Grade-Level Advising Programs at Avalon College Advising
Avalon’s Grade-Level Advising Programs provide students with structured, expert guidance tailored to the stage of high school they’re in.
Whether you start with us as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, our advising program is designed to support you at every step—helping you build strong academic and extracurricular profiles, navigate the college admissions process, and ultimately submit applications that showcase your strengths.
When to Start: Earlier is Better, But Every Year Matters
No two students take the same path to college, which is why Avalon’s Grade-Level Advising Programs are designed to meet you where you’re at. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you have to build a strong academic and extracurricular foundation with expert guidance. While freshman and sophomore years focus on exploration and foundation-building, junior and senior years are when the most critical application work takes place.
Laying the Foundation
The Freshman Program focuses on self-discovery and early preparation. Students explore academic interests, develop strong study habits, and begin identifying extracurricular activities that align with their strengths and passions. This year sets the stage for deeper involvement in later years.
Key 1:1 meetings with an advisor
Activities exploration & planning
Academic coursework planning
Introduction to types of colleges
Summer planning
Building Momentum
The Sophomore Program builds on the foundation of freshman year, encouraging students to refine their interests and take on leadership roles. This is also a time to explore potential majors and begin researching colleges while strengthening academics and extracurriculars.
Key touchpoints with an advisor
Activities list development & leadership planning
Academic planning & course selection
Standardized testing strategies & preparation
Summer plans & experience-building
Resume development & initial self-assessment
Major selection & career exploration
Early discussions about college options
The Core College Process Begins
The Junior Program is where focused college planning begins. Students build their college list, finalize testing strategies, and start crafting their application story. This year is critical for preparing recommendation letters, researching and visiting schools, and ensuring all elements of the application process are in place.
Key touchpoints with an advisor
Activities list refinement
Academic planning & transcript review
Standardized testing plan
Summer planning for college preparation
Resume updates & additional self-assessment
Major selection & in-depth college research
College visits & demonstrated interest planning
Letters of recommendation requests
Application Season
The Senior Program is the final stretch of the college admissions journey. Students work intensively on their essays, finalize their college lists, and prepare strong applications. Advisors provide comprehensive support to ensure all materials are polished and submitted on time.
Key touchpoints with an advisor
Activities list finalization
Categorizing college list (Likely, Target, Reach)
Guidance on submission strategies, including Early Decision and Early Action
Brainstorming & reviewing college application essays
Personal statement & supplemental essay development, review, and revision
Final application review
Interview preparation & tips
No matter when you begin, Avalon’s advising adapts to your needs and timeline.
À La Carte College Planning Services
Every student’s college journey is different, and Avalon’s À La Carte College Planning Services provide personalized, strategic guidance tailored to your individual goals, strengths, and needs. Instead of a one-size-fits-all program, this service allows you to focus on the areas where you need the most support—from building a strong college list to perfecting your essays or finalizing applications.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining the final details, Avalon’s advisors will meet you where you are and provide expert support throughout the entire college admissions process.
How It Works
Customizable Support – Choose the areas where you need the most guidance.
Expert One-on-One Advising – Work with an advisor to develop a personalized plan.
Strategic & Holistic Approach – Get comprehensive support or targeted help in key areas.
Our À La Carte College Planning Services integrate all of Avalon’s expertise and resources into a flexible, structured plan that adapts to your needs.
No matter where you are in the process, Avalon’s advisors will develop a plan that fits your goals and timeline.
College Essay Support
Your college essays are more than just words on a page—they tell your story, showcase your personality, and help admissions officers understand who you are beyond grades and test scores. Avalon’s College Application Essay Support provides personalized, one-on-one guidance to help students craft essays that highlight their strengths and unique experiences.
Whether you're working on the Personal Statement, UC Personal Insight Questions, or Supplemental Essays, our advisors offer expert brainstorming, structured feedback, and detailed reviews to ensure your essays make an impact.
How It Works
One-on-One Brainstorming – Work with an advisor to identify compelling essay topics.
Guided Drafting & Editing – Receive expert feedback at every stage of the writing process.
Comprehensive Essay Review – Ensure your essays are clear, engaging, and aligned with application requirements.
Avalon’s essay support is designed to help students at every stage of the writing process.
No matter where you are in the writing process, Avalon’s advisors will help you craft compelling, authentic essays that strengthen your college applications.
“Thank you again for all of your wisdom and support! We are grateful.”
Transfer Student, 2024
“I have officially gotten all my college decisions back and I just wanted to give you guys a huge thank you for all the help you’ve given me the past three years. I am honestly shocked at some of these acceptances, but I know I had an amazing team behind me making sure my applications were absolutely perfect before sending them in.”
Class of ‘23 Student
"I really enjoyed learning more about myself and writing essays!”
Class of '23 Student
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help these past few months with my college apps and especially my personal statement. To be honest, your help with that specific essay was definitely a main contributing factor to my acceptance, so thanks again”
Class of ‘24 Student
