More Than an Acceptance Letter

Every student's path to college looks different. We help students find their direction, tell their stories, and make informed decisions—with support that meets them where they are.

Every success has a story.

These featured stories show the challenge, the work, and the progress along the way.

Featured story

Isaac

Planned to apply without test scoresBuilt an efficient scheduleNow in his second year of college

Isaac was determined to apply to college without test scores. He insisted that he didn't have time to study, that the stress just wasn't worth it, and schools didn't require test scores, right? We met him where he was, helped him build an efficient schedule and relieved the mounting stress and anxiety surrounding his present and his future. A couple weeks in, Isaac tentatively approached the idea of test prep again. He felt much more confident and clear-headed with our guidance, and suddenly he was putting in the work daily to prepare for the SAT, impressing both himself and his parents. Isaac is in his second year of college now, and thriving.

No matter where you are in your college journey, CollegeThoughts will meet you there and help clear your path forward and unlock your own potential.

In a parent's words

A Young Woman Learning to be Self-Directed

Started in 9th grade“There was not a template, there was a person, first.”

In 9th grade, we had a kid who loved and was interested in everything, and who managed to be accomplished at almost everything she tackled. At the beginning of 9th grade, as we began to think about what the college process meant, I heard Keith speak about CollegeThoughts. He spoke thoughtfully about matching your child to a college and about goal-driven behavior, but the most impact, for me, came from his careful focus on learning who your child was and on allowing/guiding kids to knowing themselves. I wanted for my child, the opportunity to ask herself complex questions about what she cared about most and about her goals, not only as a student, but as a full-rounded person.

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When Keith spoke and when I watch and listen to him work with my daughter, it is not about gaming the process, it is about uncovering the singular qualities of the young person in front of him who is working desperately to navigate a maelstrom of academic, social and personal development all at once. When I saw that first presentation, he spoke to the value of carefully working smarter and not simply harder. He spoke to the kids who are convinced that they need to do it and handle it all on their own and who have yet to learn the benefits of, or how to, ask for help. He spoke to the kids who are driven and just need a nudge to channel their unending energy and ambition. He spoke to the kids who are lost and not even sure what questions to ask. In a short space of time, he had reached out to them all simultaneously because there was not a template, there was a person, first.

When Keith met my daughter, what unfolded was a process that allowed her to tackle the entire spectrum of the challenges she faced. Their mantra was, and is: if you're ok, it will be ok. Built into the rigor and the high expectations, is the core of self-care, of reflection, of commitment not only to excellence of production, but to excellence of character; to the kind of person you aspire to be, to learning how to find the people and the places that feed what you care about most. It was a process of learning that there is not “a way” or “a thing”, but a path that serves you best because you take the time to understand both who you are and where you would like to be.

You can find so many places for academic automation, where your student can learn how to deliver what they believe is expected. What Keith offers is an understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses and how to deliver the best of who you are, in the places and in the ways that it is most valued. It is the best kind of challenge and seems so necessary at a moment when I see kids working desperately to fit, and not too many forgiving spaces that allow the space and time for individuals to blossom to their full potential. With CollegeThoughts, my daughter is assured of being seen and considered, and so is responsive to the required rigor because it aligns with clear goals which she has actively been encouraged to generate herself and has bought into fully. It is an unusually collaborative process with a long-term vision if you, as a parent, allow it.

What I see in my daughter is a young woman learning to be self-directed. What I see with CollegeThoughts is the potential for guiding successful young people into college and the world who, if inclined, will likely not be replicators, but thoughtful influencers and shifters in the places that serve them best.

What families say

Support that makes a difference

★★★★★

Lily and College Thoughts were incredibly instrumental in my child's nearly perfect ACT score. Lily took the time to understand my child's individual learning style and tailored her approach, which made all the difference! My child was engaged and looked forward to her sessions with Lily. Even more interesting was that she was motivated to put in the time independently, which I also attribute to Lily's encouragement and support. College Thoughts is a true learning partner with their students. I highly recommend starting early. We started second semester of sophomore year. I recall thinking that was too early, but it was not, for us. College Thoughts is a true learning partner and skilled in bringing out the best in our students. I have recommended them to numerous family members and friends. Thank you, LK!

D. Hzn

★★★★★

Highly recommend Kim! Her support led to 10+ college acceptances! She was knowledgeable, thoughtful, intentional and empathetic! She helped ensure the application reflected my college bound teen's true authentic self and a holistic view of teen's interests!

T. McCall

★★★★★

I can't say enough positive things about CollegeThoughts. The college process is very stressful as it is but having my daughter work with her advisor, Lily, to prepare for the SAT, working on her college/university list, and the multiple essays that were required was such a relief. Lily K guided her through the entire college process. She truly cared not only about my daughter's academics but her mental health as well. She along with Keith Wilkerson, the founder of CollegeThoughts are awesome! My daughter just finished a successful first year at an elite college. CollegeThoughts played a part in getting her there. We could not have been in better hands and consider Lily and Keith a part of our village. So if you're looking for help for your student to make the college process less stressful and successful, call CollegeThoughts. You won't be disappointed.

M. Rodriguez

A range of college destinations

Many paths. Many possibilities.

Students we've supported have pursued a wide range of colleges and universities. The right list is personal, and success starts with finding the right options for each student.