Consulting FAQs

What should I expect from a consulting session?

I strive to answer all of your questions and help you to think through potential solutions to your unique situation. I endeavor to recommend a course of action that will result in a challenging home education for your student and a good fit for his/her future college education or career plans.

What should I bring?

Bring all of your questions, preferably in a written format, and materials relevant to your concerns, such as drafts of transcripts, counselor letters, course descriptions, etc.

Can we meet in person?

Yes, I will meet and communicate in person, via email, Zoom, or on the telephone. In-person meetings will take place in a mutually agreeable location in metro-Detroit. Also, I am happy to research potential programs and colleges for you, if you so desire, at the usual consulting rate.

What do you charge?

$75 per hour retainer, with a one-hour minimum

At what age should I start planning for college?

While I have helped families at all points in the college application process, I recommend families begin planning high school courses in 7th grade. Home educators should begin writing course descriptions as soon as students start taking high school classes.

My strongest desire is that you will come away from a consultation feeling as though you received sage advice and your time and money have been well spent. I want you to be satisfied and express that satisfaction to your friends.

How do I pay?

Payment is accepted via cash, check, Paypal, Zelle, or Venmo.

What happens if I don't use a full hour?

Once you have paid a one-hour retainer, the time used is tracked until the pre-paid time expires. At that point, you will need to pay another $75 retainer if you have additional questions or need more consulting advice. I will notify you when your retainer has nearly expired.

How do you keep track of time used?

I maintain a written documentation of your account and send you an itemized list of how the retainer has been spent. A sample itemization of a consulting retainer may look like this:

30 minute meeting at Starbucks on 6-1-16
5 minutes email 6-3-16
10 minutes research of potential colleges specializing in neuroscience 6-21-16
15 minute phone call regarding dual-enrollment 6-26-16

What if I just have a quick question?

Quick questions are billed in the same fashion as long questions. If a question takes 5 minutes to answer, 5 minutes will be billed to your account. If a question takes 35 minutes to answer, 35 minutes will be billed to your account.