How We Approach College Admissions,
Our Philosophy & Why We Are Unique
All of us assist young men and women who seek admission to selective and highly selective colleges and universities that match their level of intellectual curiosity, interests and abilities. However, our College Decision Management (CDM) integrated counseling system is distinctly different from what you will find elsewhere, because it synchronizes the college search and admissions process with the economic aspects of college under the umbrella of a professionally managed project. Each of us works within that counseling model, and we frequently consult one another about the students with whom we work.
Students work directly with one of our Senior Associates (see navigation panel to your left for more information on each of us and how to contact us) and learn how to assess options, evaluate the pros and cons of competing options, evaluate curricula at candidate colleges, contact faculty at candidate colleges, make effective use of college fairs and other opportunities to meet with admissions officers, communicate with admissions professionals and generally conduct themselves as "young professionals" as they move through the project. At end game, we'd like them to have acquired decision making and communication skills that are more sophisticated than those of first year college students.
The colleges our clients consider and the resources they actually have (or want to use) to pay for college are essential elements of a customized CDM strategy from the very beginning. Since many of our clients have more than one student to educate, our sensitivity to affordability combined with our knowledge of the financial aid system is a value added. Assessing a family's eligibility for need-based financial aid is part of the program when appropriate.
Consider this evaluation of our system by a seasoned admissions professional:
"During my years as a senior executive in admissions and enrollment at Cornell University (NY) and now at Creighton University I have recommended to families, colleges, and companies to work directly with Todd Fothergill and Strategies For College.
Todd is a professional who has developed more knowledge and perspective than anyone else in the field--among the private sector college guidance professionals. His graduate study in psychology and his teaching psychology at the college level has enabled him to connect students with a more thoughtful and wiser approach to the college selection process. He also has effectively counseled families to work together in harmony in this emotional undertaking. His additional career experience in financial areas has created a unique balance in his skill set to combine the college selection process with the challenges and strategic planning related to paying for college.
Todd is a caring and highly competent professional who keeps the interest of the student at the core of his activity. I endorse him with absolute confidence and enthusiasm.
Feel free to contact me at donbishop@creighton.edu if you wish for any further support of his efforts on your behalf. I have been a fan of his for over 14 years. During that time he has advised more than 4,000 families and also trained many corporate and school counselors. He is a leader in our field.
By the way he is also nearly a scratch golfer...yet another reason to be impressed with his talents!"
Don Bishop
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
Creighton University .