Services | College Counseling

Counseling Services

Medina College Counseling offers hourly counseling, as well several package plans depending on the needs of the family. Laila works with students locally, around the country and with international students. Please contact Laila to schedule an initial consultation.

Services for 9th and 10th Grade Students:

Get to know the student early.
Help make high school course selection for sophomore, junior and senior years -- a four year plan.
Help students identify and explore appropriate summer camps, programs, volunteer activities, internships, jobs and travel.
Assist with summer applications, as needed.
Discuss opportunities that maximize students’ interests and their preparation for college.
Plan schedule for taking SAT, ACT, AP's and SAT Subject Tests and recommend test preparation methods.
Help prepare initial student resume.

Services for 11th Grade Students:

Maximize all-important junior year.
Review the student’s academic transcript and extracurricular profile.
Determine appropriate course selection for junior and senior years.
Plan schedule for taking SAT, ACT, AP's and SAT Subject Tests and recommend test prep.
Refer students to qualified tutors, as necessary.
Generate preliminary list of colleges to explore and visit.
Guide families in planning productive and informative visits to colleges.
Advise student athletes regarding recruitment opportunities and procedures.
Evaluate extracurricular activities, leadership roles and interests.
Help students identify and explore appropriate summer programs, internships, jobs, community service activities and cultural travel.
Assist with summer applications, as needed.
Discuss which teachers to ask for recommendation letters.
Evaluate opportunities that maximize students’ interests and their preparation for college.
Continue development of student resume.

Services for 12th Grade Students:

Stay strong senior year.
Review the student’s academic transcript and extracurricular profile.
Plan schedule for taking remaining standardized tests during senior year, if applicable.
Assess senior year course selection with an eye toward the student’s current college aspirations.
Organize timelines and discuss requirements for college application process.
Conduct in-depth evaluation of college preferences with student and parents.
Refine college choices, and create a balanced list of “likely, target and reach” schools.
Identify appropriate Early Action and Early Decision options.
Brainstorm essay topics and ideas for applications.
- Provide detailed feedback and editing to improve the presentation of each student’s unique character, abilities and interests.
Provide guidance on soliciting teacher and guidance counselor recommendations.
Assist students and parents in applying for financial aid.
Advise students regarding merit scholarship opportunities.
Prepare students for college admissions and scholarship interviews.
Devise appropriate method of “follow-up” with colleges to determine that all components of the application have been received.
Advise students regarding appropriate communication to admissions office after receipt of a “deferred” or a “waitlist” decision.
Discuss final college selection after all acceptances are received, including evaluation of financial aid packages.
Celebrate with students and families after final decisions have been made.

Services for 8th grade students applying to independent high schools:

Evaluate different high schools to determine where student would thrive.
Help prepare application and essays. Develop testing strategy and recommend test prep.

Medina College Counseling Services:

As an independent college counselor Laila Hilfinger offers personal advising for students and their parents who wish to increase their knowledge and confidence as they move through the college application process. She conducts an initial family meeting and the student and parents are encouraged to communicate with her at any point in the admissions process – by phone, electronically or in person.

The college application process can be strenuous and all-consuming. Laila will help organize the process for families and enjoys offering information and strategic advice and simply providing reassurance and calm. Laila's approach ensures that every step of the process is met with wisdom, perspective and a sense of humor so that each student and family successfully meets the admissions challenge.