The U.S. college admissions process can be confusing and overwhelming.

Having trouble getting started on your Common App, personal statement or need a draft expertly reviewed?

Struggling to find "best fit" colleges you would like to attend?

Unclear about US Admissions expectations and the entire process?

We can help.

We’ve got Common Sense, and You’ve got this.

How We Can Help

Expert and Highly Individualized Common Sense Guidance On:

  • Writing for the Common Application, Coalition Application, UC PIQ’s (Personal Insight Questions), and supplement writing prompts for all colleges and universities which includes brainstorming sessions, draft reviews, editing, and final reviews. 

  • How to research individual “best fit” colleges and help with curating a realistic and balanced college list of likely, target, and reach schools. Plus, advice on how and when to apply to each college on your list.

  • Academic course selection for grades 9-11 based on your school’s offerings and college admissions expectations. This includes schools which offer both IBDP and AP programs.

  • Understanding an overview of the entire US College Admissions process and guidance on what you “should” and “shouldn’t” do as you navigate high school. 

For a more complete description of each offering, please fill out the information request form, and you’ll receive a comprehensive list of these services and pricing.

Any information you share will remain 100% confidential.  

Click HERE to request more information.

WHO WE ARE

Sandra Toms, MA, PPS

University of Southern California, my alma mater

My goal is to share common sense wisdom and guidance for parents and students as they navigate through this complicated application journey. I follow the highest ethical standards as an individual and a lifelong educator. 
There is no singular “golden pathway” to the college of one’s dreams, but I can provide practical, common sense advice based on my professional experience as a college counselor and English teacher in public and private schools over the last 40 years. Have I worked with students who have been accepted at the Ivies, Stanford, and all of the other top 30 colleges? Yes, certainly, but my goal is to help guide students toward “best fit” colleges based on a number of factors and to help them find their individual and compelling voice in their writing as they tell their own story.
As an English teacher for much of my career, I especially love helping students with the writing tasks needed for their applications.  Please know ahead of time that I will not do any of the writing for a student, condone the use of AI or an “other” writer, nor simply correct grammar. Colleges expect that students will continue to write in the way they did in their applications: authentically. I will provide highly experienced advice and suggestions for topics, style, diction, revisions, and so on.

Brief Biography:

Former Director of College Counseling at the Quarry Lane School in Dublin, CA (Retired May 2025)
Former Lead College Counselor at Korea International School in South Korea
Former English Dept. Head at American International School of Lisbon
Former English Dept. Head and School Counselor at La Cañada High School, CA
Former Assistant Lecturer at the University of Southern California
BA and MA in English earned at USC

Current CA Credentials: Single Subject English and Pupil Personnel Services

To take your first step on your college journey, click below to request more information.

You’ll receive a more complete description of each offering, as well as a comprehensive list of services and pricing!