I have to admit that this has been one of my favorite posts to write, since education is very close to my heart. Before you start to panic and think…UGH not another, “I-can-get-your-child-into-an-ivy-league-school,” business, this is certainly not that. In fact, one of the things I loved about this business is that owner, Alie Bakaj, is just the opposite. With a background in teaching, Alie brings something a little different to the business of college admissions and it’s pretty darn refreshing! The last thing Fairfield County needs is another college counselor who promises Ivy League placement. Our partner, Pre-Collegiate Achievement, in fact, does not.
Starting in Middle School?
Alie encourages her clients to begin their journey with her while they are in middle school. Yes, that’s right, middle school. I was a bit skeptical about college planning this early, but not in this case. As I sat with Alie to discuss this, I was pleasantly surprised with her whole approach. Alie’s focus is not on college admissions in this early stage, but the development of critical skills needed for success both in high school and in college. Establishing these skills in middle school is paramount in determining future success. One thing I really loved was that Alie encourages students to develop the skill of self-advocacy, which is essential as students leave the nest and embark on their journey for college. In addition, she is able to help students develop effective study skills and help those struggling with the executive functioning skill (also known as your child’s ability to organize his or her life).
Is High School Too Late?
In a perfect world, Alie would have both the middle and high school years to help her clients, but she didn’t seem flustered when I asked her about students coming to see her for the first time a little bit later. In fact, she seemed confident that she can meet your child where he or she is, as she has a highly individualized approach to her consulting. A high school student can benefit from some of the skills she covers with middle school students, but she can also help with course selection in high school. This tends to be extremely stressful for students who are trying to determine what AP or honors classes they may wish to attempt, particularly in junior year. What about those “11th hour” kids just getting started in their last semester of junior year? Alie assured me that while the workload with a student like this might be a bit more intense, it’s never too late to get help! That should make even the most stressed out parent and child feel reassured. Considering a school with an IB (International Baccalaureate) Program? No problem. Alie is not only familiar with the curriculum, she has taught and written curriculum within the program. With this “insider” knowledge, she can help determine whether or not the program is right for your child.
The College Planning Process:
Alie is fully armed with skills and strategies to work with your child on college selection. Here is where she really impressed me. Her goal is to help your child select the right college for his or her needs. She was emphatic about ensuring that the schools that make it onto your child’s final list, are schools that have been extensively researched and suited to your child’s needs. It doesn’t end there. Alie not only MAKES every student create a résumé, but she also prepares them so that they are interview ready. She believes this is not only a skill needed for college admissions, but also a skill that students can take into the workforce. She definitely has a point there. Alie not only works with your child during sessions, but she has a complete repertoire of resources that each client can access during the planning process. These resources are accessible online and include an entire library of documents that Alie has created to streamline the process. This allows students the flexibility to work between sessions on their own time.
No fancy packages?
At Pre-Collegiate the process is so individualized, that she doesn’t offer the dazzling (and typical), “Platinum,” “Gold,” or “Bronze” package pricing. She believes that some students need only a few sessions, while others need quite a bit more, so pricing is per session. This is a great approach, as parents sometimes feel “locked in” to a package pricing plan and end up feeling as though they either overpaid or under ordered. With flexibility like this, Alie can truly customize the number of sessions that each client requires and can pace accordingly. It’s easy to schedule additional sessions as the process moves along to coincide with each student’s goals and needs. Along the way, should a client need some coaching with the standardized testing like the SAT and ACT, Alie can help students with that preparation as well. I love the flexibility that she brings from her teaching experience which is what makes this a great “all-in-one” business, but not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
If you’re considering hiring someone to help with the daunting task of college admissions and study skills, Alie offers a completely complimentary consultation, where she can chat with you and your family about her work. She is very personable and warm and her passion for education was evident within the first five minutes of meeting her. That passion is what certainly drives her business and her interest in securing a future for each and every student with whom she works.
Thinking about college planning? Check out Pre-Collegiate Achievement’s website and contact Alie for your free consultation. You will be glad that you did!
