COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CONSULTING
Find the school where your star shines brightest.
Personalized guidance from initial college lists through final applications
“We are passionate about enabling students to discover their inner stars, to find the schools where those stars can shine brilliantly, and to reflect those stars in insightful applications that lead to stellar college experiences.”
SERVICES
Consulting services are customized to meet each student's needs. In some cases, we work with students and parents as early as the end of eighth grade: helping with course selection and explaining the overall college process, particularly how high school choices ultimately impact students' options.
College Selection
Formulating a personalized, balanced list of reach, target, and likely schools
College Visits
Making the most out of your college visits and learning to seek out the true character of each school. Practicing interview techniques so you will leave a lasting and positive impression.
Résumé Writing
Building general and, in some instances, additional résumés to reflect specialized skills (e.g. music, horseback riding, theatre). Creating internship-, career-, or graduate school-specific résumés.
Application Development
Common Application (including activities list, personal essay) · Coalition Application · College-specific supplements/essays · Specialty packages (e.g. recordings, portfolios) · Recommendation requests (academic and other)
Parent Brag Sheets
Assisting applicants' parents in highlighting their children's strengths
Consulting for Transfer Students
Revisiting the application process from a different perspective
MEET THE TEAM
Two consultants. One shared mission.
Candace Channing
Founder & College Consultant
B.M. Flute Performance & Literature, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Candace Channing has been a college consultant for over 40 years and is the founder of Channing College Consulting. She is an internationally acclaimed flutist and master flute instructor. Early in her teaching career, she began helping her students leverage their passion for music—regardless of skill level—and individual dynamics as a means of differentiating themselves in the highly competitive college process. This "out-of-the-box" approach yielded great success: her students applied, were accepted, and attended schools that complemented their personal needs and desires. Over time, Candace has taken that same core concept in multiple directions, empowering all students to develop insightful college applications based on their unique interests, passions, experiences, talents, and dreams, and to make smart individualized college choices.
Lauren Channing LaRusso
College Consultant
B.A. Political Science, Amherst College · M.A. Curriculum & Instruction, Neag School of Education, University of Connecticut
Lauren Channing LaRusso has been working with Channing College Consulting for nearly 15 years. Having previously taught English at Darien High School in Darien, CT, she brings hands-on experience working with all levels of students across a wide range of courses. In addition to teaching, Lauren spent several years tutoring students for Reading, English, and Essay portions of the SAT and ACT. Before even officially entering the workforce, Lauren spent her college years honing her consulting skills by mentoring high school students in South Hadley, MA through the entire college process—developing goals, creating résumés, critiquing essays, and reviewing applications. It was also during college that she fell in love with the voices behind the written word and began to appreciate the power of storytelling. Surrounding herself with the world's most powerful thinkers, she studied the relationships between literary works and the philosophical, historical, and religious texts that informed them. This passion for narrative, combined with her ability to connect with and motivate high school students while accommodating multiple learning styles, allows Lauren to help individuals craft personalized college applications that express their unique stars.
“College applications that reflect the star in you amidst a constellation of schools where your star will shine”
Every student is unique. We take the time to understand your individual strengths, passions, and goals — then craft an application strategy that puts your best self forward. No templates, no shortcuts. Just genuine, expert guidance tailored to you.
Stellar endorsements from students and parents
Channing College Consulting proves to be magical in assisting with this enlightening experience.
“Channing College Consulting was an invaluable resource throughout our daughter's college application process. Candace's expertise, patience, and genuine care for our daughter's success made all the difference. She helped our daughter find her voice and present herself authentically to each school. We could not be more grateful for the guidance and support we received.”
— Parent of a current college student
“Working with Channing College Consulting was one of the best decisions I made during my senior year. The personalized attention and expert advice helped me craft essays that truly reflected who I am. I got into my first-choice school!”
— College student, Class of 2024
“Lauren was incredible — she helped me navigate the transfer process with confidence. Her knowledge of what admissions committees look for was spot-on, and her encouragement kept me motivated throughout.”
— Transfer student