It’s never too early to arrange a comprehensive session for parents alone, or for the student and parents together. Our personalized college counseling for families with middle school students uses a proactive and positive approach to help you understand that the decisions you make now will greatly influence the course of the high school years and later in college. This approach reduces stress and frees precious family time and resources by taking the steps that truly count now.

Middle school classes set the foundation for high school coursework and the high school academic record is the heart of the college application. Each year national surveys of colleges and universities demonstrate that the quality of high school coursework and pattern of grades remain among the most important factors in college success.

Families that start early can capitalize on opportunities to help their child make the most of the middle school experience, and learn how choices made now affect how colleges view you later.

A working session is arranged with families to identify appropriate middle school courses and create a tentative college preparatory 4-year plan in high school. The meeting also helps to identify fun and meaningful activities for the school years and summer months.

All sessions are currently held online.

At the Middle School Working Session, families:

  • Discuss needs, concerns, and questions of student and parents
  • Review academic and social history; discuss academic goals and family priorities
  • Review middle school classes that prepare the student for college preparatory coursework in high school; suggest enrichment, if needed
  • Review high school coursework recommended for selective college admissions
  • Design a 4-year high school plan (best suited for 7th and 8th grade students)
  • Discuss extracurricular activities; learn how to deepen and document involvement
  • Develop a positive and proactive plan for students with special needs and talents
  • Review the basics of financial planning for college (expanded session available for parents only)

Additional sessions are available to families with children who have special needs and who seek expanded guidance in making the transition from middle school to high school.

Contact Doing College to set up a complimentary session with Dr. Elizabeth LaScala; she will provide a preliminary assessment of your candidacy and discuss services that meet your needs and interests.

Doing College offers educational consulting services to students and their parents in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and greater California, as well as nationally and internationally.

“Elizabeth, the information you provided at last evening’s session was very helpful. You have provided us with a roadmap for high school, and for that we thank you! We will keep in touch for advice as our child progresses through her high school years.”

Krishnas Family
Middle School Session for 8th Grader

“After helping Olivia get into Stanford, Elizabeth is now working with our second daughter, Victoria. Elizabeth has a special way with children. She is exciting and fun to work with. She knows how to uplift children’s spirits and motivate them to do their best. She is enthusiastic, yet disciplined in the way she works. She really cares and my daughter knows it. We think anyone who has the opportunity to work with Elizabeth should do it! If you want your children to succeed, and who doesn’t, we would strongly recommend they work with Elizabeth for academic counseling and college advising early on in the middle school years, before problems develop.”

Dale and Alan Morgan
Daughter, Olivia, Stanford University
Daughter, Victoria, UC Santa Cruz

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