College Counseling

A method built around your student

Personalized, bilingual college counseling rooted in nine years of independent day school experience — guiding students from course selection through application submission.

9+
Years in Private
Independent Day Schools
EN/ES
Fully Bilingual
English & Spanish
1:1
Individualized
Every Session

Guidance shaped by who your student is

Deep experience working with students across a range of ambitions, talents, and pathways.

Student-Athletes

Navigating recruitment timelines, athletic resumes, coach communication, and balancing academics with competitive athletics — from NCAA eligibility to finding the right program fit.

ROTC Candidates

Support through the ROTC scholarship application process, including interview preparation, fitness requirements, and identifying programs that align with military and academic goals.

Arts-Focused Students

Portfolio and audition guidance for students pursuing dance, visual arts, audio production, architecture, and other creative disciplines — including specialized program research.

🏫

Independent Day School

Nine years within private independent day school environments, understanding their culture, academic rigor, and how to leverage their unique advantages in the admissions process.

🌐

Bilingual Families

Fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Sessions, communication, and materials are available in either language — ensuring every family engages with clarity and confidence.

Every Kind of Path

Whether targeting highly selective institutions, strong state schools, or specialized programs, the approach adapts to each student's goals, strengths, and definition of success.

Built around how students actually work

Every session is designed to be substantive, flexible, and personally relevant.

One-Hour Sessions

Each session lasts a full hour, allowing time to understand the student's needs, ask questions, and make meaningful progress without rushing.

Live & Fully Online

All sessions are conducted live via Zoom, with real-time conversation, immediate feedback, and personalized guidance regardless of location.

After-School & Weekend Availability

Sessions are available after school and on weekends to minimize disruption to academic and extracurricular schedules.

Individualized Approach

There is no one-size-fits-all model. Each session is tailored to the student's goals, timeline, learning style, and readiness. Focus and pacing adjust as needs evolve.

Hablamos español. Estamos aquí para ti.

All sessions, materials, and communication are available in both English and Spanish. Every family deserves to navigate this process with full understanding and confidence.

Targeted support, on your terms

For families seeking targeted or short-term support on a specific part of the process.

À la carte sessions

General College Guidance

College selection, application strategy, or planning support

$200 / hour
College Essay Guidance & Editing

Hands-on support for personal statements and supplements

$400 / hour

All à la carte services must be paid in full prior to the start of each session.

Not sure where to begin? An initial consultation is the best place to start.

Book a Consultation

Consistent, long-term guidance

These packages provide consistent, long-term guidance through the college planning process.

Sophomore Start
Sophomore Year → Senior Year
$8,000
  • Monthly meetings during sophomore and junior years
  • Weekly meetings during senior year through October
  • 16 senior sessions included
  • High school course selection guidance
  • Oversight of extracurricular activities and community service
  • Creation of a balanced, realistic college list
  • Editing and oversight of applications for up to 12 colleges, including supplements
  • Editing and oversight of up to 4 college essays
Get Started
Senior Year
Senior Year Only
$4,000
  • Weekly meetings during senior year through October
  • 16 senior sessions included
  • Creation of a balanced, realistic college list
  • Editing and oversight of applications for up to 12 colleges, including supplements
  • Editing and oversight of up to 4 college essays
  • Earlier engagement is strongly recommended
Get Started

Most students complete their applications by the end of October. Additional sessions can be added if necessary.

Every package covers the essentials

Comprehensive support across every dimension of the college process.

High School Course Selection

Strategic guidance on course loads that align with academic goals and strengthen the student's college profile.

Extracurricular & Community Service Oversight

Ongoing guidance on activities and community involvement to build a meaningful, authentic profile.

Balanced College List

A realistic, well-rounded list of schools based on fit, ambition, and likelihood of admission.

Application & Essay Editing

Editing and oversight of applications for up to twelve colleges (including supplements) and up to four college essays.

Clear, flexible terms

The fee for each package is due in advance of our work together. Families may pay in full at the start of the engagement, or in two equal installments — the first upon signing and the second at the beginning of the following school year.

For the Senior Year package, full payment is due prior to our first session.

Families with specific payment needs are welcome to reach out to discuss flexible arrangements.

Payment Options

Full payment — due at the start of the engagement
Two installments — first upon signing, second at the start of the following school year
Accepted methods — Venmo or check
À la carte sessions — paid in full before each session

Steady guidance over last-minute urgency

The Darling Method is best suited for families who value steady, thoughtful guidance over last-minute urgency. This work is especially effective for students who benefit from structure, reflection, and ongoing support, and for parents who want clear perspective during an often stressful process.

Whether your student is a varsity athlete, an aspiring architect, a future ROTC scholar, or still figuring it out — the approach meets them where they are.

If you are unsure which option is the best fit, an initial consultation is the best place to start.

Schedule a Consultation

Let's find the right path together

Begin with a consultation to discuss your student's goals and determine the best approach.

Contact Us