Services

Kelly Carroll College Consulting provides thoughtful, individualized college admissions guidance for students and families seeking clarity, structure, and strategy throughout the college planning and application process.

Abstract California pathway map with advising checkpoints and planning routes.

Packages

Families may choose hourly advising for targeted questions, comprehensive support for ongoing guidance through application submission, or transfer advising for California Community College and four-year transfer pathways.

Comprehensive College Admissions Support

Comprehensive support is designed for students and families who would like ongoing guidance throughout the college application process. This package provides structured, personalized support from college list development through application submission.

This option may be a good fit for families who want help staying organized, making thoughtful decisions, developing a balanced college list, managing essays and applications, and ensuring that the student is putting forward a strong, authentic application.

Comprehensive support may include college list development, application strategy, Early Action and Early Decision planning, essay and personal statement guidance, UC and CSU application support, Common Application support, activities list review, extracurricular and summer planning, financial aid basics, timeline planning, and regular check-ins throughout the process.

Transfer Advising

Transfer advising is designed for students who are planning to transfer from a California Community College to a UC, CSU, or private university, as well as students considering transferring from one college or university to another.

This option may be a good fit for students who want help understanding transfer pathways, identifying appropriate target schools, reviewing application requirements, organizing deadlines, and presenting their academic and personal story clearly.

Transfer advising may include UC and CSU transfer application guidance, major and campus selection, transfer essay support, activity and experience review, application timeline planning, and general support with navigating the transfer process.

Hourly Advising

Hourly advising is available for families who want targeted support with specific parts of the college planning or application process. This flexible option can be helpful for families who do not need a full package but would benefit from expert guidance on particular questions, materials, or decisions.

Hourly advising may include essay feedback, college list review, application review, Early Action or Early Decision strategy, UC Personal Insight Question support, Common Application or supplemental essay support, activities list feedback, major exploration, extracurricular and summer planning, financial aid basics, decision support, waitlist navigation, transfer questions, or general college admissions guidance.

This option is a good fit for families looking for focused support, a second set of eyes, or help with a specific stage of the process.

Kelly helped my son identify the activities he participated in that would be the most beneficial to write about in his college essays. Kelly’s superior knowledge of the UC system was invaluable in identifying which UCs my son should apply to.

Parent, Petaluma, CA

Support may include:

College List Development

A balanced and personalized college list is the foundation of a strong application process. I help students identify colleges that fit their academic interests, personal preferences, family priorities, and financial considerations, while building a thoughtful mix of likely, target, and reach schools.

Application Strategy and Planning

The college application process can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. I help students and families understand application requirements, deadlines, admission options, and next steps so they can move through the process with confidence and organization. This may include guidance on application timelines, Early Action and Early Decision strategy, regular decision planning, transfer planning, and how to approach key choices along the way.

Essay and Personal Statement Support

Strong essays help students reflect on who they are, what they value, and how they want to present themselves to colleges. I guide students through brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and revising essays while preserving their authentic voice and helping them communicate their experiences in a thoughtful, compelling way.

UC, CSU, Common Application, and Transfer Application Guidance

I provide support with major application platforms, including the UC application, CSU application, Common Application, and school-specific supplements. This may include activity list development, personal insight questions, supplemental essays, transfer application materials, and application review.

Major and Academic Interest Exploration

For students who are still exploring academic interests, I help them consider possible majors, career pathways, strengths, values, and long-term goals. This process can support more thoughtful college list development, transfer planning, and stronger application positioning.

Extracurricular and Summer Planning

I help students think intentionally about how they spend their time outside the classroom, including extracurricular activities, leadership, service, work experience, family responsibilities, and summer opportunities. This support is designed to help students make meaningful choices that reflect their interests, values, and goals — not simply add activities for the sake of a college application.

Activities and Resume Review

I help students present their extracurricular involvement, work experience, leadership, service, family responsibilities, and other commitments in a clear and compelling way. This includes support with activity descriptions, resumes, and application entries so students can highlight the full range of what they bring to a college community.

Financial Aid Basics

While I do not provide financial, tax, or legal advice, I help families understand the basic financial aid pieces of the college process, including FAFSA, CSS Profile, Net Price Calculators, scholarship considerations, and how affordability may factor into college list development and final decision-making.

Decision Support and Waitlist Navigation

After applications are submitted, I help students and families think through admission decisions, compare options, consider fit and affordability, and navigate next steps. This may include support with waitlist strategy, letters of continued interest, and preparing for a successful transition to college.

First-Year Transition and College Readiness

The goal is not only to help students apply to college, but to help them prepare for success once they arrive. I support students in thinking about independence, academic expectations, campus resources, self-advocacy, and the transition to college life.

All services are offered virtually and are designed to provide calm, organized, student-centered support throughout the college planning and application process.

Services are tailored to each student’s goals, strengths, interests, and stage in the process, helping them move forward with confidence, authenticity, and purpose while staying true to who they are.