College Counseling FAQs for 2026 Planning: Expert Answers for Families and Student-Athletes from PEAK Educational Consulting

College Counseling FAQ: What Families Ask Most

At PEAK Educational Consulting, we understand that families often have similar questions when it comes to college planning and NCAA recruiting. Whether you're just getting started or navigating the final stretch of applications, this guide brings together the most frequently asked questions to help you understand how PEAK can support your journey.

General Services

Do you work with students outside of Florida? Yes. PEAK supports students and families nationwide through fully virtual services. PEAK has designed its process to be flexible, accessible, and easy to integrate into the rhythms of school, activities, and family life.

PEAK Students on College Campus

What grades do you work with? PEAK works with high school students in grades 9 through 12. PEAK's services are structured to meet students where they are—whether that’s laying a strong foundation in grade 9, building strategy in grade 10 or 11, or offering complete application guidance in grade 12.

What kinds of services do you offer? PEAK's services are organized into comprehensive plans or targeted support blocks. PEAK offers early academic planning, college list development, application and essay coaching, and financial aid guidance, among others.

When should my student start working with a college consultant? Many families begin in grade 9 or 10 to allow time for thoughtful planning and steady progress. That said, students who begin in grade 11 or 12 still benefit from structure, expert support, and strategies tailored to their timeline.

Do you help with college essays? Yes. Essay support includes guided brainstorming, revision coaching, and strategic feedback to help students share their story in a genuine and compelling voice.

Can you help us build a college list? Absolutely. A core component of PEAK's work is developing a list of likely, target, and reach schools that match the student’s academic, personal, and—when applicable—athletic profile.

Do you advise on financial aid and scholarships? PEAK helps families understand financial aid basics and walks through key forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile. PEAK's focus is on demystifying the process so families can compare options with clarity and confidence.

Do you meet in person or only online? All PEAK services are offered virtually. This format provides the flexibility needed to support busy students and families across time zones.

Student-Athletes and NCAA Recruiting

Do you work with student-athletes? Yes. PEAK specializes in advising student-athletes pursuing opportunities in NCAA Division I, II, or III programs. PEAK provides clear, customized support every step of the way.

When should a student-athlete begin the recruiting process? Ideally, students start learning about recruiting in grade 9 or 10. As they progress, PEAK helps them develop a personalized outreach strategy, track eligibility requirements, and communicate effectively with coaches.

Can you help us contact college coaches? Yes. PEAK assists with writing professional outreach emails, building a strong athletic resume, and crafting a clear communication plan, including how to share highlight videos and updates.

Do you explain NCAA eligibility rules? PEAK guides families through NCAA eligibility—including core-course requirements, GPA expectations, and timelines for registration with the Eligibility Center—so students can maintain academic and athletic alignment.

Process, Pricing, and Fit

How does your process work? PEAK begins with a free discovery session to learn about your goals. From there, PEAK recommends the right level of support and builds a customized plan that may include academic guidance, essay coaching, and full application support.

Do you offer packages or hourly options? Yes. PEAK offers both comprehensive packages and hourly consultations. During the initial call, PEAK helps families determine what structure will best support their goals.

How much does college counseling cost? Pricing varies based on services and duration. Examples from PEAK's 2025–2026 guide start at $300 for an initial consultation and $1,175 for customized service blocks. Each plan is customized to meet the needs of each student. PEAK offers payment plans and always recommends contacting PEAK directly for a personalized quote and to schedule your complimentary discovery session.

What makes PEAK different from other college consultants? PEAK blends deep educational expertise, NCAA recruiting insight, and a student-centered approach. Each plan is personalized—PEAK doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. The goal is to reduce stress, build confidence, and help students move forward with purpose.

Can you help if we are starting late in senior year? Yes. Seniors beginning the process late still benefit from PEAK's support. The priority becomes strategic action—college list refinement, essay coaching, and timeline management—to help students submit strong, timely applications.

Scope and Special Situations

Do you work with transfer or gap-year students? In some cases, yes. If you're reassessing goals or reapplying after time away, PEAK may be able to help. Reach out to explore whether PEAK is the right fit or if another referral would serve you better.

Do you only work with students applying to highly selective colleges? No. PEAK works with students applying to a wide range of schools. The focus is on identifying the colleges that align best with each student's strengths, interests, and aspirations—not just prestige.

Have more questions? PEAK invites you to reach out or schedule a free 30-minute discovery session to learn how PEAK Educational Consulting can support your student’s unique path to college.

Visit: www.peakeducationalconsulting.com or contact Elizabeth directly at info@peakeducationalconsulting.com or text or call 239-776-9781.