My Counseling Philosophy:
College admission is a significant milestone for high school students and it requires both foresight and a careful analysis of all the factors involved. Throughout the application process, it is of utmost importance to have the right mindset in order to make informed decisions about the college one ultimately chooses. I believe there is a college for every child. Every child is unique in many facets, including passions, strengths, interests, and personality. These individual differences have to be taken into consideration. With proper guidance, all students can find the right college for them that:
· Supports the nurturing of passions and interests
· Suits individual learning styles
· Appeals to one's love for learning
· Offers opportunities to have diverse experiences
· Allows students to blossom as wonderful young adults
Finding the right fit is the foundation of College Elements and the defining aspect of the college application and selection process.
My Background:
With my personal counseling philosophy, it was easy to sail through the college admission process with confidence and ease for my own son, who eventually got admission to Duke University - his dream school. I went on to earn a Certificate in College Counseling from University of California, Los Angeles to help teenagers discover their right fit by providing continuous guidance and support through various resources.
I guide international students for undergraduate college admissions in the United States through Skype/Zoom. My methodical nature and structured approach helps students to define their goals, plan, and execute accordingly within an established timeline.
Having lived in various countries such as India, China, Indonesia, Singapore, and the US, I have a unique global perspective that helps me navigate cultural nuances as well as recognize the importance of personal and family values during the college application process. I enjoy working with Third Culture Kids having raised one myself.
Before I devoted myself to college counseling, I worked at managerial level in both the financial sector and at a non-profit expatriate organization. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Accounting and successfully completed Chartered Financial Analyst program from CFA Institute, USA.
On a personal note, I currently live with my husband in Michigan, and my favorite hobbies include singing, painting, and traveling.
- Geetha Nagaraj, Independent College Counselor