Our Process
For most people, college is a pivotal point, a decision that charts the direction they'll take in life. But it's not always easy to select a college.
How do you figure out what's right for you? How do you become who you want to be? How do you prove to admissions officers that you're a good fit?
That's where the Riley Baker team comes in...
Because you're unique, Riley Baker takes a unique approach that begins - and ends - with you.
We work closely with you to discover and develop attributes that will set you apart from the crowd, so admissions officers will see for themselves how truly extraordinary you are.
We're not talking about producing a slick PR package or impressive "selfie." This is about much more than appearances. Experiencing the Riley Baker process actually helps you become a stronger candidate - more organized, more mature and more confident - because you're building the skills that lead to success.
The result of our student-centered approach is that the majority of our students are accepted into their first-choice schools. Even more important, our students feel confident in - and delighted with - their final selections. That's why few of our students opt to transfer to another college. When the choice is right, the fit is comfortable.
We're often asked why the Riley Baker team is better qualified for these tasks than the people who know you best, your family and friends. But that's precisely the reason - we get to know you as you are. We help you see yourself objectively, the same way an admissions officer will be seeing you. No excuses, no judgments, no limiting preconceived notions.
We help you discover - and become - who you really are. That's how you get where you want to go.
We believe that this is all about you. That's why we build our process around a core question: Where do you want to go and who do you want to be? It's not a multiple-choice test - it's an intense, in-depth exploration of the life you want, because choosing which college to attend is an important step toward the rest of your life. Will you feel at home on campus? What will you study? Do you want to be challenged or have your beliefs confirmed? Who will your friends (and future contacts) be? What activities will you join? How will you spend your weekends?
Our job for the next four years is to help you become who you are, so that the right college will recognize your potential and welcome you as a valued student and classmate.
We promise that we'll get to know you. The real you. The you you might not have met (or even imagined) yet. We'll push you to stretch your limits, to open your mind, to raise your expectations and to multiply your options. We'll guide you as you define your path and find your true voice. And we'll make sure your voice is heard. Throughout your high school years, we'll advise you in your coursework and extracurricular activity selection, create testing timelines, and suggest any extra services, like test prep or summer enrichment programs, to strengthen your profile. We'll share our knowledge of colleges, campuses, and student cultures. We'll help you showcase your talents and communicate your passions. Together, we'll seek - and find - the college destination where you'll be happiest and most successful.