Area College Consultants (SACC). I previously served on the IECA College Committee and have served on the Tours Subcommittee for several years. I have a Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction from UCLA. In addition to working with private clients, I volunteer with the non-profit organizations ScholarMatch and The Space Idaho.
I love to guide students through the process of exploring college options, helping them find schools where they can discover and pursue their interests, be challenged, and thrive. And as a parent who has supported her own children through the admission process, I understand the excitement and anxiety that students and their families experience during this important rite of passage. In my free time, I enjoy travel (including visiting more than 20 colleges per year during non-pandemic times), reading, hiking, and playing board games with my family.
SERVICES
ETHOS
A successful college search and application process is an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. The best process is student-centered, so I encourage students to take ownership of their process and to think deeply about who they are and what they want.
I provide assessments to help my clients think about their needs, interests, and strengths, and then apply the results of these exercises to identify schools where they can thrive intellectually and socially.
I meet with students in person in Seattle or online via video or by telephone. Either way, my sessions are tailored to the specific needs and schedules of my clients.
Comprehensive Package
This package is appropriate for students and their families who would like guidance throughout the entire search and application process. We typically begin late in 10th grade or early in 11th grade, although some families choose to begin earlier. This process includes all of the following components:
An initial meeting with student and parent(s) to review the application process, discuss intake forms, and begin to explore the student’s college fit factors
An assessment of the student’s high school academic and extra-curricular portfolio
Development of an initial list of colleges that are a good match for the student based on identified interests and goals. Your student can use this list and research materials I suggest to more fully investigate options. Through a series of meetings, we will discuss and process what your student has learned as we refine his or her list of colleges that are a good academic, social, and financial match.
Guidance regarding standardized testing to help students understand the differences between the tests, which tests to take, when to take them, and how to best prepare for them
Guidance on high school course selection as needed and recommendations for extracurricular and summer involvement
Work with your student to understand the structure and purpose of the personal essay, to understand specific essay questions, and to brainstorm potential essay topics. I provide personal feedback on the student’s essays throughout the process. I do not write the essay.
Organizational framework to reduce the anxiety of applications, including timelines and deadline management for essays, applications, and financial aid
Preparation for campus visits and for interviews, and guidance on how to approach college fairs.
I meet as often as needed, sometimes in person and sometimes online or over the phone, to move through the process.
Hourly work
For students and families who are looking for guidance with respect to a specific part of the college search and application process, I offer services on an hourly basis. Feel free to contact me to discuss your needs.
“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.”
Contact
I am happy to have a thirty minute conversation to talk about my services, answer your questions, and discuss your needs. Please feel free to contact me through my email, confluencecollegecounseling@gmail.com.