Welcome to Conscious College Planning

Helping your child achieve their goals and future success through personalized college coaching
Contact UsAbout Us

Welcome to Conscious College Planning

Helping your child achieve their goals and future success through personalized college coaching
Contact UsAbout Us

Your child deserves to feel confident and excited about their college journey, and you deserve peace of mind along the way. At Conscious College Planning, I guide students and their families through one of the most important seasons of life – preparing for college. You are in the right place, whether your student is just beginning to think about majors or you are deep into the process of filling out applications.

jackie postelnick
Jackie Postelnick
Founder, Conscious College Counseling

I’m Jackie, and I am the founder of Conscious College Planning. As your compassionate and experienced college prep coach, I specialize in helping students discover the right major and colleges where they will thrive. I also aim to ease the stress on families that often comes with preparing for this next adventure for their child. My personalized approach meets students where they are and helps them to move forward with clarity and confidence. I am here to simplify every stage of the process from choosing a potential career path, finding the right colleges to apply to, understanding financial aid, and writing effective admissions essays. My goal is to provide hands-on support so your student has the space to explore what they are made for and so that you feel informed and empowered in giving your child everything they need to succeed.

Included Services

College counseling that meets you where you are

student taking a test

College planning is about more than just getting into a school. It is about discovering who your child is, where they are going, and how they will get there. I take the guesswork out of the equation through a step-by-step college planning process. We begin with a powerful discovery phase that is tailored to your child’s unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. Many high school students do not yet know what they want to do for a career or even what to major in. That is ok! Every new client starts by taking the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB). This is the nation’s leading aptitude test, and it assesses your child’s natural abilities that help identify where they excel and what majors and careers could be a perfect fit. Even if they know what they want to major in, the aptitude assessment results uncover your child’s natural born strengths, and how to leverage them in school and beyond. We schedule a short call to get them set up, discuss what to expect, and prepare for success.

We jump into two detailed coaching sessions where I debrief the results with your student once the test is complete. We explore what these insights reveal about ideal majors, learning styles, and career possibilities. This introspection leads to understanding that becomes the foundation for building a college list and application strategy that aligns with who your child is shaping up to be. But it does not stop there. I encourage students to do their own research, then we meet again to reflect and find clarity. From there, I tap into my wide network of professionals to personally connect your student with someone who works in their field of interest. A conversation with a real-world professional can solidify your child’s plans or set them onto another one, saving them from learning the hard way what they do and do not want. My goal is to provide help with the process that is effective, empowering, and inspiring. Born from my desire to provide the support I wish I’d had when I was a high school student preparing for college, I can assure you that this process does not have to be a mystery. Your child can feel confident and prepared as they step out on their own with the right tools and support.

college counselor working with family

college counselor working with family

We jump into two detailed coaching sessions where I debrief the results with your student once the test is complete. We explore what these insights reveal about ideal majors, learning styles, and career possibilities. This introspection leads to understanding that becomes the foundation for building a college list and application strategy that aligns with who your child is shaping up to be. But it does not stop there. I encourage students to do their own research, then we meet again to reflect and find clarity. From there, I tap into my wide network of professionals to personally connect your student with someone who works in their field of interest. A conversation with a real-world professional can solidify your child’s plans or set them onto another one, saving them from learning the hard way what they do and do not want. My goal is to provide help with the process that is effective, empowering, and inspiring. Born from my desire to provide the support I wish I’d had when I was a high school student preparing for college, I can assure you that this process does not have to be a mystery. Your child can feel confident and prepared as they step out on their own with the right tools and support.

Admissions, Scholarships, and Paying for College

admissions

College admissions today are more competitive than ever. But they do not have to be confusing. I bring a balanced perspective derived from lengthy experience and a background as a financial aid officer. We will craft an admission plan that plays to your student’s strengths. I do this through brainstorming sessions, building school lists, essay revisions, resume building, and customized timelines to follow. I also prioritize how to afford it.

Many families assume they will not qualify for financial aid or simply do not know where to begin. I will walk you through everything from forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile to uncovering merit scholarship opportunities. My financial aid strategies are meant to help families access the maximum amount of financial support available, regardless of their income. My guidance has saved families thousands. Working with me is comprehensive, but you do not have to worry that this will take over your child’s life. I have built my programs to include clear structure, flexibility, and self-pacing. Your child can enjoy their last years of high school while still being on track for college.

financial aid

We offer packages designed for every family

admissions

The Rising Scholars Package

Ideal for families seeking structured help. It includes ten hours of meetings and research to create a solid admissions plan. Both parents and students have access to a Student Portal to stay organized and on track.

planning for college

The Collegiate Package

A comprehensive option that includes everything in the Rising Scholars package plus the cost of the Highlands Ability Battery and twenty hours of support.

testing form

The Premier Package

The ultimate experience for families who want it all. It includes the Highlands test, SAT/ACT diagnostics and prep plan, plus a twenty percent discount on added hours. Your child will receive thirty hours of tailored guidance.

aptitude test

The Aptitude Discovery Package

A great starting point for students who want to explore majors and careers. It includes the Highlands aptitude test and three coaching sessions to make sense of the results and provide direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What services do you offer for college planning?

I offer comprehensive college planning support. Choose from a range of specialized packages or customize a package with services that suit your needs best. Select or build off of the Rising Scholars, Collegiate, or Premier package, or Aptitude Discovery. Reach out if you are interested in a single standalone service. My goal is to guide and support you through this transformative journey to college. I help with:

  • Student timeline and clear next steps
  • Personal exploration and student resume building
  • College list building
  • SAT/ACT diagnostic testing and online prep
  • Highlands Aptitude Testing and career coaching
  • College application strategy, prep, organization, and review
  • College admissions essays guidance and review
  • College cost and scholarship report
  • How to find and apply for private scholarships
  • Financial aid/affordability counseling
  • FAFSA and CSS Profile guidance and review
  • Accountability check-ins and encouragement

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions or need more details about any specific offering. I am here to help you every step of the way.

How can I book one of your service packages?

Booking a package is easy! Simply schedule a no-obligation strategy session with me.

We will discuss your needs, go over any questions you may have, and explore how I can assist you in taking the stress out of college planning.

Can I customize a service package to fit my requirements better?

Absolutely! I am more than willing to work with you to tailor a package that fits your requirements better, as I understand that each family’s needs vary. Contact me to discuss my service offerings, and we can build something together.

Do you provide ongoing support after the package sessions are complete?

Yes. I am committed to providing ongoing support and assistance to my clients even after the package sessions are completed. I value your child’s long-term success and am here to help with any additional questions or concerns that may arise as you progress through the college preparation journey.

Contact us today to get started

To contact us simply visit our contact page for click “schedule now” to be taken to our online scheduling portal. We look forward to speaking with you.