Learn About North Shore College Consulting with Insight from Co-Owners Amy Herzog and Debbie Kanter
Recently, I chatted with Debbie Kanter and Amy Herzog of North Shore College Consulting to learn how their local small business helps students prepare for the college application process. As the mother of a fifteen-year-old, my mind often drifts to making sure we are on task for applying to college. Amy and Debbie provided me with a bit of insight into college preparedness and how their business helps our students stay calm and focused as they move towards applying to and attending college.
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| Co-owners and founders of North Shore College Consulting Amy Herzog and Debbie Kanter |
How North Shore College Consulting Began
Both Amy and Debbie have been through the college application process with their own children, so their business was born out of their own personal discoveries and challenges on this journey as well as the paths their children navigated. Debbie and Amy have children the same age and have been friends for some time. About twelve years ago, they were both looking for a change. Amy began an online college counseling certification program through UCLA. She convinced Debbie to join. The rest is history and today they are using a fusion of their knowledge and practical experience to help students with preparing for and applying to college!
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| North Shore College Consulting recognizes the individuality of each student. Image credit North Shore College Consulting. |
The comprehensive nature of North Shore College Consulting immediately impressed me. While perusing the website, pretty much every subject I thought of in regards to preparing my daughter for applying to college seemed to be covered. Amy and Debbie's practical experience with the process working with their own children and friends as well as knowledge gained through their certification program is evident. So, I have the comfort of knowing that they have a well rounded knowledge of the process to better help students along their paths.
When Does the Program Start?
Sometimes, it can be quite confusing to choose between when to set your child on a certain path and when you should just let them be a child. I asked Amy and Debbie when they recommend a student start their consulting program. They recommend starting the 2nd semester of 8th grade. However, the focus at that time will be more on high school and exploring passions rather than college. The transition to freshman year is pretty pivotal, so I appreciate this approach.
In general, students should not wait too long in order to join the North Shore College Consulting program. When you apply to college, freshmen year grades count as 1/3 of the grades that admissions officers see since students will not have senior year grades yet! Additionally, the program has a limited number students in each grade level. Furthermore, benefits will be greater starting with the program earlier.
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| North Shore College Consulting celebrates this time of exploration for students. Image credit North Shore College Consulting. |
A Focus on Individual Needs
At the beginning of the program, there is a getting-to-know you meeting so counselors can learn more about the student. Additionally, the student partakes in self-assessments to learn more about their passions and talents. Recognizing that no two students are the same, plans are tailored to the student's needs. Not every student goes through the same process -- the focus is truly on what is best for each individual student.
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| Applying to college can be daunting. North Shore College Consulting helps keep students organized and on track. Image credit North Shore College Consulting. |
North Shore College Consulting strives to make sure that students match up with activities that work for them. Assessments can help students on the path towards creative activities that they will succeed with in preparation for college. North Shore College Consulting can also help students develop leadership skills and find leadership roles in places they may not have thought of. Sometimes, it is tough to think of an activity to be part of so it is nice to have some guidance!
Debbie and Amy recognize that students are still discovering themselves and exploring the world. I think the individual approach focusing on the student as well as their passions and talents is so important!
College Planning: A Year By Year Guide
North Shore College Consulting presents a number of handy preparation options for students outside of their more traditional coaching offerings. Currently options include videos, assessments and an e-book College Planning: A Year By Year Guide. I read the e-book and truly found it incredibly informative and simple to follow. I really feel that it will keep my daughter on target and organized while preparing for and going through the application process. The guide includes many tidbits and recommendations that a parent who has not gone through the process may not know. We are definitely going to be using steps laid out in the e-book during my daughter's college application process.
College Planning: A Year By Year Guide lays out what students need to know and accomplish each year in a straightforward manner so that students know how to prepare for applying to college step-by-step. Additionally, the e-book provides useful insight on scholarships and financial aid. The book ushers students through the entire high school period including reminders of what needs to be completed late in senior year. Of course, we know that steps could easily be missed during the special celebrations of senior year!
You can easily order College Planning: A Year By Year Guide online through the Marketplace section of the North Shore College Consulting website.
North Shore College Consulting has more online offerings and workshops in the works. So, plan to follow on the North Shore College Consulting Facebook Page.
Where Do Amy and Debbie Enjoy a Little Introspection?
With small businesses, you really get to know the small business owners and employees. They become a true part of the fabric of the community and our larger Chicago suburban family. Small business owners love to share that personal touch and I enjoyed getting to know Debbie and Amy. I can tell that they are understanding, kind and able guides for students during this pivotal time in their college journey.
Curious about what Amy and Debbie love in the suburbs, I asked where do they like to go for some peace and relaxation. They both mentioned their love of the Chicago Botanic Garden and Lake Michigan. Amy also loves walking along the lake front in Highwood at Fort Sheridan. Debbie loves walking at Chicago Botanic Garden particularly in the morning. She also loves walking along the lake whether it be in Evanston, Highland Park or elsewhere. Debbie also mentioned her love of the garden oasis that Amy has created! You cannot go wrong with the lake and Chicago Botanic Garden in my book! Perfect choices!
If you have children nearing high school and the college preparation process, definitely take a peek at the offerings of North Shore College Consulting. Debbie Kanter and Amy Herzog have created an incredible resource for helping students during a time that can honestly be pretty stressful and even confusing. I can tell their approach will help in positive, calming and straightforward way so that students can apply for college in an empowered way.
**Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary copy of College Planning: A Year By Year Guide to read for the purpose of this piece. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.
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