Winning the Admissions Game

Sometimes getting into a top-ranked college is about more than good grades and how much money you have. Brecksville-based educational consultant David Stoffer offers these insider tips to scoring an elite education.

By: Ann-Marie LaPorta
Date: 02/25/2009
Choosing a college is a critical decision requiring months of research and preparation. Although there are blogs, guidebooks, online resources and rankings to assist you, these same tools can make it impossible to compare your options accurately and make the best decision.

Don’t Do It Alone
David Stoffer, a former high school guidance counselor and educational consultant with over 30 years of experience, has visited and maintains a personal professional relationship with over 1,200 college and university admissions departments.

“Selecting the right college is one of the most important decisions you will make as a family,” David emphasizes. “The proper choice positively affects your child’s life immediately and forever. And not surprisingly, the choice can also have a big impact your personal finances.”

Researching and applying to colleges can be exciting—and overwhelming. The volume of choices can be intimidating and, David adds, the competitiveness in the current college admissions landscape is unprecedented.

Can An Educational Consultant Help?
“Our process involves contemplating colleges, organizing applications, and even helping with the dreaded admissions essay,” David provides. “But there are many other factors to consider.”

David counsels each family to help them determine at which college their student is most likely to be happy, healthy and successful—academically, socially and emotionally. “Above all else, the right college has to be a perfect financial match,” insists David, who offers firsthand knowledge of hundreds of financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to college-bound students.

The average high school senior spends just 41 minutes with his guidance counselor during the college selection process. And, David says, many high school counselors do not adequately understand how financial aid is distributed to college students. “There is considerable college funding available, but you must stay current with the process and know where to look,” he says.

David’s unbiased advice (he does not receive incentives from any educational institution) focuses on helping clients weigh factors such as cost and curriculum. “I help families choose the most appropriate college at the most affordable price,” David says. “And they are often surprised.”

The Real Cost of College
“It takes an average of 5.2 years to graduate from a public college, while a private school takes only 4.2 years,” David explains. “That’s where the math doesn’t add up. Most families look at the sticker price and not the true cost differences. I help them factor in all costs. In the long run, many private colleges are much less expensive than public universities.”

Through continuous research and networking, David stays current with college programs and trends throughout the nation. He has gained admission for students to schools such as Duke, Stanford, University of Notre Dame and all eight Ivy League schools.

“Don’t let factors like friends who are attending the same college, the beautiful campus, fancy brochures, or even the fact that they may have a nationally ranked football team be your decisive reason,” he advises. “This decision is just too important.”

To learn more about David Stoffer and his educational consulting, visit www.davidstoffer.com, or call 440-526-7331. You may also contact David via email at campusplan@ameritech.net.

Free Seminars
David Stoffer is offering free college-planning seminars entitled “How to Win the Elite College Admissions Game” on Saturday March 14 and “Analyze This: Early Decision” on Saturday April 4. Both will be held at the Brecksville Community Center, 100 Community Drive, beginning at 9 a.m. If you would like to attend, call David personally at 440-526-7331.

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