Services
College counseling services
Sean Hawes offers a comprehensive package to help high school students prepare for, apply to, and graduate from college.
Build a comprehensive and intentional high school foundation
- Academic and social preparation for high school
- Academic planning and college credit options
- Academic rigor balanced with mental health and different abilities
- Experiences, interests, activities, priorities, and goals
- Summer enrichment activities
- Teacher and counselor relationships
Navigate the application process with confidence
- Academic resume and cover letter
- Application essays and short answers
- Application timeline and structure
- Art portfolio guidance
- Athletic recruitment process
- Campbell Interest and Skill Inventory
- Campus-visit planning
- Criteria-based college list
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Mock interview preparation
Settle in, succeed, and graduate on time
- AP / CHS / CC credit allocation
- College catalog
- College selection and enrollment decisions
- College-level time management and study skills
- Deposit, orientation, registration, welcome week
- First-year course planning
- Four-year plan: coursework, study abroad, research, internships
- Housing and roommate selection
One comprehensive package
PTCA offers a single comprehensive package that can begin any time through high school, as early as 8th grade, with support all the way into college graduation. Roughly 90% of students continue meeting through college graduation. One flat price is based on a pattern of the total hours averaging out no matter when you start.
In person and local
Meetings are predominantly in person with families across Whatcom and Skagit County, so your student builds a real relationship with Sean over time. Virtual packages are available when space allows.
What does progress look like?
Progress looks intentional, customized, and personable. The process includes regular high school and college meetings to assess the present and prepare for the next three to six months.
What does it cost?
You're working with a Certified Educational Planner with 15+ years of experience, and there are no hourly limits on the help you get. The best way to understand the value and the price is a free introductory conversation, with no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for families
When should a student start working with a college counselor?
There is no single right time, and you are never too late to start. Most families begin during the high school years, and spring juniors can be brought fully up to speed within the comprehensive package. Starting as early as 8th grade provides more time to plan courses and explore interests, but the total hours average out no matter when you begin, so you are not paying more or missing out by starting later.
How often will we meet?
Younger students meet twice a year and upper classmen meet most months. College students meet once to twice a year. Additional meetings are available as needed.
How is the process organized?
We use shared software, College Planner Pro (CustomCollegePlan), to provide resources for college research, action items, and reminders for tasks and meetings.
How is the college list developed?
Academic and financial parameters buffer physical and cultural preferences. Typically, five schools are suggested at a time for the student to research then discuss.
How do you help with the college essays?
We start the writing process with three to five unedited freewrites to create content and foster authenticity. We identify themes, create an outline, develop a clear personal narrative and revise college-specific questions.
Do you work with students outside of Bellingham?
I meet predominantly in person with families across Whatcom and Skagit County, but virtual packages are available when space allows.
What experience do you have with colleges?
I have personally toured more than 350 colleges and universities, spent six years working inside colleges in student-affairs roles, and hold two master's degrees in education. My experience provides a foundation for consulting, counseling, and coaching support through high school and college.
Where have your students been accepted and enrolled?
To date, students I've worked with have attended 120 colleges across 27 states, Washington D.C., Canada, and the UK, pursuing 90 different majors. You can browse the full list on the College Destinations page.
Do students keep working with you after they're admitted?
Most do. About 90% of families continue meeting through college graduation. The Comprehensive Service Package is built to support students well beyond the acceptance letter, through enrollment decisions, the transition to campus, and four-year plan.
What does it cost?
PTCA offers one Comprehensive Service Package. Starting any time in high school, as early as 8th grade, the package includes support through college graduation. One flat price is based on how the total hours have averaged out no matter when a student starts. You are working with a Certified Educational Planner with 15+ years of experience, and there are no hourly limits on how much help you receive. The best way to understand the value and the price is a free introductory conversation.
Let's find the right fit
Reach out and we'll figure out the best way to support your student.