SoCo College Consulting
Helping students navigate college admissions with confidence.
Tracy Batchelder
College Admissions Advisor
The college planning and admissions process can be daunting, but it’s also an exciting time where students get to reflect and plan for their future. My goal is to help ease the stress for families by providing clear guidance and feedback during every step of the way so that students can approach the process with confidence, discover and communicate their unique strengths and qualities, and find colleges where they will thrive academically and personally.
No two students are the same and, while some have a well-defined college path, others may not. My services are highly customized to provide students with the support that they need as they build their college list, apply to schools, and decide where to attend. My role is to help make the process manageable by keeping students and families apprised of the ever-changing college landscape and guide students through the application process.
Let’s get started!
Welcome
CONTACT ME
Please reach out so we can discuss your needs and answer any questions you have about my services.
You can email me at sococollegeconsulting@gmail.com or click on the button below to complete the contact form.
Understanding the College Admissions Landscape
College admissions and the application process change constantly. I stay current and informed so that I can provide students with the most up to date and accurate information. Understanding the basics about college admissions and how students can best position themselves to be a strong applicant is an important initial step in the process.
Course Advising
Deciding which high school or dual enrollment courses to take is a critical part of the college planning process. Choosing courses intentionally will help to ensure that students are not only continuing to challenge themselves and take advantage of academic opportunities, but can also help students explore possible career paths. This can ultimately help students to stand out on their applications.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities and Summer Advising
College admissions officers want to understand how students are spending their time outside of the classroom. Working, volunteering, and participating in programs can not only augment a college application, but can provide students with new skills and experiences that will help them in college and beyond. I advise students on opportunities that fit both their interests and time constraints.
Planning for Standardized Testing
Some colleges are now requiring the SAT or ACT for college admissions while many others remain test-optional or test-free. I guide students in their decision of whether to take an exam and provide them with test preparation options.
Understanding College Majors
Many students are unsure of how majors relate to a career path and which majors to apply to. Through tailored discussions with the student, I advise them on possible majors for each of the schools that they plan to apply to depending on their professional goals.
Creating a Balanced College List
Creating a balanced list of colleges is arguably one of the most important parts of the college planning process. The goal is for a student to have options once college admissions decisions are released and to be excited about all of the schools that they are admitted to. Instead of focusing on rankings, I work with students to develop a list of schools that meet their interests, academic level, and family’s budget.
Completing College Applications
Applying to colleges often means navigating several different application platforms and varying deadlines. In addition, the required components of an application differ between colleges. I provide students with tools and help guide them through the process to ensure that they understand what is required, stay organized, and are meeting deadlines ahead of schedule.
Writing College Essays
College essays allow students to highlight aspects of themselves that are important to them beyond their classes and grades. For admissions officers, essays provide context and allow them to get to know a student's values, interests, their career aspirations, and more. However, essays require a different approach and writing style, depending on whether it’s the University of California Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), Common App Personal Statement, or supplemental essays. I guide students in developing essay topics and writing strong essays that add value to their application.
Preparing for College Interviews
The college interview can not only help to showcase oneself, but is also an opportunity to ask questions and learn more specifics about a college. I help to prepare students for interviews through a mock session that focuses on common interview questions.
Completing Financial Aid Applications
Financing college is an important component of the college planning process. I help to guide families through the FAFSA and CA Dream Act Applications, as needed.
Making a Final Decision
Once students receive their college admissions decisions, I provide guidance on how to interpret financial aid packages, join a waitlist, appeal an admissions decision, and make the final decision.
My Services
Programs
All programs begin with an initial meeting with the student and the parents. The objective is to learn how I can best support the student, discuss the college admissions process, and answer any questions that you might have.
College Prep Program
Ideally, students will begin to meet with me during their freshmen and sophomore years to start planning for college admissions. Over the course of three sessions, we will discuss the student’s college and career goals, college admissions basics, high school and dual enrollment courses, standardized testing, extra-curricular opportunities, and summer planning. This will help to position students as a strong college applicant. Since needs vary amongst students, I work with 9th and 10th grade students on an hourly basis only.
College Admissions Program
This package includes guidance and support throughout the entire college admissions process, starting in the summer before junior year until the end of senior year. During junior year, I’ll meet with the student four times over the course of the year. At the end of junior year, the student will begin working on their college essays and will develop an activities and awards resume. Starting the summer before senior year, I’ll communicate weekly with the student during the application and admissions process through in-person meetings, online video conferencing, email, and phone. The program includes all of my services described on the Services page.
Program cost provided upon request.
Rising Senior Program
The same support provided in the College Admissions Package will be offered on an expedited timetable, starting the summer (July) before senior year. Due to the fact that the timeline is compressed, we can discuss which services the student would like to prioritize.
Program cost provided upon request.
Hourly Consulting
I offer hourly consulting to families that have completed an initial meeting with me. This might be a good option for families that want more targeted support. Hourly consulting is typically conducted via phone call, email and Zoom.
Hourly consulting rate provided upon request.
Meet Tracy
For the past six years, I have served as a College and Career Counselor with Santa Rosa City Schools, supporting students and families in Sonoma County. Through this work, I discovered how much I enjoy guiding students and families through the college admissions process. I founded SoCo College Consulting to continue doing what I love—providing personalized guidance, support, and expertise to help students and families navigate the college planning and admissions process with greater clarity and less stress.
My own academic and career path has been varied and has given me the opportunity to experience firsthand the differences between public and private universities, as well as the many paths a career can take. I earned my B.A. in Political Science from UC Berkeley and went on to receive a Master’s in Environmental Management from Duke University. My career in coastal conservation took me up and down the East Coast and to Mexico and Costa Rica, exposing me to a wide range of communities, cultures, and professional experiences.
Later, my passion for education and supporting young people led me back to school, where I earned my M.A. in School Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services (P.P.S.) credential from Sonoma State University. The combination of my academic and professional experiences, along with six years of working closely with students and families, has given me a broad and well-rounded perspective that I bring to my work as a college admissions advisor.
I continue to seek opportunities to stay current in the ever-changing world of college admissions. This includes visiting college campuses, attending professional conferences and webinars, engaging with other college admissions professionals, and holding professional memberships. This allows me to provide students and families with important and informed guidance.
I live in Sonoma County and I’m a mom to three young adults, whom I also guided through both undergraduate and graduate admissions. Today, I’m happy to say that all three are fully launched and enjoying their respective careers! Having experienced the admissions process both professionally and personally, I understand the questions, decisions, and emotions that come with this important transition. I look forward to helping you navigate it with confidence and peace of mind.
Contact
To get started, fill out the form or contact me directly.Tracy Batcheldersococollegeconsulting@gmail.com707-536-3461
