When to Begin

We can begin our work together at various times.

An ideal time to begin working with me is during the middle or end of the student’s sophomore year or the summer immediately following. Some families are ready to seek my guidance during the student’s junior year and, for those families, starting then can work well.

Ideally, college visits should begin by winter of junior year. Working with me beforehand enables me to begin to get to know the student, educate the student and parents, implement my curriculum and develop at least a targeted preliminary list of colleges to consider for those visits.

Starting during the sophomore year is very helpful for those families that want to start visiting colleges before winter of the student’s junior year. It also enables me to guide the student with course selection for the important junior year and more time to implement your testing plan, if applicable. Students who are anticipating applying to highly selective schools may want to begin early.

Other times to initiate a first contact with me are any time that the student or parents feel the need for professional input and review. Given both my availability and the work to be done, however, keep in mind that the summer going into the student’s senior year will be too late to start working with me comprehensively.

The CEP is the Certified Educational Planner which Jane holds, and is the mark of distinction for independent educational consultants and high school counselors.

Jane Hoffman is a Certified Educational Planner (CEP). The CEP is the mark of distinction for independent educational consultants and high school counselors. It reflects the highest level of professional achievement and signifies extensive knowledge and commitment to the profession and to providing the highest quality of service to students and families. It is conferred only after demonstration of expanded institutional and professional knowledge.

CEPIECANACACJane Hoffman is an active member of a number of professional associations in college admissions and counseling, including the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP), the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Jane is a graduate of IECA’s Practices and Principles Training Institute and adheres to IECA’s Principles of Good Practice. Since it is important to remain current, Jane frequently attends national conferences and participate in professional exchanges that provide the latest information on admission policies, practices, trends and developments. Jane regularly visit colleges and meets with admissions officers to learn about each school’s culture, educational programs, institutional priorities and admissions practices. Ongoing professional development activities also include taking courses online, completing webinars and consulting with colleagues.