Frequently Asked Questions...

Q. Why do I need D.A.Blodger & Associates if my child is receiving guidance at their school?

A. D.A.Blodger & Associates supplements the guidance you receive from your school. Unlike any school guidance office, our services are individually tailored to your family's needs. We are available throughout the process for personal meetings and unlimited telephone and e-mail contact which allows for early planning and organization. This comprehensive preparation enables your family to adequately assess school choices by fall of senior year to consider early decision options.

Q. Is D.A.Blodger & Associates just for those heading for the Ivy League?

A. Absolutely not. D.A.Blodger & Associates assists Ivy League bound students as well as those seeking other schools throughout the country.  Remember, our goal is to try and match your student to the “best-fit” college for them.

Q. What if parents have specific parameters on college selection?

A. D.A.Blodger & Associates is sensitive to the needs and values of your entire family in the college admissions process. For example, some families prefer that their children stay on the West Coast; some seek to avoid major metropolitan areas, some only want a private college. Before we get to the stage of developing a list for college visits, we first get a sense of both the student’s and the parents’ interests with respect to college selection. We also try to encourage an open mind in the process. There are many fabulous schools that may not be on a family’s short list, but may well be a perfect fit for the student.

Q. If my child just has good, but not great test scores and grades, how can D.A.Blodger & Associates benefit me?

A. We will work to enhance every aspect of your academic, testing and extracurricular profile and, at the same time, focus on the many schools within your existing profile to achieve both college admissions success and happiness in your college selection. D.A.Blodger & Associates students present themselves in the absolutely best light possible for admission.

Q. When is the ideal time to begin working with D.A.Blodger & Associates?

A. The current state of college admissions rewards students who begin college planning early. Students are encouraged to begin as early as possible so that they can focus on aspects that greatly affect the entire application process. While it is ideal to begin working with students early in their sophomore and junior years, we also work with seniors in the selection and application process.

Q. Do admissions officers know whether your students work with an independent counselor?

A. No. D.A.Blodger & Associates works behind the scenes. While we meet with college admissions officers at colleges and universities throughout the country during the year to update our information, we do not contact college admissions offices on behalf of our students.  We also make every effort to keep the application looking like it was completed by a senior in high school.

Q. Do you write college essays?

A. Absolutely not. D.A.Blodger & Associates helps motivate students to present themselves and their work in the best light possible. To that end, the product must be their work. While we brainstorm essay ideas and discuss methods and strategy, the written work is entirely that of the student.

Q. Do I pay per hour for counseling services?

A. Generally, families contract D.A.Blodger & Associates’ for the sophomore, junior, or senior year package.  With the with the complete package, you have unlimited access, including meetings, materials, and unlimited phone and e-mail communication from the date we begin working together to the date of college selection.  In some situations, a pay per hour is the best approach.  For example, if a senior is late in the application process and needs an essay review before submitting the application, the pay per hour would make sense.

Q. How do I start the process?

A. Simply email Donald Blodger at D.A.Blodger & Associates at dablodger@edu-counseling.org