Question 1

What does Garrett Educational Consulting do?

Accepted Answer

We guide students and families through boarding school and college admissions, from building a best-fit school list all the way to the final decision. We also offer one-on-one SAT and AP test prep, and we advise on day school placement, gap years, summer and semester programs, study abroad, resumes, and interview prep. We are also an approved SSAT Flex Test administrator.

Question 2

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Start by scheduling a complimentary 30-minute consultation. You can tell us about your student in complete confidence, and we will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and tell you honestly whether we are the right fit.

Question 3

When should my student start college planning?

Accepted Answer

The ideal time to begin is freshman or sophomore year. Starting early lets us guide the course, activity, and testing decisions that shape the application long before senior year. That said, we offer comprehensive support no matter when a student joins us.

Question 4

How much does college admissions consulting cost?

Accepted Answer

CA360 pricing depends on when your student begins: $14,000 for a freshman start, $12,500 for a sophomore start, and $10,000 for a junior or senior start. Full package details and payment schedules are on our College Admissions 360 page.

Question 5

When should we start the boarding school process?

Accepted Answer

We usually begin with students in seventh or eighth grade, about a year before they plan to enroll. Starting the spring or summer before gives us time to build a list, schedule campus visits, and prepare for interviews without rushing.

Question 6

What is the difference between the Boarding School 360 packages?

Accepted Answer

Every package includes the same comprehensive support: school list development, visit scheduling and follow-up, interview prep, essay development and editing, application review, and outreach to schools on your behalf. The difference is which application platforms your list uses. Single School covers one application. Premier covers schools that use the Standard Application Online (SAO). Signature covers lists that also include Gateway schools.

Question 7

What test prep does GEC offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer one-on-one SAT prep and AP exam prep. Every student is paired with a dedicated tutor and gets a plan built around their own strengths and areas for growth.

Question 8

Which AP exams do you help with?

Accepted Answer

We offer prep for AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP U.S. History, AP World History, AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Computer Science A, and AP Computer Science Principles.

Question 9

Do you only work with families in Charlotte?

Accepted Answer

No. We meet with families in person in Charlotte, Charleston, and Nashville, and we work virtually with students across the Carolinas, the rest of the country, and internationally.

Question 10

What does the boarding school timeline look like?

Accepted Answer

The process runs in three phases. In the fall, families explore: we build the school list, plan campus visits, and prepare for interviews. Most application deadlines fall between mid-January and mid-February. Decisions are released in mid-March, followed by revisit days, and families typically make a final decision by mid-April.

Question 11

What is included in College Admissions 360?

Accepted Answer

College Admissions 360 (CA360) is our comprehensive college program. It includes one-on-one advising, course and activity planning, standardized testing strategy, a college list built around fit, campus visit and interview preparation, essay strategy and feedback, deadline management, and support through final decisions.

Question 12

Does my child need to take the SSAT?

Accepted Answer

Most boarding schools ask for the SSAT or a similar test, and we talk through testing at our first meeting. As an approved SSAT Flex Test administrator, we can give students one additional sitting beyond the standard test calendar, one-on-one in our office on a date that works for your family. The flat fee is $500, and it is included in our Premier and Signature packages.

Question 13

When should my student start SAT prep?

Accepted Answer

We recommend starting 8 to 12 weeks before the test date. That gives students enough time to build skills and take practice tests without burning out.

Question 14

How are test prep packages structured?

Accepted Answer

Packages come in 10 or 20 one-on-one sessions. If your student needs more time, additional sessions can be added in bundles of 10 at a discounted rate.

Question 15

Do you write college essays for students?

Accepted Answer

No. The essay has to be the student's own work in the student's own voice. We help students find strong topics, work through drafts, and refine their writing with detailed feedback.

Question 16

Can you guarantee admission to a particular school?

Accepted Answer

No, and you should be cautious of anyone who promises that. As an IECA member and Certified Educational Planner, Katie follows strict ethical standards. What we can promise is a thoughtful, well-balanced list, a strong application that reflects who your student really is, and steady guidance from start to finish.

Question 17

What kind of results do students see?

Accepted Answer

On average, our SAT students see a 200-point increase, and our AP students improve by a full point per exam. Every student is different, and results are not guaranteed, but a focused plan and consistent practice make a real difference.

Question 18

When should my student start AP exam prep?

Accepted Answer

We recommend starting 4 to 8 weeks before the exam date, which puts most students on track in March or early April for May exams.

Frequently asked questions

What happens during the initial consultation?

What does Garrett Educational Consulting do?

Who will my student work with?

How do we get started?

Do we need to prepare anything for the consultation?

When should we reach out?

Do you only work with families in Charlotte?

Why do you keep a limited roster?

What if we only need help with one piece of the process?

How do we stay in touch once we sign on?

How involved are parents?

Can you guarantee admission to a particular school?

Ready to Talk?