Whether your high schooler is still deciding if college is right for them or they are looking at the Ivy Leagues, there are numerous programs in the area that could be a huge help as they navigate the intimidating process of college preparedness.
If you’re looking for overall academic guidance
For families looking for all-around guidance on the ins and outs of the college search, admissions, and financial aid processes, a full-scale program like Class 101 College Planning can be incredibly beneficial. The Ballwin location of the franchise opened five years ago. The service helps students find a college that is the right fit for them, increase their test scores, and stay ahead of the application process.
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“I’m not sure there are a lot of college-planning companies in the area that do everything we do,” says Gary Jones, College Planning Advisor at Class 101. “We help them find the right schools, not just academically, but socially, geographically, and financially. We help them find the right majors; we help with the applications, writing essays, and preparing for tests. We help coordinate college visits and help them find scholarships. We even work with them to keep their grades up and plan extracurricular activities.”
Jones noted that with a full-scale college-planning service such as Class 101, students have the chance to work with someone who not only knows the college process, but also knows them, too.
“You have one person who understands the bigger picture. As we get to know a student better, we can recommend schools and majors that may be a good fit,” Jones says.
If you’re looking for standardized-test tutoring
Standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT are often a major stressor for students and their families as they begin to consider colleges. Services like Darr Tutoring, run by Matt Darr, can be the solution. Darr tutors are current and former teachers and graduate students. They offer one-on-one coaching, as well as in-person and virtual test-prep classes.
“We work with students and families wherever they are to meet whatever their needs are throughout the process,” Darr says. “Some students may need something small, like one or two sessions with our college counselor, and others want help with the whole process, from test prep to guidance.”
Darr also works with families to ensure they understand the importance of commitment to the test-prep process, noting kids should treat it like an extracurricular activity or sport in order to get the best outcome.
“I think families should be aware that prepping for the ACT or SAT takes time; it takes work,” Darr says. “The student needs to be willing to do some homework and put in some practice. The more practice they do, the better chance they have to get a better result.”
If you’re a first-generation student
Another such program is College Bound, a nonprofit that aims to empower first-generation and low-income students as they navigate the journey of applying to and succeeding in college.
“We aim to give students the blueprint,” says WyKeshia Atkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships at College Bound. “We want our students to be comfortable and confident with the idea of going to college.”
The program implements a “to and through” model, meaning the program does not officially end for each student until they graduate college. Atkins explains the College Bound organization believes it’s vital to take a holistic approach to the college prep process.
“We offer ACT support and on-site tutoring, as well as mental health support and stability services,” Atkins says. “Our students face different sets of struggles, so we work one-on-one with families to meet their needs.”
The WashU College Prep Program is another no-cost program geared toward first-generation college students that starts when students are in ninth grade. The program provides immersive learning experiences and customized support for students throughout their high school experience.
“What’s especially unique is our commitment to the St. Louis community,” says Tashanna R. Stanciel, Director of the WashU College Prep Program. “We’ve built meaningful partnerships and relationships across the region, like with the Fabulous Fox Theatre, where scholars go behind the scenes to connect arts and education, and with WashU faculty who offer hands-on experiences in fields like neuroscience and business.”
The program, like many others in the area, focuses on development both inside and outside of the classroom.
“From critical thinking and self-advocacy to leadership development and understanding, we aim to build well-rounded scholars who are ready for college and beyond,” Stanciel says.
If you’re looking for a program that goes beyond the classroom
Another university-based program in the area that comes at no cost to families is the UMSL Bridge Program, which has been around since 1986. UMSL Bridge is available for all students, regardless of school, background, or economic status.
“Our goal is to make sure our students have a seamless transition from high school to college,” says Executive Director Channon Peoples. “We want to make sure our students are multifaceted and can showcase the best of what St. Louis has to offer.”
The program is known for their Summer Academy and Saturday Academy programs, but it also offers more niche programs such as the “Future Teacher Leadership Academy.” Across their programs, which serve 4,000 students and families annually, UMSL Bridge works to provide both academic and career readiness workshops for both middle and high school students.
“We make sure our students are well-versed in areas outside the classroom and teach soft skills that go beyond academics,” Peoples says. “Our students take classes in math, science, and writing, but they also participate in career and personal development workshops that cover mental health, self esteem, stress management, and cultural diversity and enrichment.”
Peoples recommends that students and their families check out the variety of college prep programs available so that they can find the best fit for them.
“Look at the benefits of participation for each program, while also weighing what the requirements are,” Peoples says. “It depends on what a student’s needs are and what they’re able to commit because every college prep program offers something different.”
