Applying to college doesn’t have to be stressful.
We use a student-centered approach focusing on the strengths of each student and finding college options where they will be both happy and successful.
UPCOMING Intensive Workshops
Workshop #3
The UC PIQs
Sunday, March 26th, 9am-12:30pm
The UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) are the most comprehensive questions asked on college applications. Even if students do not plan to apply to the UC System, we have them brainstorm four PIQs so they are prepared to talk about four different aspects of themselves. These insight questions are the foundation for their personal essay and many supplemental essays.
Workshop #4
Personal Statement
Sunday, July 23rd, 9am-12:30pm
For students, the writing process is often the most overwhelming part of college applications. In our 60 years of combined college counseling experience, we have refined a process that helps students determine their topic and share their story. The workshop helps them think about what they want to say and how they want to convey it.
Workshop #5
Supplements Essays
Sunday, February 12th, 9am-12:30pm
Colleges ask supplemental essay questions to determine if you are a good fit for their school. The questions can range from “Why do you want to attend X college,” to “What are your academic goals,” to “Where are you in your fight for social justice.” We will help students develop content to tackle the most common supplemental essay topics.Upcoming Webinars & Events
The Basics of College Athletic Recruiting
Are you thinking about getting recruited as a student-athlete in college but don’t know where to start? This webinar is for you. Join us to learn about the recruiting process, the recruiting timelines, and how to identify your target list of colleges.
Applying to International Colleges
Please join us for a conversation with our counselor, Dafna Adler, about applying to international schools. She will discuss what to consider, how to research, and application expectations.
Our Clients Say . . .

Sequoia Parent (University of Oregon)College Calm made it seem effortless with the schedules & knowledge passed on. All the questions that we had were always answered and there was no stress between parent & student. She knew what she needed to do and when.

Menlo Parent
Thanks so much for walking us through the process and answering all of our questions as they came up. We REALLY valued your opinion on many subjects within the college application process! You are very easy to talk to and very professional. Our son felt he could talk with you easily and you connected with him and our family. The essay was a very good product which reflected him as a person. You took the time to get to know him and we enjoyed working with you each and every minute.

Woodside Priory Student (Bryn Mawr)
The most helpful aspects were the exercises we did in order to start writing all the supplements and the long essay, like the worksheet about words that describe you. It’s also really great to be able to talk openly about topics, which helps in the brainstorming process. College Calm definitely reduced my stress, as it gave me a structured schedule to work with so I didn’t leave everything until the last minute. I feel great about my essays. They are definitely in my own voice, I just needed some help getting all my ideas down and organized! Having everything spaced out made the workload lighter and easier to handle

Sequoia Parent (University of Notre Dame and Tulane)
The most important reason that College Calm’s services are helpful is that it mostly takes us (parents) out of the equation; we can be available to help without having to nag, prod or push. It helps save the parent/teen relationship.

Sacred Heart Parent (Stanford, SCU, CalPoly, University of WA)
The right fit is more important than how prestigious a school is or how hard the school is to get in. Having gone through this process four times, with four very different children, I can honestly say that Roxana’s goal is help each child find the right school for them and mine have all loved the schools they’ve chosen.

Sequoia Student (U.C. Berkeley)
The fact that Roxana believed so much in me from the start motivated me to keep working hard. It definitely helped to have someone other than a parent or school counselor closely reading my essays, because Roxana’s investment in getting to know me in the first few meetings I think helped her have a valuable read on what I should include in my application. Roxana pushed me to put my best ability forward through this process, and no matter what school I end up at, I will never have regrets of the application process.

Palo Alto High School Parent (Colby College)
Our daughter ADORED Charlotte! She was the perfect temperament for her, she was incredibly organized, and she kept her on track and really ahead of schedule. Our daughter loved all of her meetings with Charlotte, and we are so grateful for this relationship.

Burlingame High School Student (St. Johns)
My essays, I feel, turned out with the right balance of my own style and concision that needs to be demonstrated within the college-essay genre. The advice that was given by Roxana did not, in any way, hinder my creativity, but rather fashioned it into a precise voice of honesty and clarity. I am very pleased with what was created during my sessions.

Serra Parent
We felt that [CC] wasn’t a gift for our student, but a gift for all of us. Given what other parents have shared, I had anticipated yelling and arguments . . . we had none. It was great having someone else set the deadlines for him that he had to stick to. Having him bring a 98% completed written supplement to us allowed everyone to celebrate what was written. This helps them feel confident and comfortable with what is ultimately submitted.

Menlo Student (SMU)
I would like to sincerely thank you for your beneficial support, guidance and wisdom you shared with me over this past year. Our weekly sessions grew to become something I greatly looked forward to, rather than stressful college counseling meetings. I am grateful for your warm and trusting ways and your unconditional willingness to listen and provide support.
Just Released:
Preparing for the College Interview. You’ve got this!
Listen to our 23 minute presentations filled with suggestions on how to prepare for a college interview.











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