WELLESLEY, MA · VIRTUAL NATIONWIDE
College admissions, one step at a time.
Independent college counseling, matched to each stage of the admissions process. In person in Wellesley, MA and virtual across the U.S.
20 minutes, by phone or Zoom
Independent college counseling, Wellesley, MA
HOW THIS WORKS
After years of doing comprehensive college counseling, I've learned that not every family needs the full package up front. Some students just need help with their college list, or a sounding board throughout the year. Book what makes sense for you right now and add more when you need it. Or schedule over the years for similar support to a comprehensive package.
SERVICES BY GRADE
Find the support that fits your family right now.
For sophomores, the year is about building, not deciding.
The work right now is academic alignment and developing interests at a deeper level. Light-touch support, no pressure.
See sophomore servicesFor juniors, the plan begins to take shape.
Testing, the first college list, campus visits, and the beginning of essay work. A calm, steady presence makes a difference.
See junior servicesFor seniors, this is the year for getting it done.
Finalizing the balanced list, completing applications, and navigating decisions thoughtfully with focused, strategic support.
See senior services
ABOUT BETSY
The college process can feel overwhelming. What I care most about is helping families move through it feeling proud, less stressed, and confident that their student is headed somewhere they’re excited about and where they truly belong.
I'm Betsy, an independent college counselor in Wellesley, MA. Before this work, I was a teacher, which shapes how I approach the college process. I have a B.S. in Education from Vanderbilt University, an M.Ed. from Mercer University, and a Certificate in College Counseling from Rice University. I'm also a professional member of the IECA and HECA.
I work with families in person from my home office in Wellesley, MA, and virtually with families located elsewhere. I love working in person when possible because face-to-face time can be helpful in building a strong working relationship with the family.
125+
Colleges and universities across the country where FutureFour students have earned acceptances.
Answers to what families ask most.
COMMON QUESTIONS
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A college counselor is worth it for families who want a knowledgeable guide through a process with many moving parts.
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You can begin at any time. I work with families as early as sophomore year and as late as the fall of senior year. Starting earlier tends to be calmer as it gives more time to plan, but later works too! The process can be fast-tracked when needed.
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FutureFour is organized as à la carte and bundled services rather than a single package. Families book what they need when they need it, or book over the years for the same support as a comprehensive package.
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I build college lists by starting with the student. We talk through academics, interests, goals, and what they want their college experience to feel like. I then research and present schools that fit those criteria across a range of selectivity levels.
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Most students apply to eight to twelve colleges. The right number depends on the student, the selectivity of the schools on the list, and how much time they have to write strong applications. Quality matters more than quantity.
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Sort of. Most schools that say they are test-optional really do consider applications without scores. But at many selective colleges, strong scores still help, especially for merit aid. Whether to submit depends on the school and the student.
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Merit scholarships can meaningfully reduce the cost of college. Some schools award them automatically; others require separate applications. When we build your college list, I factor in which schools are likely to offer merit aid to your student.
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Yes. Individual essay support, including personal statement coaching, supplement reviews, and an essay bootcamp, will be available starting Spring 2027 for the 2027-28 application cycle.
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Parents are involved as much or as little as makes sense for the family, and at the moments that matter most. You'll receive a detailed follow-up email after each student meeting with what we covered and the next steps. There are also dedicated parent conversations along the way, including times when it's helpful to talk through strategy or concerns without the student in the room. We work together to figure out what feels right for your family.
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I bring a calm, steady presence to a process that can feel overwhelming. Stress usually comes from not knowing what to focus on, when to focus, or whether you're behind. My job is to pace the work and name what actually matters at each stage.
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Yes. College admissions isn't just for students with top grades and test scores. Every student has strengths, interests, and experiences that shape a compelling application. I help families build balanced lists, find good-fit colleges, and showcase what makes their student strong.
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Yes. Many of the students I work with learn differently. Whether your student has an IEP, 504 plan, ADHD, dyslexia, executive functioning challenges, or other learning needs, I help identify colleges that offer the right academic support, accommodations, and overall fit so your student can thrive.
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Yes. The recruited athlete process has its own timeline, with earlier decisions and a separate communication flow with coaches. I help families navigate both the academic and athletic sides of the search.
LET’S TALK
Ready to figure out what your family needs?
A free 20-minute discovery call is the easiest way to begin. We'll talk through where your student is and what kind of support makes sense right now.