Frequently Asked Questions

  • We provide personalized college counseling services, including application guidance, essay reviews, college list building, financial aid support, interview preparation, and more. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of students in grades 9-12.

  • Yes! While we proudly serve Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties, we also work with students across the U.S. through virtual counseling sessions.

  • The earlier, the better! Starting in 9th or 10th grade allows us to help students plan their high school coursework, extracurriculars, and summer activities to align with their college goals. However, we also work with students in their senior year to ensure they complete their applications successfully.

  • Making College Counseling Accessible for All Families

    At College Bird, we believe that every student, regardless of financial circumstances, deserves access to high-quality college counseling. The college admissions process can be complex and overwhelming, and we are committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the support they need to achieve their academic dreams.

    Our Commitment to Affordability & Accessibility

    We understand that investing in college counseling services can be a financial challenge for some families. That’s why we offer flexible solutions to ensure that students who need guidance can still receive the expert support they deserve.

    The Flexible Flight Approach

    To make our services more accessible, we’ve developed The Flexible Flight Approach, a sliding-scale and customized support model designed to fit different financial situations. Here’s how it works:

    1. Sliding Scale Pricing – We offer adjusted pricing based on family income and circumstances to ensure affordability. Families can reach out to discuss available options confidentially.

    2. Pay-As-You-Go Sessions – Instead of committing to a full package, families can schedule individual hourly sessions as needed, allowing them to manage costs while still receiving targeted guidance.

    3. Scholarship Support – A portion of our time is dedicated to providing low-cost counseling to students with demonstrated financial need. Spaces are limited.

    4. Resource-First Strategy – We guide families toward free resources, such as college planning tools, financial aid workshops, and essay review platforms, to supplement our services and maximize impact.

    How to Get Started

    If you are a family in need of financial assistance for college counseling, we encourage you to reach out. We are happy to have a conversation about how we can best support your student within your budget.

    At College Bird, we are dedicated to making higher education dreams a reality for all students—because every student deserves the chance to soar.

    📩 Contact us today to discuss how we can work together to support your student’s college journey!

  • While we cannot guarantee admissions to specific colleges, we can guarantee expert guidance, personalized strategies, and support to help your student submit the strongest possible application.

  • Not at all! We work with students applying to a wide range of colleges, including state universities, liberal arts colleges, technical schools, and more. Our goal is to help students find the best-fit college for their unique needs and aspirations.

  • It’s easy! Contact us through our website or email us directly to schedule an initial consultation. During the consultation, we’ll discuss your student’s goals and determine the best plan for their college counseling journey.

  • Yes! We provide guidance on completing financial aid forms (like the FAFSA and CSS Profile) and identifying scholarship opportunities to make college more affordable.

  • Our packages provide comprehensive, ongoing support throughout the college admissions process, while hourly counseling is designed for specific, ad-hoc needs. You can choose the option that works best for your family.

  • Yes! We offer flexible virtual counseling sessions to accommodate busy schedules and students outside the Central Coast region.