Educational Advising and College Admission Counseling

A Team Approach

At Marks Education, we are a team through and through. Every dedicated counselor, tutor, and essay specialist you work with is committed to the active practice of sharing information. While college admission is competitive, our team thrives on collaboration.

No matter which counselor you work with face-to-face, you also will be receiving the knowledge, guidance, and up-to-the-moment data tracking that every member of the team brings to the table. Some of us are former admissions officers. Some of us are former teachers. All of us are devoted to sharing our years of collective wisdom and experience to help each individual student find their voice and put their best, most authentic self into their applications.

A Tailored Approach

We know there is no such thing as “one size fits all” (especially when it comes to the college admissions process), which is why we offer one-on-one admission counseling and educational advising, customized to suit the needs of each student and family. From a single hourly session to a year-long package, we work with our clients to make an effective, efficient plan for their academic success and long-term educational goals.

Educational Planning Services and Fees by Grade

Pre-High School (8th Grade)

Hourly Consulting

Work one-on-one with a counselor for advice and consultation on best-fit choices for high school and appropriate rigor of curriculum. Pre-high school counseling is useful for students who want to get a head start on making the most of their individual high school experience.

Fee: $450/hour for a Counselor, $1,000/hour for Nina Marks and Team. Billed in 15-minute increments after 1 hour.

*Nina’s availability is limited, especially during busier months.

9th and 10th Combined Packages

9th and 10th Combined Package

(10 hours of tailored support, spaced throughout the student’s 9th and 10th-grade years.)

We recognize the value of building relationships early in a student’s high school career, so we created this special package that spans 9th and 10th grades to meet the increasing interest we have seen from our clients in starting the academic journey early. Work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor who will help guide and empower you through the first half of high school and all the academic concerns that arise along the way. We tailor the 10 hours to fit your needs, which can include:

  • Reviewing transcripts, grade reports, teacher comments, and test scores
  • Planning an appropriately challenging curriculum across the next four years
  • Setting goals for each of your classes
  • Building strong study habits
  • Advising on and creating a timeline for test preparation
  • Helping you choose the extracurriculars and summer programs that fit your individual profile

Fee: $3,500 for a Counselor for the July 2023-June 2025 contract years.

9th Grade

Fundamentals Package

(4 hours of tailored support, spaced throughout the academic year.)

Work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor who will help guide and empower you through your 9th grade year and all the academic concerns that arise along the way. We tailor the 4 hours to fit your needs, which can include:

  • Reviewing transcripts, grade reports, teacher comments, and test scores
  • Planning an appropriately challenging curriculum across the next four years
  • Setting goals for each of your classes
  • Building strong study habits
  • Advising on test preparation
  • Helping you choose the extracurriculars and summer programs that fit your individual profile

Fee: $1,750 for a Counselor for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Hourly Consulting

Work one-on-one with a counselor for advice and consultation, including up to 15 minutes of complimentary meeting preparation time (document review, research, etc.). Consulting is useful for students who need advice for a few targeted concerns, or it is a great option for students in early high school who want to establish a relationship with a counselor before enrolling in a package.

Fee: $450/hour for a Counselor, $1,000/hour for Nina Marks and Team.* Billed in 15-minute increments after 1 hour.

*Nina’s availability is limited, especially during busier months.

 

10th Grade

Comprehensive Package

Work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor who will help guide and empower you through every step of your 10th grade year and all the academic concerns that arise along the way, which can include:

  • Reviewing transcripts, grade reports, teacher comments, and test scores
  • Planning an appropriately challenging curriculum across the next three years
  • Setting goals for each of your classes
  • Building strong study habits
  • Creating a timeline for test preparation
  • Helping you choose the extracurriculars and summer programs that fit your individual profile

Your dedicated counselor will provide tailored support for you throughout your 10th-grade year, AND you also will receive backup support and knowledge from the entire team; we confer weekly to discuss the best practices for our individual clients. We conduct a full analysis of the scope and sequence of your curriculum. We help you navigate the complexities of standardized testing (SAT, ACT, APs) in the evolving test-optional admissions landscape. After each meeting, we memorialize the conversation and send a list of action items, and throughout the year, we are available to answer questions that might arise.

Fee: $5,000 for a Counselor for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Fundamentals Package

(6 hours of tailored support, spaced throughout the academic year.)

Work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor who will help guide and empower you through your 10th-grade year and all the academic concerns that arise along the way. We tailor the 6 hours to fit your needs, which can include:

  • Reviewing transcripts, grade reports, teacher comments, and test scores
  • Planning an appropriately challenging curriculum across the next three years
  • Setting goals for each of your classes
  • Building strong study habits
  • Creating a timeline for test preparation
  • Helping you choose the extracurriculars and summer programs that fit your individual profile

Fee: $2,500 for a Counselor for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Hourly Consulting

Work one-on-one with a counselor for advice and consultation, including up to 15 minutes of complimentary meeting preparation time (document review, research, etc.). Consulting is useful for students who need advice for a few targeted concerns, or it is a great option for students who want to establish a relationship with a counselor before enrolling in a package.

Fee: $450/hour for a Counselor, $1,000/hour for Nina Marks and Team.*

*Nina’s availability is limited, especially during busier months.

11th Grade

Comprehensive Package

Work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor who will help guide and empower you through every step of your 11th grade year, as you begin to navigate the college application process. We are here to provide advice on all the complexities, which can include:

  • Building a customized college list, as well as planning and debriefing college visits
  • Advising on appropriately rigorous 11th and 12th grade curriculum choices
  • Creating an individualized timeline for standardized testing
  • Helping you choose the extracurriculars and summer programs that fit your individual profile
  • Helping you select the teachers who will write the best letters of recommendation for you
  • If applicable, navigating athletic recruitment and/or helping you build an artistic profile

Your dedicated counselor will provide tailored support for you throughout your 11th grade year, AND you also will receive backup support and knowledge from the entire team; we confer weekly to discuss the best practices for our individual clients. We conduct a full analysis of the scope and sequence of your curriculum. We help you identify key priorities to refine best-fit college choices and focus on distinguishing interests and strengths. We use forward planning to avoid avoidable stress. After each meeting, we memorialize the conversation and send a list of action items, and throughout the year, we are available to answer questions that might arise.

Fee: $7,000 for a Counselor for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Fundamentals Package

(8 hours of tailored support spaced throughout the academic year.)

Work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor who will help guide and empower you through your 11th grade year, as you begin to navigate the college application process. We tailor the 8 hours to fit your needs, which can include:

  • Building a customized college list, as well as planning and debriefing college visits
  • Advising on appropriately rigorous 11th and 12th grade curriculum choices
  • Creating an individualized timeline for standardized testing
  • Helping you choose the extracurriculars and summer programs that fit your individual profile
  • Helping you select the teachers who will write the best letters of recommendation for you
  • If applicable, navigating athletic recruitment and/or helping you build an artistic profile

Fee: $3,500 for a Counselor for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Hourly Consulting

Work one-on-one with a counselor for advice and consultation, including up to 15 minutes of complimentary meeting preparation time (document review, research, etc.). Consulting is useful for students who need advice for a few targeted concerns, or it is a great option for students who want to establish a relationship with a counselor before enrolling in a package.

Fee: $450/hour for a Counselor,* $1,000/hour for Nina Marks and Team.* Billed in 15-minute increments after 1 hour.

*Nina’s availability is limited, especially during busier months.

12th Grade

Comprehensive Package

Work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor from our team, who will help guide and empower you through every part of the college application process, including:

  • Building your college list
  • Devising an Early Decision and/or Early Action application strategy
  • Creating a timeline for submitting your applications
  • Brainstorming, editing, and reviewing all your college essays
  • Providing a comprehensive, detailed review of your college applications
  • Helping you prepare for admission interviews

Your dedicated counselor will provide tailored support for you throughout your 12th grade year, AND you also will receive backup support and knowledge from the entire team; we confer weekly to discuss the best practices for our individual clients. Every year, over 90% of our students receive good news in the early admissions rounds, but whether you get into your first-choice school in the winter or need help re-strategizing in the new year, you know you have the guidance and wisdom of your dedicated counselor (and the entire team) behind you.

Fee: $9,500 for a Counselor for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Fundamentals Package

(10 hours of application strategy and essay support.)

Work one-on-one with a dedicated counselor who will help guide and empower you through the aspects of the college application process that you need the most help with. We tailor the 10 hours to your needs, which can include:

  • Building your college list
  • Devising an Early Decision and/or Early Action application strategy
  • Creating a timeline for submitting your applications
  • Brainstorming, editing, and reviewing your personal statement and select supplemental essays
  • Providing a detailed review of your college applications
  • Helping you prepare for admission interviews

Your dedicated counselor will provide 10 hours of tailored support, AND you also will receive backup support and knowledge from the entire team; we confer weekly to discuss the best practices for our individual clients.

Fee: $4,500 for a Counselor for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Essay and Application Package

Work one-on-one with an essay specialist who will guide and empower you through the process of writing your personal statement (Personal Statement for Common Application, UCAS, or UC Essay Prompts) and proofread your Common Application Activities’ List. Your essay specialist will work by your side through the entire essay process from brainstorming ideas to a final, polished product that highlights your unique character, so you can submit your applications confidently. Essay packages are geared toward students who know where they want to apply to college but need a hand when it comes to making their essay shine.

Essay Package: $1,500 for an Essay Specialist for the June 2023-July 2024 contract year.

Hourly Consulting

Work one-on-one with a counselor for advice and consultation, including up to 15 minutes of complimentary meeting preparation time (document review, research, etc.) Consulting is useful for 12 grade students who need advice for a few targeted concerns on their college list/application strategy.

Fee: $450/hour for a Counselor,* $1,000/hour for Nina Marks and Team.** Billed in 15-minute increments after 1 hour.

*A counselor’s availability may be limited, especially during busier months. 

**Nina’s availability is limited, especially during busier months.

Hourly Essay and Application Review

Work one-on-one with an essay specialist who can provide tailored support with editing and reviewing your completed college essay drafts and proofreading your Common Application Activities’ List. Services include detailed revision notes and optional virtual meetings to discuss your essay. Minimum 1 hour to start, then billed in 15-minute increments.

Fee: $300/hour for an Essay Specialist.

 

College Transfer Services


College Transfer

Comprehensive

Work one-on-one with Robert Clark, who will help guide and empower you through every part of your transfer application process, including:

  • Building your college list
  • Creating a timeline for submitting your applications and supporting materials
  • Brainstorming, editing, and reviewing all your application essays
  • Providing a comprehensive, detailed review of your Common Application

Robert will provide comprehensive, strategic, and structured support for you throughout the application process. As the application process can be confusing, he assists students in using forward planning to avoid avoidable stress in the tracking of so many different deadlines and application requirements. As a team, we confer weekly to discuss the best practices for our individual clients, so you know you have the guidance and wisdom of your dedicated counselor (and the entire team) behind you.

Fee: $9,500 for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Fundamentals

(10 hours of application strategy and essay support)

This service with Robert Clark includes tailored support for supplemental essays and the Common Application, critical opportunities for students to showcase their backgrounds, interests, and passions. The service typically begins with a one-hour meeting to analyze the student’s current priorities and create a strategic application approach; however, the 10 hours can be tailored to your needs, which can include:

  • Building your college list
  • Creating a timeline for submitting your applications
  • Brainstorming, editing, and reviewing your personal statement and select supplemental essays
  • Providing a detailed review of your applications

You will also receive backup support and knowledge from the entire team; we confer weekly to discuss the best practices for our individual clients.

Fee: $4,500 for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Hourly

Work one-on-one with Robert Clark  for advice and consultation, including up to 15 minutes of complimentary meeting preparation time (document review, research, etc.). Consulting is useful for college students who need advice for a few targeted concerns with their transfer application process. Hourly consulting provides you with just the service you need, when you need it.*

Fee: $450/hour, billed in 15-minute increments after 1 hour.

*Please note, availability may be limited during busier months.

Learn more about our college transfer services.

Graduate School Educational Planning


Graduate and Professional Educational Planning

Comprehensive Graduate Educational Planning

We work with college students and graduates who are applying to law schools, post-baccalaureate premedical programs, medical schools, business schools, and other graduate programs. When you enroll for Graduate Services, you begin with an initial conversation about your goals, priorities, and strengths, as well as the factors involved in graduate school admission decisions.

We will then help you target strategic choices and differentiate yourself to make your application more compelling. We also will discuss your plan and preparation for appropriate standardized tests and help you select the best individuals to provide recommendations. As you complete your applications, we will provide detailed feedback on personal statements and accompanying essays. We will also help you prepare for any interviews and follow-up with admissions committees. Learn more about our graduate educational planning services.

Graduate Comprehensive

Work one-on-one with Nisha Sardella, who will help guide and empower you through every part of the college application process, including:

  • Building your graduate school list
  • Devising an application timeline and creating a strategy for submitting applications in a timely manner
  • Brainstorming, editing, and reviewing all your essays and your résumé
  • Providing a comprehensive, detailed review of your applications
  • Helping you prepare for admission interviews

This package provides a comprehensive, strategic, and structured approach throughout the graduate application process. We gather current, accurate information on admission statistics and profiles, to help students select best-fit graduate programs and, when appropriate, identify a first choice. We then tailor a comprehensive strategy to highlight and differentiate each applicant’s authentic strengths, even in the most competitive pools. We help applicants to complete excellent submissions, present polished résumés, and prepare for interviews. As the application process can be complex, we assist students in remaining organized throughout the year, including tracking deadlines and application requirements, using forward planning to avoid avoidable stress.

In addition to tailored support from your counselor throughout your application cycle year, you will also receive backup support and knowledge from our entire team. We confer weekly to discuss the best practices for our individual clients.

Fees for the 2023-2024 application cycle:

  • $9,500 for law school admission services
  • $10,500 for business and PHD program admission services
  • $15,000 for medical school admission services (covering the multi-part process up to 20 months: Committee Letter process, AMCAS application, secondary essays, interview preparation, and waitlist follow-up)
  • Please inquire for joint degree application services (e.g. JD/MBA, JD/PhD or MBA/PhD, JD/MPP or MBA/MPP)

*Depending on the intended graduate program, intensive work associated with an individual application process may begin as early as spring 2023 or may conclude as late as summer 2024.

Graduate Fundamentals 

(10 hours of application strategy and essay support.)

Work one-on-one with Nisha Sardella, who will help guide and empower you through the aspects of the graduate application process that you need the most help with. We tailor the 10 hours to your needs, which can include:

  • Building your graduate school list
  • Devising an application timeline and creating a strategy for submitting applications in a timely manner
  • Brainstorming, editing, and reviewing all your essays and your résumé
  • Providing a comprehensive, detailed review of your applications
  • Helping you prepare for admission interviews

You will receive 10 hours of tailored support from your counselor, as well as backup support and knowledge from the entire team. We confer weekly to discuss the best practices for our individual clients.

Fee: $4,500 for the July 2023-June 2024 contract year.

Hourly Consulting

Work one-on-one with Nisha Sardella for advice and consultation, including up to 15 minutes of complimentary meeting preparation time (document review, research, etc.). Consulting is useful for college students planning ahead for graduate school, applicants needing advice for a few targeted concerns, or for those who want to establish a relationship with a counselor before enrolling in a package.*

Fee: $450/hour. Billed in 15-minute increments after 1 hour.

*Please note, availability may be limited during busier months. 


Connect with us.

 

93% of our Seniors in Early Decision I and II, Early Action, and/or Rolling admissions pools have received acceptances.

 

2023 Early Application Acceptances

Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Another year, another round of colleges reporting record-setting early pools. This is a trend we’ve been watching for the last few years, and it is still not showing signs of slowing down. We will have a full post on the data in the coming weeks. For our seniors, they… Read more »

Tips for AP Spanish Language and Culture

Tips for AP Spanish Language and Culture If you’re thinking about taking the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam this year, ¡excelente! You’ve come to the right place. The key is to start to study early and to practice often, and we can help! Exam Date: Wednesday May 10, 8 AM Local Exam Format: Section… Read more »

Lit

Tips for the AP Literature Exam

Tips for the AP Literature Exam Prepping for the AP Literature exam in May? We can help! First, the basics: Exam Date: Wednesday May 3, 2023, 8 AM Local Exam Format: Section I: Multiple Choice 55 Questions 1 hour 45% of score Includes 5 sets of questions with 8–13 questions per set. Each set is… Read more »

Tips for Preparing for the AP Language and Composition Exam

Tips for Preparing for the AP Language and Composition Exam The AP Language & Composition exam can be intimidating because unlike other exams, it’s not just a test of knowledge. To succeed, you must become an effective close-reader, a persuasive writer, and even an engaging storyteller. This can’t be done overnight, but don’t worry! There… Read more »