FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How long have you been counseling students in the college admission
process?
A: It seems like forever. Having worked in various capacities in independent
college preparatory schools for the better part of 40 years, I have been
directly or indirectly involved in the process since entering the field of
education. As my four children's headmaster, I was very involved in their
college search. Most recently, I had the pleasure of directing the college
counseling office at Boys' Latin School for 12 years.
Q: What advantages do you offer clients?
A: My vast experience, my intimate knowledge of the "admission game," my close
relationships with college admission officers at schools across the country,
and the fact that I work with a manageable number of families enable me to
provide the personal and professional attention that each family deserves.
Q: Do you advocate for the student?
A: As an independent consultant, I do not usurp the responsibility and privilege
of being the student's primary advocate from his or her school guidance/college
counselor. However, because of my genuine interest in the student, I will do
everything within ethical bounds to represent him or her throughout the journey.
The task of writing the official school letter of recommendation remains that of
the school counselor. With a family's permission, I will notify the school
counselor of my involvement and suggest that we work as a team.
Q: How do you stay current with the various aspects of the college admission
process?
A: As a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling and
the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling, and as
an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, I am
privy to the latest developments in college admission. Furthermore, I continue
to travel around the country, attending conferences, visiting college campuses,
and meeting with friends and colleagues in the profession.
Q: Why do families come to you for assistance?
A: For many reasons! Friends, school counselors, college admission officers,
coaches and satisfied clients refer families to me... Some parents have told me
that they are feeling "overwhelmed" by the process and want someone with my
expertise to guide the process and maintain peace at home. Some families are
looking for an edge in this highly competitive, unpredictable process. Other
families have indicated that, because of numbers, they are concerned that their
child won't receive the individual attention at school that they feel is
necessary.
Q: How often do you meet with the student and parents?
A: Over the years I have developed the College Counseling Plus curriculum
that covers all aspects of the admission journey. After an introductory meeting
with the family, I will generally meet with the student every other week for
about an hour. This will vary according to the time of year. I will also meet
with parents as needed. For students who do not live locally, I will construct a
program that includes consulting via phone calls and e-mails.
Q: What is your goal?
A: My goal is to help students grow in self-knowledge, to navigate purposefully
through the maze, to find schools that are right for them - the schools that
will do the best job in challenging their abilities, serving their needs, and
satisfying their interests - and to help them successfully compete in the
college admission process. And I will always pursue this goal with personal
integrity and the student's best interests as my guiding principles.
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"See beyond the bounds to what is possible." |
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"As a parent, educator, coach, leader,
consultant and motivational speaker, my mission is to energize the human
spirit—to help people effectively use more of their abilities, talents and
resources in pursuit of worthwhile goals and ideals. Through my college
counseling and personal coaching, I look forward to helping you achieve your
educational goals and personal aspirations.”
Richard Webster
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Testimonials
"Our one-on-one interactions have been so
few compared to those students in your care; and yet your kindness, sincerity,
and friendship have provoked intelligent thought and good follow-through on my
part. As only the best teachers, coaches, and mentors know how to do, you've
made me a better professional. And I thank you." Varo Duffins, Associate
Dean of Admissions/Financial Aid,
Franklin & Marshall College
"'Try not to become a man of success,'
Einstein wrote. 'Become a man of value.' You, Dick, have done both. Words can't
express what you've meant to so many." Julie Bierman, Colleague
"Dick Webster was an outstanding lacrosse
player at Johns Hopkins University. It was my good fortune to have been his
coach. I have closely followed his career since he graduation and couldn't be
more proud of his accomplishments as an educator and coach. But what really puts
Dick in a special category is his role as a husband, father and grandfather. He
has a truly wonderful family, and in my book, nothing is more important than
that." Robert H. Scott, Former Coach and Director of Athletics, Johns Hopkins
University
"More important than his credo, 'Be The
Best You Can Be,' the lesson I came away with is believing that everything you
do can be your best. More of an influence on me than words can begin to
express." Kathy March, Johns Hopkins University
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