Transition to College: Admissions & Planning You Can Trust
Is College Coaching Right for You?
You’re in the right place if you:
Are a high school student (or parent) feeling overwhelmed by applications, essays, and deadlines
Want clarity on which colleges fit your values, hopes, and financial constraints
Have questions about test-optional policies, gap years, or transfers
Need extra support because of learning differences, IEP/504 accommodations, or systemic challenges
Prefer a guide who sees both the data and the human side of this journey
“Brynnen guided our senior in high school gently in her college application process. She kept the work centered on our daughter’s interests and goals, even as they changed over the course of the process.”
What You Get with College Coaching
Here’s a simplified rundown of the core services clients receive:
Values & Strengths Assessment + School Matching
We use curated surveys and deep conversation to surface what truly matters to you—and then build a list of likely, target, and reach schools aligned with your profile.College Search & Strategy
Research coaching, campus visit planning, and guided evaluation of programs, majors, and campus cultures.Application & Essay Coaching
Guided support in topic selection, drafting, editing, and submitting essays—broken into manageable steps so it doesn’t dominate your life.Financial Fit & Aid Strategy
I help you navigate FAFSA and CSS, interpret college aid offers, and evaluate how each option aligns with your family’s financial goals.Testing & Admissions Strategy
We’ll research whether to submit test scores, prepare for or retake exams, or proceed test-optional when that’s strategic.Gap Year, Transfer & Unconventional Paths
If you’re considering a gap year, transfer, or less-traditional options, I’ll help you plan and execute with confidence.Offer Review, Waitlist & Enrollment Support
I guide you in comparing offers, making decisions, negotiating when possible, and handling waitlists.Support for Learning Differences & Accommodations
I use tools (e.g. CollegeSupports) and direct experience to help families pick schools that offer real accommodations—so your student thrives.Flexible Packages & Options
Full-service, hourly consulting, DIY packages, early high school planning — you choose the level of support that fits your timeline and budget.
Package and Hourly service options
Prices are reviewed and updated annually on January 1st in line with the Seattle-area Consumer Price Index. Current prices are valid for two weeks from your initial consultation.
Complete College and High School Counseling Package
This is the best value package with everything you need to get you to a college or post-high school path that fits your unique skills, goals, and interests.
$7950 or 4 payments of $1988
Complete Plus — Highly Selective Package
Everything in the Complete Package, plus specialized support for students applying to 5 or more highly selective universities.
$9750 or 4 payments of $2438
Early High School Package
Pre-College Planning, School and Activities Guidance for 8th-10th Graders
Meet for up to 5 sessions over the year(s) to: Review academic course guidance, summer programs, personal development skills, and extracurricular activities.
$1000 or 4 payments of $250
DIY College Application Package
This is the package for the VERY independent student or the student/parent team who plan to do it mostly themselves.
$3200 or 4 payments of $800
Walk (the dog) and Talk
Walk and ask all your school-related questions.
(Bring your dog along if you’d like—I’ll leave mine at home.)
$25/half hour as long as we actually walk
College List-Building and Major-Clarification Package
This is the package if you just need help knowing where to apply and which major(s) to list on your applications at which schools.
$2500
Hourly Consultation
I can meet with you on an hourly basis, sharing my expertise with families, students, and/or parents alone.
$300 per hour
Extended monthly payment plans available up through the summer before your student enters college. Please inquire.
Which package is right for us?
A note on our packages and how to choose:
The College List-Building and DIY packages are designed for families who are largely self-directed — you want expert input at key moments, but you're confident driving the process yourselves. These packages give you Dr. Ford's expertise at specific, defined points in the journey.
The Complete Package is something different entirely. It's a full partnership from wherever you are right now through the moment your student commits to a college. Dr. Ford is in it with you — not just at checkpoints, but consistently, responsively, and deeply. Every essay, every decision, every moment of anxiety at 10pm before a deadline. The Complete Package is for families who want to hand off the complexity and trust that someone with thirty years of experience is holding the whole picture alongside them.
If you're wondering whether you need the Complete Package, ask yourself this: Do I want guidance at key moments, or do I want a partner for the whole process? Both are valid. We're here either way.
How It Works (3 Steps to Clarity)
Meet & Greet / Initial Consultation
We begin with a no-pressure 20-minute call to get to know your goals, challenges, and priorities.Create a Custom Plan
You’ll receive a roadmap with concrete next steps, deadlines, and support options aligned with your timeline and needs.Ongoing Coaching & Execution
From essays and test planning to application review and decision support, I’m with you every step of the way—checking in, adjusting, and advocating as needed.
What Success Looks Like (Student Results & Impact)
Ready to get started?
Let’s talk. It’s simple:
Click Book a Meeting below
We’ll schedule your introductory call
You’ll leave with a clear next step (no pressure, no obligation)
Please note, Schooling Doula is no longer accepting students for Current HS Class 2026 or 2027 unless you meet the following exceptions:
Qualify for FRL or wouldn't have access to college counseling otherwise. I work on a sliding scale and happily do pro bono work.
Returning Family or already had an initial meeting
For students who are in Class of 2026 or 2027 and do not meet the above qualifications, please visit this page for college counselors that I recommend who may be able to support you!