Frequently Asked Questions

What does a college consultant do?
A college consultant provides personalized college admissions support for students and families. From building a strategic college list to essay coaching, application guidance, and scholarship strategy, we offer one-on-one consulting that reduces stress and improves admissions results. Make sure the consultant you hire is a member of a professional association. I am a TACAC member and pending IECA membership.

How much does college counseling cost in Texas?
College counseling in Texas typically ranges from $1,500 to $10,000. At Empti Nesti, our boutique college consulting packages start at $2,500 and are designed for families seeking high-touch, results-driven admissions guidance.

Do you help with college essays and applications?
Yes. College essay coaching and application support are central to our services. We help students brainstorm, refine, and edit essays, prepare activity lists, and ensure applications showcase their strengths for selective admissions.

Do you help with scholarships and financial aid?
We provide scholarship tracking, essay support for merit awards, and financial strategy resources. While we don’t file FAFSA forms, we guide families toward opportunities that maximize scholarship and financial aid results.

Do you only work with students in Texas?
No. While we are known as Texas’ College Counselor, we work virtually with families nationwide. Our admissions expertise benefits Texas students aiming for UT, A&M, and Rice as much as it does those applying to Ivy League and other selective universities.

What makes Empti Nesti different from other college counseling companies?
Unlike large firms, we offer boutique, one-on-one college admissions consulting. With a limited caseload and a proven record of admissions to top Texas and U.S. programs, families choose us for our personalized strategy, trusted guidance, and premium results.

Is hiring a college consultant worth it?
Yes. A private college consultant saves families time, reduces stress, and increases admissions success. Our clients consistently report stronger essays, more competitive applications, and better scholarship outcomes with our support.

Why should I hire a private college consultant when my child's high school has a guidance counselor?

As a private college admissions consultant, I offer what high school guidance counselors simply cannot: a boutique, highly individualized approach designed for ambitious families who want results.

Unlike the typical high school counselor—often responsible for 300+ students—I intentionally work with a limited caseload of no more than 10 seniors per year. This ensures your child receives the personalized strategy, essay guidance, and admissions support necessary to stand out in a competitive college admissions landscape.

With me, your family doesn’t have to worry about your child being overlooked or lost in the crowd. Instead, I work closely with each student to:

  • Craft a compelling personal narrative.

  • Refine and polish application essays through multiple professional reviews.

  • Build a balanced and strategic college list.

  • Navigate scholarships, deadlines, and admissions requirements with confidence.

As a former high school college counselor, I understand the challenges families face when schools are understaffed and students don’t get the individualized attention they need. By offering private college consulting, I take the stress off your shoulders while ensuring your child presents their strongest application.

Parents choose my services because they want high-touch, expert admissions guidance that goes beyond what schools can provide. With my tailored approach, you can rest easy knowing your child is supported every step of the way—while you focus on preparing them for their next chapter.

Investing in a private college consultant isn’t just about applications—it’s about peace of mind, proven results, and opening doors to top universities.

When is the best time to start working with you?

The best time to start working with a college consultant is as early as 8th or 9th grade. Many families choose to begin in the spring of 8th grade or when selecting high school courses. Starting early allows us to build a strategic admissions plan that sets your child on the right path for competitive college applications.

With early guidance, we can:

  • Advise on high school course selection.

  • Recommend extracurricular and leadership opportunities.

  • Plan for standardized testing timelines.

  • Help students explore unique passions that make them stand out.

For families who begin later, we start the summer after sophomore year and continues through senior year. Even if you join later, we’ll create a clear strategy that reduces stress and ensures your child presents their strongest application.

Early consulting also gives students the chance to pursue enriching summer experiences, passion projects, and leadership roles that strengthen applications to selective universities. By starting now, you ensure your child is prepared, confident, and positioned for success throughout the admissions process.

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