FAFSA Changes for 2023-2024 School Year
For families of high school students, filling out the FAFSA form for the first time
Launching College Success
The pandemic has upended the college admissions world! I offer solutions and advice about how to help your child gain admission into college with less stress and greater success.
About Me
Let Me Be Your Guide!
As a professional college counselor with over thirty years experience, I am up to date on the variety of changes in the college process due to Covid-19. For example, I recently told one of my juniors that eight out of the ten schools on his list had decided not to require test scores. “THAT´S GREAT!” he exclaimed. “Not so fast,” I replied! Students should still take at least one SAT or ACT before applying to college.
- Professional College Counselor
- 30+ Years of Experience
- Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes
- And Much More
Facts are one thing, knowing how to interpret them for your child’s best interest is another. My years of experience as a high school guidance counselor and college admissions coach can help you avoid costly mistakes and have a rewarding college experience!
I’m an informed and dedicated advocate for students.
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Need Help?
I Offer a Variety of College Admission Solutions for Students - Freshmen to Seniors
Need help with any aspect of the college search, admissions or financial aid process?
As an Independent Educational Consultant and College Admissions Coach, I empower YOU to navigate today’s college admission’s maze to help make your college make your college admissions dreams come true.
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Through The Years
Here’s How I Will Help You With Your College Search
Through the years, I watched far too many parents and students wait too long before they started researching colleges, admissions, college costs, and financial aid. I founded Launching College Success to provide expert advice and personal counseling through every step of the college process:
- Provide crucial information on college affordability, real college expenses and the realistic chance for need or merit aid.
- Advice on high school courses to take.
- Help you narrow your career goals and college majors by administering the Strong Career Interest Inventory and Meyers-Briggs.
- Create a "best fit" college admissions list tailored to your student’s goals and dreams, while considering your family´s budget.
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Curious About What's Coming in 2023?
Get the latest advice on the new digital version of the SATs coming in 2023.
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Testimonials From Happy Students & Happy Parents
“Dianne not only helped us navigate these, she also went to battle for us when my daughter’s transcripts and volunteer work were not accepted. She helped in every facet of her application with knowledge, humor and a wealth of contacts."
“Her heart for our sons lives has been a God-sent. She single-handedly has been the most impactful person in our lives in regards to our young men being prepared substantially and early within the process of furthering their education after high school.
Finally, I believe that her passion for her work and her knowledge base will greatly help the people who use her. I am glad that we have a great partnership, and look forward to helping many students get into college and be successful in their college career.”
College Admission Services
College Costs, Scholarships & More
Let's face it, college is an investment. Learn how I can help you through the college financial maze so you are better informed about costs, scholarships and loans.
Accommodations & Special Needs
Today, more than ever, it's critical for students with neurodiversity and other needs to get the support they are entitled to. Here's how I can help you.
College Visits & Tours
It's important to visit the schools you or your child are interested in attending. Whether virtual or in-person, here's my approach to making the most out of your college visits.
Getting Into College Requires That Everyone Pitch In...
Parent’s Responsibilities
- Allow your child to take the lead in college planning and decision-making. Have an open mind.
- If parents attend meetings, they should take notes and ask questions.
- Help schedule college visits and interviews (at least the transportation part).
- Send official copies of standardized test scores to colleges. Pay application fees.
- Assist in keeping your child on task and gently monitor the status of his/her applications.
- When a final decision has been made, make sure all colleges are notified of that decision.
- Support your child throughout the process with an understanding of the pressures on him/her.
Student Responsibilities
- Put 100% effort into the process and complete all assignments on time.
- As much as possible, keep all appointments. IF you need to reschedule, let Ms. Dianne know as soon as possible.
- Student and family will not be charged for the first missed appointment but a fee of $50.00 will be assessed for every missed appointment thereafter.
- Do the very best academic work possible, to keep your college options wide open. Let Ms. Dianne know if you are having difficulty with any of your classes or want to drop a class.
- Cooperate fully with the Ms. Dianne, including taking the initiative to call, text or email her when you need to talk, have questions, are ready to move to the next step in the process, or have essays ready for review. You are driving this process. Be a good driver!
- Meet deadlines for standardized testing and for submitting completed applications.
- Request letters of recommendation and transcripts well ahead of time, pursuant to the procedures established by your high school.
- Maintain contact with your high school guidance counselor and Ms. Dianne.
- At any time during the process, discuss with Ms. Dianne any changes to your academic schedule or college list prior to making the change.
- At any time during the process, discuss with Ms. Dianne any changes to your academic schedule or college list prior to making the change.
- Ask questions. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A DUMB QUESTION.
Dianne's Latest Blogs
Coming in 2023: The NEW Digital SAT
The days of high school juniors and seniors waking up early on a Saturday morning
Why You Should Take a Second Look at Test-Optional Colleges
In light of the recent Varsity Blues Scandal, which continues to be in the news
Get In Touch!
Do you need help understanding the college admission’s maze? College is NOT what it was 20 years ago. Let us show you the ropes so your kid has a stronger chance of getting into college with less stress and less anxiety.