For our "spotlight" this week, we asked Kathryn Miller, of Miller Educational Consulting , some questions about her practice:

What do you offer? (Give us your “elevator pitch”)

Miller Educational Consulting assists families with high school students with all aspects of college planning. I help families through the college selection, admissions and financial aid processes to find the best fit schools for your student - academically, socially and financially.

Good planning, preparation and organization of the college search and application process results in reduced anxiety for everyone involved. Access to extensive knowledge about colleges, financial aid and the admissions process will increase your ability to make informed decisions with your student.

Describe your ideal client/customer.

Ideally, meeting with a student no later than the fall of junior year allows enough time to discuss course choices, grades and activities.

My fee and elements that students need to complete for selection and application are the same, no matter when they get started.

Starting earlier with a clear understanding of the process and the timeline can make it more thoughtful and less stressful. Students should be willing to be open to finding colleges that are the best fit for them and work hard on their applications and essays.

Why should they come to you (instead of a competitor, or doing it themselves, or doing without)?

An Independent Educational Consultant works one-on-one with each student, helping to identify colleges and universities that offer the best matches for the student's unique needs, and keeping the student on track through every phase of the college search and application process. We are not employed by any school and are thus “independent”.

If your student needs additional advice and support during the college search and application process, an educational consultant can be an excellent resource.

It is my belief that young people need to take responsibility for the choices in their lives, because those choices make them into the adults they want to become. I also believe in being very professional, a good listener and in making the college search enjoyable.

I approach each student with an open mind and heart. I am excited to work with each one towards an experience that contributes to a happy and successful transition to college as well as adulthood.

I also limit the number of students per class to provide personalized attention and maintain client relationships and responsiveness.

How do they usually find out about you?

Most of my business comes from referrals, family members and from finding my website.

What tip or advice would be really useful for someone you would like as a customer?

If you are just deciding you do need some professional help, please do not hesitate to call, as I am happy to assist your student anywhere in the process.

You can reach Kathryn by phone at 303-759-2391, by email , through her website , or via LinkedIn.