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OUR SERVICES
Connecting You To College Success
Navigate with Confidence: Optimal High School Planning, Application Support,
and First Year Transitions
Selecting High School
Courses & Activities
One of the most important factors colleges consider in admission is the “rigor” of the high school curriculum. I will help you pick classes that will be a good fit for your abilities and interests. I will guide you to pursue extracurricular activities you care about in a focused way that highlights what you have to offer.
Creating Effective
College Essays
First, I brainstorm with you to select a compelling topic and theme. After you’ve created a first draft, I give you lots of feedback, helping you to craft an essay that tells your story in a meaningful, powerful way.
Choosing Majors
and Careers
Many high school students have not yet decided on their college major, much less their future career. By exploring your strengths and interests together, I can ensure that the colleges you choose offer majors that appeal to you. I have many years of experience helping people identify their life goals and directions.
Finding the
Right School
One of the most important factors colleges consider in admission is the “rigor” of the high school curriculum. I will help you pick classes that will be a good fit for your abilities and interests. I will guide you to pursue extracurricular activities you care about in a focused way that highlights what you have to offer.
Completing
Applications
Collegiate Connections will help you manage this complex process, keep track of to-do tasks and stay on schedule. I can also help you figure out how best to afford college, including finding scholarships, comparing financial aid award offers and appealing these offers if needed. I will conduct practice interviews to make sure you’re as ready as can be when the time comes.
Personalized One on One Attention
Many students become overwhelmed with the college application process. I maintain a small roster of seniors to allow for personalized attention, relieve their stress, and prepare a customized plan. I help them stay focused to follow an individualized timeline for their applications.
Learning Differences
Collegiate Connections specializes in assisting students with learning challenges, including ADHD, executive function disorders, and language disabilities. I recognize that the college planning process can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for students with learning differences. I work closely with students and their families to develop effective transition plans for college or post-secondary programs, offering guidance every step of the way.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
What My Clients Says About Me
Unlock Your Story: Expert Help in Writing Meaningful, Impactful College Essays
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I never recommend a business or a person unless I 100% trust them, and I have to give a huge shoutout to Samantha Fishman Fruhling from Collegiate Connections! She went above and beyond to help my daughter, Emma, improve her chances of getting into her dream college. Samantha found summer classes to boost Emma’s profile, edited essays, narrowed down school choices, and handled every step of the application process.
I was completely hands-off this time around, fully trusting Samantha to take charge—and the results speak for themselves! Emma got into every single school she applied to, most with big scholarships, including her dream school, the University of Tampa’s nursing program!
Samantha, you are truly the best college counselor out there! Thank you for your patience, guidance, and for making this process not only successful but fun. I cannot recommend you highly enough!
Marni Beige, 2025
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Why hire an educational consultant?College admissions can be incredibly complex, with constantly evolving requirements. Navigating this process is challenging without knowledge and an understanding of the collegiate landscape and available resources. I offer expert guidance on the most effective college admission strategies, supporting students and families through every step of the application process. I work closely with students to ensure the best possible outcomes. With extensive knowledge of schools, programs, and admissions logistics, I strategically respond to new and unforeseen dynamics.
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How do you determine what schools would be the best fit for students?During my meetings with students and their families, I take the time to understand my students, their personalities, academic interests, and extracurricular activities. I combine this insight with my comprehensive knowledge of colleges, considering factors such as school location, programs, cost, size, facilities, and selectivity. Throughout this process, I continually evaluate their priorities, seeking to match them with the program and environment where they will thrive.
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My child has terrible grades. Can they go to college?If a student is determined to attend college and is committed to the necessary work, they can certainly achieve their goal. The path to a college degree can sometimes be complex and involve multiple steps. I know which schools are willing to look beyond a transcript and recognize a student’s future potential. I help students understand the criteria these schools consider in making their decisions. I often remind families that where a student starts their journey is not always where they will end up.
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My child has an IEP or accommodations in school. Can they go to college?As a college counselor with expertise in supporting students with IEPs and 504 plans, I provide tailored guidance to help them navigate the college admissions process. I understand the unique challenges these students may face and work closely with them and their families to identify colleges that offer the necessary accommodations and support services. By leveraging my knowledge of various schools' programs and resources, I help students find environments where they can thrive academically and personally. I also assist in crafting compelling applications that highlight their strengths and potential, ensuring they have the best possible chance of gaining admission and succeeding in their college journey.
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Do you guarantee my child can get into their top choice school?While I am dedicated to providing the best possible guidance and support throughout the college admissions process, I cannot guarantee that your child will be accepted into their top choice of school. Admission decisions are ultimately made by the colleges and universities based on a variety of factors beyond our control. My role is to assist in presenting your child's strengths and potential to the admissions committees, offering strategic advice, and helping them find schools that are a good fit for their academic and personal goals.
Resources and Worksheets
Click on the links to view and use the resources provided.
*College Application Resources
Junior Year Timeline Infographic (PDF)
Junior Year College Checklist (PDF)
Senior Year Organizer (PDF)
How to Create a Stand Out High School Resume (PDF)
Student Resume Example (PDF)
Personal Essay Sample Structure (PDF)
How to start a Great Personal Essay (PDF)
Annotated Example of Personal Essay Structure (PDF)
Early Decision vs. Regular Decision Acceptance Rates (PDF)
Domestic Undergrad Need-Based and Merit-Based Aid (PDF)
IECA Common College Myths (PDF)
IECA How to Get the Most from Your College Visit (PDF)
IECA How to Pay for College (PDF)
IECA Ten Things Jrs Should Do This Summer to Get College Ready (PDF)
IECA What Colleges Look for in High School Students (PDF)
* College Research Tools
Top Research Materials (PDF)
Academic Fit Building A College List (PDF)
College Criteria Building A College List (PDF)
Financial Fit Building A College List
Important Questions to Ask On Your College Visit (PDF)
Social Fit Building A College List (PDF)
Tips For a Great Campus Visit (PDF)
Map of U.S. Regions
*Test Prep
SAT vs ACT (PDF)
Eight Proven Strategies to Boost your SAT Reading (PDF)
The Critical Reader- SAT/ACT Grammar Presentation (PDF)
*Independent Educational Consultant Association (IECA) Member Resources
IECA Ten Important Reasons to Value an IECA Member (PDF)
IECA Ways to Connect with IECA Members (PDF)
IECA College Affordability (PDF)
IECA How to Find the Right College (PDF)
IECA Membership Overview (PDF)
IECA Research on IEC Involvement in the College Process (PDF)
IECA Social Media Presence (PDF)
IECA Why Choose and IECA Member (PDF)
IECA Why Do IECA Members Travel So Much? (PDF)
IECA Accommodations Brochure (PDF)
100%
100% of our students have been accepted to at least one of their top three school choices.
100%
100% of our students have received merit scholarships from at least one of the colleges in which they were accepted.
$500,000
Each year, our students have collectively earned $500,000 in scholarship funds.
25
Our students spend 25 times more time with our counselors compared to the average high school counselor.
ABOUT ME
An Independent Educational Consultant
As an independent educational consultant, I specialize in guiding prospective college students and their families through the complexities of the college application process with personalized support. My mission is to help you explore a wide range of college options and approach the application journey with confidence. By carefully reviewing each student’s academic performance and extracurricular activities, I provide tailored recommendations to elevate their applications. Unlike overburdened school counselors, I limit the number of families I work with to ensure personalized, focused attention.
I bring a wealth of expertise to the college consulting process. I am certified in College Counseling from UCLA and as an Executive Function Coach from Landmark College. Additionally, I am an experienced essay coach and a member of both the IECA and NACAC. My academic background includes a BA in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Reading Education. These credentials are further enriched by years of teaching and volunteering in local schools.
Together, we will navigate every step of the application process—from brainstorming compelling essay topics to exploring colleges and discovering what makes each one unique. As a parent of three college-aged children, I understand this journey on a personal level. I look forward to partnering with your family to help your student find their perfect college fit and embark on an exciting new chapter!
Leave a Message
I would love to hear from you. You can reach out via email at samantha.collegiateconnections@gmail.com or by using the contact form below.
