By Marc C. Shaffer
As parents, it can feel like the years fly by.
One day, your child is starting kindergarten, and the next, you are talking about college visits, applications, and financial aid.
For many families, the process of preparing for college can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Over the years, we have had the privilege of working alongside families who partnered with Anne Ingersoll of College Bound Associates, and the experience has been nothing short of wonderful.
A Student-Centered Approach
Anne has been guiding students and their families through the college admissions process for over 20 years.
Her approach is refreshingly personal and student-centered. Rather than applying a “one size fits all” formula, she meets each student where they are and helps them discover the path that feels right for them. She listens, encourages, and keeps the process grounded in what truly matters, not in the noise of social media or the pressure of comparison.
At Searcy Financial® Services and Allos Investment Advisors, we often talk about how financial planning is not just about numbers. It is about aligning money with what matters most in your life. College planning is no different. It is about helping students and families make wise choices that lead to opportunities, growth, and confidence in the future.
Trust That Lasts Through the Years
We have seen firsthand how College Bound Associates’ work brings peace of mind to families.
One client had such a good experience with Anne as a college consultant that she has now worked with all of her children. Anne guided their oldest to the University of Cincinnati, their second to the University of Southern California, and now the family is excited to see where the youngest will decide to go.
That kind of long-term trust and partnership speaks volumes about the value College Bound Associates brings to families walking through the college admissions process. Even though the company is not located near our headquarters in Kansas City, they have helped many of our clients in the area and continue to serve students nationwide. With the ability to work virtually and tailor the process to each student, geography has never been a limitation.
Services Designed to Support Students
College consultants offer a wide range of services designed to meet students where they are and help them navigate the often overwhelming college planning journey:
- Regularly Scheduled Appointments
The grade level of the student determines how often a consultant meets with them. With College Bound Associates, meetings are typically held virtually to keep the process consistent and convenient. - Academic Guidance
Anne helps students make informed decisions about high school courses and set realistic goals that align with the caliber of colleges they are considering. - Resume Development
College Bound Associates assists students in creating an activity resume that highlights extracurriculars, leadership, and achievements, which can be especially important in interviews, applications, and even athletic or arts opportunities. - College List Development
With guidance, students build a thoughtful list of potential schools that are realistic, challenging, and tailored to their unique needs and goals. This list evolves as interests shift or after campus visits. - College Visit and Interview Preparation
Anne helps prepare students for admissions interviews and supports families in making the most of campus visits, treating them much like job interviews where preparation is key. - ACT and SAT Guidance
College Bound Associates advises on the best timing for standardized testing and ensures deadlines are not missed. While they do not provide test prep, they connect families with trusted tutors when needed. - Career Exploration
Every student has unique gifts and interests. As a college consultant, Anne helps identify career paths to explore and encourages experiences like job shadowing to provide clarity and direction. - Admission and Scholarship Applications
From college applications to merit-based or talent-based scholarship paperwork, a college consultant helps families stay organized, avoid missed deadlines, and successfully complete the necessary steps. - Financial Aid Services
College can be expensive, and scholarships often do not cover all costs. Consultants help families explore financial aid options to ensure funding is manageable.
Why the Student Relationship Matters
It is important to note that Anne’s relationship is with the student, not the parent.
While parents are partners in the process, the focus is on helping the student take ownership of their future. That is one of the reasons we suggest families wait until the student is ready and interested in engaging before beginning work with Anne.
When the student is invested, the process becomes more meaningful, effective, and empowering.
When to Begin the Process
If you are a parent of a high school student, you might be wondering when to reach out.
From what we have seen, the best time to start is often sophomore or junior year of high school, though some families begin earlier to allow for more guidance on course selection and activities. The key is making sure the timing is right for your student.
Guidance You Can Trust
For us, working with College Bound Consultants and referring families to them has been a joy because they help take a stressful, high-stakes season of life and turns it into an organized, thoughtful, and student-focused journey. They have the experience, the intuition, and the heart to guide families through the process with confidence and peace of mind.
If you would like to learn more, we encourage you to visit the website at College Bound Associates. And as always, if you would like to talk through the financial side of planning for college, we are here to help.
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions, which may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by others in the firm, and are meant for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. is not compensated by this vendor, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.