Parents want the best for their children. It’s a universal truth, yet the specifics can be daunting: Which school will nurture their creativity? Which environment will help them flourish academically, socially, and emotionally? What choices today will pave the way for a lifetime of fulfillment and success? For over 30 years, I’ve been honored to help families answer these questions, guiding students toward the educational opportunities where they can thrive.
The college admissions process can feel like a labyrinth. The deadlines, essays, applications, and decisions can overwhelm even the most prepared families. Add to that the pressure of making the “right” choice, and it’s easy to see why so many parents feel lost in the maze. My role is to simplify the process, reduce the stress, and, most importantly, help your student identify what’s best for them.
This is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. No two students are alike, and no two journeys should be either. Some students have a clear vision of their future—a specific program, a dream school, or a goal they’ve been working toward since childhood. Others are still discovering who they are and where they belong. I meet students where they are, listening to their stories, uncovering their strengths, and helping them articulate their aspirations.
Together, we create a plan. Maybe your student is a budding artist who needs an environment that fosters creativity. Perhaps they’re a future scientist eager to attend a university with state-of-the-art labs. Or maybe they’re a young person with limitless potential but no clear direction yet. Whatever the case, I work to ensure they end up in a place where they feel challenged, supported, and valued.
This work goes beyond test scores and GPAs. It’s about finding the schools that align with your student’s values, personality, and dreams. It’s about empowering them to advocate for themselves and take ownership of their educational journey. And yes, it’s also about managing deadlines and crafting essays that tell their unique story with authenticity and impact.
One of the greatest joys of my work is seeing the transformation that happens during this process. Students who once felt unsure of themselves become confident in their abilities. Families who began the journey anxious and overwhelmed find clarity and peace. Watching a young person open an acceptance letter from their dream school or call home after their first semester to say, “I love it here” is a reward like no other.
Education is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about discovering potential, building resilience, and finding purpose. The process can be complex, but it’s also an extraordinary opportunity—a chance for students to find not just a school but a place where they can become the best version of themselves.
As parents, you want your children to feel confident in their choices and excited about their future. That’s my goal too. Together, we can help your student take their next step with enthusiasm, clarity, and optimism. After all, the journey isn’t just about getting into college; it’s about finding the right path to a fulfilling, meaningful life.
That’s it. AI “wrote” the above. The following is from your long-time correspondent:
My older daughter told me that the essay sounds as if it was written by a computer. To be fair, said daughter has a good ear for language and has the advantage of having read (and edited) my real essays for a few decades.
My note is that I had the AI read the 700-something essays that I have already written. It was able to mimic my style–pretty well, I would argue–because there were half a million words on which to base its creation.
The point being that there is and will always be a reason for your children to learn to express themselves with words, both written and oral. The computers will not be able to provide the insights and glorious moments of self discovery that your children will experience through journaling and creating. The AI will never be able to feel, to reflect, to experience, in Wordsworth’s words, the power of “emotion reflected in tranquility.
Likewise, the computer is not waiting to hear your thoughts about what “it” wrote. Whereas I am eager to know what you thought of the “fake” essay as well as your opinion regarding the need for our children to continue writing, continue communicating, continue adhering to that which makes us human.
David has toured hundreds of colleges, traditional boarding schools, and therapeutic programs. He has written books on admissions and parenting. His 500 articles on parenting, admissions, and children who learn differently are available here.
