Guiding You Through U.S. Small College Applications >>

U.S. COLLEGE CONSULTANT

Your Guide to Applying to U.S. Small Colleges

caring guidance, a realistic approach, and results you can achieve

The college application process can be confusing. I’m here to help.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing from more than 1,000 small colleges and universities in the U.S.:

  • ACADEMIC QUALITY
  • REQUIREMENTS
  • COST
  • LOCATION
  • DEADLINES
  • FINANCIAL AID
  • MAJOR/MINOR
  • ESSAY WRITING
  • EXTRA-CURRICULARS

Added-Value Insights

Magic Numbers

Grades and test scores are key for admissions and scholarships.

A 3.5 GPA (A-) is a tipping point for many schools and awards, compared to a 3.4 (B+).

An ACT score of 30 (equivalent to a 1360 SAT) stands out more than a 29. Every point matters.

Unknown Factors

U.S. college sticker prices are often misleading.

The final price includes tuition, housing, meals, and books.

At small colleges, a student does not need to choose a major until near the end of the second year.

Early Decision, Early Acceptance, and Regular Decision play a role in being accepted.

Helpful Links

Collegesimply: Admissions data, rankings, financial aid, and more.

Niche: Student reviews, campus life, diversity, and real-life insights.

USNews: Rankings based on academics, graduation rates, and outcomes.

Flat fee: €500
caring, experienced guidance from start to finish includes:

Small School Knowledge

  • I’m a U.S. small school graduate
  • Both my sons attend small colleges
  • First-hand understanding of academics, campus life, athletics, and outcomes

Finding the Right Fit

  • Personalized recommendations based on field of study and location
  • Identification of universities where students are realistically competitive, based on grades and GPA
  • Shortlist based on overall fit

Step-by-Step Navigation

  • Ongoing guidance so nothing feels overwhelming
  • Timeline for applications, tests, and deadlines
  • Regular reminders and guidance for next steps

Essay / Writing Support

  • Essay strategy to reflect the student’s voice (planning & approach)
  • Editing essays to emphasize key strengths (drafting & content focus)
  • Feedback on drafts to refine clarity and coherence (polishing & structure)

More about me

Originally from the U.S., I’ve been helping students navigate U.S. small college applications since 2019.

Over the years, I’ve become very familiar with the college application process and understand how confusing and overwhelming the process can feel.

As a graduate of North Central College (NCC), a small college in Illinois, I’m a big believer in the personalized education these schools offer:

My two sons also attend small colleges, Washington and Lee University and The College of Wooster, where they play soccer. They wouldn’t have had that experience at larger schools.

Opportunities like these are part of what makes small colleges so special.

Dan Franch
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