College coaching allows students and their families to approach the college process with an informed perspective on the array of postsecondary options available for their child. The coaching process aims to prepare each child for the numerous elements of the college application process, while taking into account the goals of the parents and the child. The college coach has a wealth of knowledge about the colleges and universities that offer support for students with diagnosed disabilities. College coaching may begin as early as 9th grade, but families can start the process at any point during the student’s high school career.
Below are some of the highlights of college coaching that are available through Themba Tutors
One-on-one coaching to students and families to guide them through the college process, including help with the following:
Extracurricular activities
Which activities pique the student’s interests and passions?
Community service
Which options are available and the most appealing to the student?
Letters of recommendation
Who to ask, how to ask, and when to ask?
Internships
Help exploring interests and options and securing internship positions.
What is the most productive way to spend the summer months?
Bridge programs
Which programs, if needed, will help the student prepare for college?
Writing
Writing resumes, cover letters, and personal statements.
Mock interviewing skills
Preparation for college and job interviews.
Completing college applications, supplements, and essays.
Campus tours
Where to go, what to see, and which questions to ask.
Career/personality assessments
Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Strong Interest Inventory.
The counselor can help develop an appropriate college list based upon the fit between the student and the college and can offer the following
Insight into the many college/universities that offer accommodations for learning disabilities.
Assistance developing a reach, safety, and target list of schools.
Help discovering the colleges/universities that offer accommodations for learning disabilities.
Help figuring out the specific programs that are available and determining which are the best fit for the student, taking into consideration the student’s interests and learning disabilities.
Guidance in figuring out the supports available in the dormitory setting to help the student and figuring out which types of life skill supports are available for the student, if needed.
Biography
Adrienne has over 10 years of experience providing academic and social skills instruction to students with learning disabilities, Asperger’s Syndrome, and other autistic spectrum disorders. She has an M.A. in Counseling from NYU and and a B.A. in Psychology from Lafayette College. Adrienne has also completed the Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions.
Adrienne was previously the guidance counselor at Loyola School and at the Aaron School, a special education school in New York City. She currently works as the guidance counselor at Fordham Preparatory School with students in grades 9-12. Adrienne also co-founded Teenz in the City, a program for teenagers ages 12 to 18, designed to help refine their social skills and foster their independence.
Adrienne recently wrote pieces for both National Center for Learning Disabilities and Friends of Quinn.