Why Custom College Planning?
It can help with
Transcript and Activity Assistance
For students who begin work with me prior to second semester of junior year, a review of extracurricular activities and courses taken may help find gaps to fill during the remaining time in high school. Are there classes that need to be added? Do the activities reflect you accurately as a student and help an admissions counselor know your interests?
Fatigue
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Detoxification
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Consultant Availability during Decision and First Semester
Congratulations! You have admissions decisions in hand, as well as financial aid offers. You have visited the schools that are top on your list, and now it’s time to make a decision. Which one to choose? This decision is a big one for you and your family. I will be here to answer questions and weigh options, as well as to celebrate your choice. During your first semester or quarter of college, however, you don’t have to feel alone. If you have any questions that Custom Fit College Planning can help you with, I am available to all clients and families through the first semester as you are adjusting to your new college life.
Weight Loss
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Stress
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Custom Fit
College Planning
Less Stress - More Success
Your college journey starts here
Every Step of the Way
Welcome! Whether you are a high school freshman thinking ahead, a senior scrambling for answers, or a parent who wants to help their child succeed, Custom Fit College Planning will work with you every step of the way.
Choosing a college is an exciting process, but these feelings can be overshadowed by the stress of unanswered questions, confusing rules, information overload, and the pressure of multiple deadlines. That’s where we come in. Custom Fit College Planning, works with each student and family to develop a highly individualized plan to meet your specific needs, including improving communication, decreasing stress, and increasing your educational choices. Less stress - more success!
Less Stress, More Success
We provide the experience, knowledge and expertise to help you present your strongest possible applications to the right schools, at the right time, for the best results. From transcript review to college search, essay editing, and financial aid facts, Custom Fit College Planning works with you to identify and be admitted to schools that fit your academic, social, and emotional needs - a place for you to grow and thrive. We will help you maximize your financial aid and scholarship opportunities and create your best options for college study and beyond.
Schedule your complimentary consultation to simplify your college application process, have more fun, and help you reach your goals.
“Rene helped me identify my priorities in my college search. Her knowledge of the process and comfortable atmosphere supported me in investigating a variety of schools. I am now happily attending the University of Chicago!.”
— Steve, Parent, Oregon
“Rene Manley has been truly a godsend to us in the college application process!
Our daughter Kate is an excellent student but needed a lot more help than my wife and I were competent to give her in the process.
Rene stepped in and helped with every part of the process, including college selection, essay writing, setting time lines, tracking deadlines, and working directly with Kate through the process.
It would have been so much more stressful and the results so much less satisfactory without Rene’s help.”
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As a School Counselor and College Instructor for over 20 years, I’ve helped many students from multiple countries to meet their goals. My passion and expertise come together with enthusiasm to help inform each student and family I work with, so that every decision you make is one that brings you confidence and excitement.
I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling from Oregon State University as well as a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA. In addition to school counseling, I have taught at the University, Community College, and high school levels, and worked in Asia, USA, and Latin America.
As a multiply published author and editor, I bring a unique background and expertise to assist you with outstanding application essays. To help inform my clients, I continuously visit college and university campuses and keep in touch with colleagues in many admissions offices around the globe.
Meet Rene Manley
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
— Conor, Student, University of Chicago
LEARN MORE
And ask any questions!
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Why shoud I use an independent college counselor?Today, the cost of a four-year college education is the second largest investment in the life of most families, at a cost of $100,000 - 300,000. The cost of expert college admissions advising is often a great investment! The average public school counselor has very little training in college admissions, and serves hundreds of students. Will you receive the individual attention and information you need for this major decision without expert help? High school can also be a stressful time and the less stress - more success model of working together gives your family time that is conflict free and more fun for everyone!
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Our family income is pretty high, is there really any point in applying for financial aid?"The simple answer is YES! The longer answer, however, depends on a great many variables. Every family situation is unique and the laws and rules around financial aid are complex and changing. Custom Fit College Planning can help you determine the historical trends for students with your profile at the schools of your choice. We will work together to understand the financial variables of each of your chosen schools.
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My grades are OK, but not great. Do I have a chance for scholarships?"Custom Fit College Planning will do a complete review and assessment of your entire profile - you are NOT just your grades! The earlier we begin working together, the more time there will be to make the changes you would like to see as a student. Community service, leadership, athletics, music, art, and many other areas are possible avenues for scholarships.
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I don't really know what I want to study. Can you still help find a good school for me?Absolutely! Many students aren't sure what they would like to study, but helping you find a place to grow, learn, and thrive is the goal of our time together. Your custom fit school will meet a wide variety of your needs and help you make great decisions in the years to come.
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When should a student start working with you?Students are accepted beginning in grade 9. Most students begin in grade 10 and work through the process, including choosing appropriate high school courses and managing standardized testing. Students with specific needs, such as learning differences, athletic search, audition or portfolio applications, should begin as early as possible. Students are accepted as late as November of grade 12 for Fall (USA) applications. Students applying to the USA from abroad are accepted no later than one full year prior to the expected date of university enrollment.
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I have some special needs - can you help me find a school that works for me?Of course! Learning differences, medical needs, dietary restrictions, communal living concerns - every aspect of what will help you live a comfortable life while learning and growing as a young adult, is part of finding the custom fit school options for you. Working together with accurate information about your needs for success is an important part of finding the schools you will love.
