Academic & Executive Function Coaching and College Counseling for Middle and High School Students

Many families reach out when school begins to feel more stressful, communication becomes harder or their student seems capable but overwhelmed.

College Counseling for Success provides one-on-one support to help students build the skills, confidence and independence needed to manage school effectively, plan for college thoughtfully and navigate transitions with clarity.

– Dale Koplik, M.Ed., Certified School Counselor

Wondering where to begin?

A consultation can help clarify what type of support would be most helpful and when to start.

Schedule a Parent Consultation

A Practical Guide for Families

Support is individualized and developmentally informed, designed to meet students where they are—whether building foundational skills, navigating the college admissions process or preparing for the transition to college.

The focus is steady growth over time, not quick fixes.

Each service is distinct but connected. Academic and extracurricular decisions are considered together so choices build logically rather than reactively.

Students develop independence gradually, while families have clarity about goals, pacing and progress.

How Families Work With Me

Support often begins with Academic & Executive Function Coaching, where students develop organization, planning and study systems.

As college planning becomes more relevant, support may include College Admissions Counseling, which provides structured guidance through the application process.

Later, College Readiness Coaching helps students prepare for the academic, social and practical expectations of college.

Each service can stand on its own, but together they create a clear progression toward independence and confident decision-making.

This progression allows students to build independence gradually while staying supported at each stage.

  • Coaching focuses on helping students develop the systems and skills needed to manage school with increasing independence.

    Support addresses three connected areas:

    Academic Skills
    • Understand assignments and grading expectations
    • Strengthen writing, reading and note-taking
    • Develop effective study strategies

    Executive Function
    • Tracking assignments and deadlines
    • Plan when and how to begin work
    • Breaking projects into manageable steps
    • Organizing materials and digital platforms

    High School Planning & Balance
    • Plan academics and extracurricular involvement thoughtfully
    • Building initiative and sustained involvement
    • Pacing effort and managing increasing demands

    What This Supports
    • More consistent follow-through
    • Reduced last-minute stress
    • Greater independence over time

    Coaching Structure
    • Ongoing monthly coaching with flexible support
    • Session frequency and parent communication adjust over time
    • Focus on long-term academic skill development

  • Structured, individualized guidance through the U.S. college application process, with a focus on clarity, strategy and thoughtful decision-making.

    Areas of Support

    • Formulate an overall application strategy
    • Build a college list aligned with academic profile and goals
    • Develop and refine personal statements and supplemental essays
    • Create and present activities lists and résumés effectively
    • Review applications for accuracy and completeness before submission
    • Prepare for interviews, as applicable

    How Students Are Supported

    • Meet one-on-one for structured planning and decision-making
    • Follow clear timelines to manage applications and deadlines
    • Learn how colleges evaluate applicants
    • Communicate experiences and interests clearly and effectively

    What This Supports

    • More consistent and organized progress
    • Reduced last-minute pressure
    • Clearer understanding of the process
    • Greater confidence in decisions

    Communication & Structure

    • Intentional pacing throughout the process
    • Parent communication as appropriate to support clarity and alignment

  • Supports students as they transition from high school to college, focusing on building practical independence as structure decreases and expectations increase.

    Areas of Focus

    • Manage academic expectations and deadlines independently
    • Establish consistent daily routines (sleep, meals and schedules)
    • Manage time and maintain consistent follow-through
    • Plan coursework in less structured environments
    • Communicate effectively with professors, advisors and campus resources
    • Make decisions and prioritize responsibilities
    • Advocate for themselves and seek support appropriately

    What Students and Families Begin to Notice

    • Smoother transition into college expectations
    • More consistent routines and follow-through
    • Increased confidence managing responsibilities
    • Greater independence over time

    Coaching Structure

    • Typically 3–4 months of support, depending on timing and needs
    • Weekly coaching with flexible session frequency
    • Parent communication as appropriate
    • Support adjusts as students gain independence

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss the Right Level of Support

A consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your student’s needs, clarify timing and determine the appropriate level of support.

Schedule a Parent Consultation