College Bound & Ready Packages

The goal of comprehensive counseling is to help high school students identify, apply and gain admission and financial aid or scholarships at colleges that are the right fit for the student. I break the process (preparation, college list development, admissions, and decision-making) into manageable pieces. Most students receive well over 50+ hours of consultation, research, and work on their behalf based on their needs and desires. Outside of Bend, Oregon, clients receive one-on-one consultation primarily via Zoom, along with support via Google Docs, phone, and email. However, in-person Essay & Application Workshops are offered in Bend and Portland (as well as online) the summer prior to students’ senior year.

Package Services offered: 

  • Foundation Package: Ideal for students applying to moderately selective public and private universities who want focused support in building a strong application foundation.
    This package is perfect for students targeting West Coast Public Universities, the University of California campuses (although the UCs are very selective for out-of-state students), Cal States, WUE-participating institutions, and other U.S. public and moderately selective (admitting 20% or more) private institutions. Note: students applying to U Michigan, UVA, UNC-Chapel Hill, UT Austin or private colleges that admit less than 20% of their applicants should select the signature package due to the extra prep and application work required.

    You'll receive targeted guidance on strengthening your academic profile, résumé, and application strategy:

    • Includes support with up to 12 college applications and 15 essays (note: all UC campuses count as one application and require 4 essays)

    • Includes one year of access to an online, self-paced test prep software for either the SAT or ACT (valued at $798/year or $398/year, respectively)

    • $4,950 total

    • More details here

  • Signature Consulting Package (most popular): Designed for students applying to a balanced mix of public and private colleges who want strategic support, reduced stress, and maximized results.
    This package offers hands-on, personalized guidance throughout the application process—ideal for students building a college list that includes likely, target, and reach schools. With strategic planning, essay coaching, and insider admissions insights, students gain the clarity and confidence they need to shine.

    • Junior Year Start: Monthly meetings, spring/summer essay & app workshops, college planning account, insider tips for each college, 20 complete essays: 2 payments of $3,250 ($6,500 total)

    • Sophomore Year Start: includes Jr. Start + four essential early meetings for course and activity planning, career/major exploration, and college research: 3 payments of $2,250 ($6,750 total)

    • Freshman Year Start: includes Soph. Start + two additional meetings (4 more than the junior start) for course and activity planning, career/major exploration: 4 payments of $1,750 ($7,000 total)

  • A La Carte and Add-On Services:

    • Summer Essay & Application Workshops - on a space-available basis, dates & prices announced each March (included in the Comprehensive Packages above)

    • Research Mentorships & Internships (ask me about it!)

    • SAT, ACT and AP tutoring (a combined AI and one-on-one tutoring package tailored to help students achieve their specific goals for much lower cost than traditional private tutors)

      Note: One year of access to an online, self-paced test prep software for either the SAT or ACT (valued at $798/year or $398/year, respectively) is included in the above packages. For the most effective test prep, consider adding one of the following to your package:

      • The above software PLUS 10 (1/week) one-on-one tutoring sessions starting 8-10 weeks prior to the planned test date: $1,599 ($159/session vs. $180-$195+ through most tutors)

      • The above software PLUS 20 (2/week) one-on-one tutoring sessions starting 8-10 weeks prior to the planned test date: $2,499 ($125/session vs. $ 180-$195+ through most tutors)

    • Online Common App Essay/College Personal Statement Course: A 3 to 6-week, self-paced online course to complete a student’s main college essay. Includes three one-on-one meetings with Kristen to review topic ideas, essay strategy and structure. Three additional rounds of feedback (via Google Docs) are included after completion of the course and assignments within the 6-week time frame: $800.

    • Artists: for students applying to BFA, BArch, Dance or Theater programs that require supplemental program applications, auditions, and/or portfolios, an additional fee of $1,000 is added.

    • List Development, $550: includes two hourly meetings and the presentation of a list of 12-20 good-fit options, with notes/links on how each meets your goals/priorities.

    • Hourly Assistance: $250 for the first and second hour; $195 for additional guidance (for anything college-related beyond list development)

The Foundation & Signature Package Details:

  • Consulting through May 1st of a student’s senior year: 

    • Two meetings freshman year (for college account/college process introduction, activity, summer and course planning)

    • Four meetings sophomore year (for activity and course planning, plus interest assessments, college preferences discussion/ranking, and college visit planning)

    • Monthly meetings during junior year (for college research, communication and list development, test prep planning, college visit planning and continuation of activity and course planning, letters of recommendation planning)

    • Weekly check-ins September-October of senior year (following the development of a customized, step-by-step plan to complete applications by early deadlines)

    • Offline essay work, November-December 15th, to finish applications

    • Counsel as needed, January-May of senior year

  • College Planning account: a college planning and communication tool that includes inside information on thousands of colleges, virtual tour links, and timeline management tools. The account also includes Kristen’s notes from meetings with college reps and college visits.

  • Inside College Admission Tips: accessible with a password through the College Bound & Ready website and via proprietary college research sheets created for each college on a student’s list.

  • Monthly newsletter with video tutorials for both parents and students throughout high school

  • YouScience Career Exploration Account 

  • Essay Workshops are offered during the summer between junior and senior year, covering specific applications, the main college essay (personal statement), school-specific essays, and scholarship essay planning.

Topics covered in the Packages:

  • Career & Major Exploration

  • Resume Development

  • Mock Interview/Prep

  • College list recommendations and insider tips

  • College research and communication strategies

  • College Comparison/decision-making

  • Scholarship search tips/competitive preparation

  • Financial Aid Appeal

  • Waitlist or Deferral assistance

  • Essay/App Workshops (may be included in Foundation package)

  • Essay brainstorming and editing for all essays included in the package

  • College Application Timeline Development and Management

PAYMENT DETAILS

Families pay upfront for essay workshops, classes and 10-meeting packages (if not comprehensive clients). 

Comprehensive Packages require varying payment amounts as an initial deposit, depending on the start date (year in high school). The total payment balance is due by July 1st, prior to the student’s senior year. 

College Bound & Ready accepts checks mailed to 2679 NW Rippling River Court, Bend, OR, or payments via Stripe (online debit and credit card processor. Note: There is a 3% processing fee for credit card payments.)

The prices quoted are good for 30 days.

Note & Next Steps: I limit my class of students to 22-24 per grade, so contact me soon if you are interested in becoming a College Bound & Ready client.