APPLYING TO COLLEGE: GOING THROUGH THE ARCHWAY . . .

I love looking through and wandering through archways and gates everywhere I travel, not just on college campuses.  These represent new vistas, new adventures.  This is what the college experience should be about:  personal discovery, not a brand name.

You might not necessarily be hoping to attend a college or university with Gothic architecture -- but you do want new adventures and an enjoyable college or university experience.  

That, in essence, is what the college search-and-application process is supposed to be about:  discovering who you are at this point and taking yourself to a place where you can be challenged, inspired, and fulfilled.  If you can approach the process with that perspective -- and not "I have to get into X in order to have a good life" -- then you will feel less stressed and more balanced.  

I have worked both as an admission officer at a major university and as a college counselor at several secondary schools.  My extensive experience means that I have worked on what is referred to as "both sides of the desk" -- I have seen what works, and can use my knowledge to assist you.

My approach to counseling is friendly, sensible, and practical.  I cannot promise to "get you in" anywhere specific -- no counselor or consultant can absolutely give you a 100% guarantee of this -- but this is what I can do: 
  • help you to create a realistic college list that you can be excited about 
  • guide you in presenting yourself as an effective applicant
  • tell you really what to look for on campus visits
  • prepare you for successful admissions interviews 
  • show you step-by-step suggestions to make the application process much less stressful than you might be led to believe
As an English teacher and published author, I can show you how to write a compelling essay/personal statement that will convey your genuine self.  This is a crucial part of your college application.  And I can guide you in making your essay-writing not only effective but pleasurable. 

Please see the "How do we begin?" page for information on getting things started . . .


A RECOGNIZED NAME IN THE PROFESSION:
Dr. Gabin has led sessions at national and regional college admissions conferences. She writes the "Ask the College Counselor" column at www.insideschools.org where you can find her advice.  In addition, she was interviewed in 2012 for a feature on college admissions on WNYC, New York's National Public Radio station, has been featured in the West Side Spirit newspaper (NYC), and has offered public seminars at the Chapel Hill (NC) and Orange County (NC) Public Libraries.