What’s the secret to submitting cohesive, strong, captivating college applications without stressing out your teen?
…Start Junior Year…
If you’re the parent of a high school Junior, you may be thinking college applications can wait until (summer of) Senior Year because applications are due late Fall, right?
Well, take a deep breath…
You may have heard that college applications are due in November, December, or even January of Senior Year, but submitting applications that late often hurts applicants.
If you want to maximize scholarships, acceptance rates, and reduce stress, you’ll want to submit college applications in October of Senior Year.
Here’s the truth: if your teen starts their applications over the summer, you cannot expect quality results a few weeks later without majorly stressing out your teen.
College applications are a series of tasks that appear simple and straightforward, but in reality, but these tasks require complex skills that teens are still developing.
The prep work behind a compelling college application — the self-discovery, the self-reflection, and the self-expression — require complex skills that ALL teens are still developing.
To build a college list, teens must first accurately assess their academic profile, decode college admissions data, identify their academic and career priorities, and make high-stakes decisions while managing stress, school-work, and emotional vulnerability. This is why college prep is so overwhelming.
This is why teens procrastinate. Every teen who is stuck or avoiding college prep tells me:
“I know WHAT I need to do.
I just don’t know HOW to do it.”
Unfortunately, most of the support parents receive from school counselors are focused on completing the tasks of the application itself and not the building the self-discovery, self-reflection, and self-expression skills that help teens submit strong applications.
If you want to help your teen put together college applications that stand out ….
If you want to help your teen build confidence and clarity through the application process…
If you want your teen to write insightful essays about their identity, formative life experiences, and their goals moving forward…
Starting college prep in junior year lets teens build one skill at a time—while also giving teens time to explore interests and careers in meaningful ways.
College admissions has changed significantly in the past decade. Good grades aren’t enough. A long list of activities isn’t enough, either. In today’s competitive admissions process, most colleges want good grades and activities, but they ALSO look for connection.
Colleges want to see how an applicant’s activities, interests, and experiences fit together.
Colleges want to see how applicants explore their curiosity.
Colleges want to know that applicants are a worthwhile investment.
Don’t underestimate the support ALL teens need to build a cohesive college application
College admissions isn’t about having the “right” answers—it’s about showing colleges how your teen is building their success story.
An Investment That Pays Off…Literally!
With an emphasis on self-discovery and self-reflection, I help teens submit powerful applications that capture the attention of admissions officers. When I work with students from the start of college prep to negotiating financial aid awards, their hard work literally pays off*
Over 90% of students admitted into their top (1st or 2nd) choice school
Over 90% of students received merit scholarships directly from a college
$1,500-$55,000: Range of Scholarships awarded - per student, per college, per year
100% of students reported increased self-knowledge & confidence
100% of parents observed positive growth in their teen
*While these numbers are a reflection of the guidance my coaching programs provide teens, these numbers equally reflect the hard work, flexibility, and dedication that each teen put into their admission process. Because college admissions and financial aid awards are based on so many variables that shift year to year, I cannot guarantee outcomes for any of my clients.
Meet Rachel Fusco
Hi! I’m Rachel (she/her/hers) and am passionate about transforming how we prepare young people for college.
I’ve spent 18 years supporting over a thousand teens on their journey to, through, and beyond college. I began my career in higher education, working for a prestigious national scholarship program where I was immersed in college admissions and student support for multiple top tier colleges. From small liberal arts colleges to large universities, I sat alongside the Deans of Admissions while they reviewed applications. I learned why applicants were admitted, rejected, or waitlisted. Each year, applicants who demonstrated insight and self-awareness consistently stood out!
While working in higher education, I realized that getting into college is actually much easier than getting through college! And I saw the impact of student retention rates on subsequent years of admissions. From admissions to graduation, students who mastered self-reflection, insight, and self-advocacy thrived while students who lacked clarity and confidence struggled.
Wanting to foster the self-awareness that promotes lifelong success, I became a therapist and school counselor. Unfortunately, I learned very quickly that the world of school counseling is stretched too thin and high school requirements are far too regulated to provide the proactive support that teens need.
Over the past decade, I’ve refined my college application coaching into what is now JUNIOR MOTIVATOR- an empowering program that balances self-discovery, accountability, and the skills teens need to confidently geek out about their future!
“Since we’ve been working with you, my daughter’s anxiety over college has definitely diminished a great deal.”
“I can actually have a conversation about college without fear! I can see a big difference in [my teen’s] overall comfort when talking about college and the application process, ”
“[Working with you] has greatly improved our relationship, as mom & teen!”
College Prep that is Designed For Your Teen’s Brain
Built on two decades of experience in higher education and mental health, JUNIOR MOTIVATOR is a comprehensive, virtual college prep coaching program that is rooted in adolescent psychology, career development, and neuroscience.
JUNIOR MOTIVATOR designed to fill the gap between skills your teen has right now and skills your teen needs in order to confidently and successfully apply to college, without added stress. Starting with foundational one-on-one coaching, your teen will gain clarity and insight. Then, your teen will find support and accountability in group co-working groups that are engaging, productive, and small (with 4 students or fewer).
Phase 1: College Research Lab
January, February, and March 2026: Individual Coaching
Three (3) - 90-minute one-on-one coaching sessions to help your teen:
Determine their “college fit.” Engage in a guided reflection “interview” with Rachel to identify your individualized college profile (your learning preferences, passions, strengths/challenges, activities/resume, transcript, academic and career interests). Your teen will develop a plan for adding in meaningful activities or career exploration experiences to round out your application.
Build their college list. Learn how to engage in effective college research and build your college list using your individualized criteria — including your family’s financial considerations. Your teen will identify an initial list of schools to research and strategies to engage in meaningful research.
Develop their career/passion exploration plan. Review the various stages of the application process and develop a personalized plan to meet all application deadlines, focusing on realistic expectations. Your teen will identify project and time management strategies that work for their brain!
April, May, June 2026: Group Co-Working & Accountability Check-Ins
Research & Reflection Co-Working. Teens need dedicated time to move through their college research. These co-working groups replicate the college experience, normalize the college prep process, and reinforce your teen’s interpersonal communication skills that help prepare students for college. Each session, Rachel will rotate between individual breakout rooms to provide individualized attention and support. Rachel will also monitor progress throughout the co-working session using shared, cloud-based documents. Your teen will refine their college research and develop a focused list of tasks for the month.
Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 4-6 pm Pacific / 7-9 pm Eastern
Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 4-6 pm Pacific / 7-9 pm Eastern
Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 4-6 pm Pacific / 7-9 pm Eastern
Phase 2: Application Accelerator
July 2026: Personal Statement & Application Bootcamps (you’ll attend one session and rank your preference)
Application Bootcamps are guided co-working sessions that are kept intentionally small (2-4 students per session) to make sure everyone gets the individualized attention they need. Rachel will provide structure, writing strategies, individualized support, and feedback strategies to help your teen build out the main sections of their college application: resume and activities lists, the personal statement, and college specific supplemental essays, and complete any lingering college research. Each teen’s progress will depend on their focus and skill in implementing feedback. (**Note: Many college-specific applications are not released until August of Senior Year, but you do NOT want to wait until August to start the sections that we know will be there. We know enough about the personal statement and the general themes of what colleges always ask to get ahead.) When applying for Junior Motivator, you’ll be asked to select your top 3 choices of the groups listed below:
Bootcamp A: Mon. 6/29, Tues. 6/30, Wed. 7/1 from 9 am-12 pm PT / 12-3 pm ET
Bootcamp B: Fridays: 7/3 + 7/10 + 7/17 from 9 am-12 pm PT / 12-3 pm ET
Bootcamp C: Mon. 7/13, Tues. 7/14, Wed. 7/15 from 9 am-12 pm PT / 12-3 pm ET
August, September, October 2026: Asynchronous Feedback + One 90-minute Individual Coaching Session
After completing the application bootcamp, Rachel will help your teen finalize their application, providing asynchronous feedback each week for 13 weeks from August 2026 - October 2026. This structured asynchronous feedback process will help your teen stay on track for early, priority application deadlines.
Additionally, scheduled anytime between August 2026 and October 18, 2026, Rachel will meet with your teen for a 90-minute application review session; this coaching session must be scheduled at least 3 weeks in advance.
You can build a college list on your own.
You can write a personal statement on your own.
You can submit your applications on your own.
Will it feel empowering or stressful?
Will you have to nag your teen to remember X, Y, and Z?
Will you get the same results?
Can your teen submit a $100,000+ application on their own?
You don’t have to have a 4.5 GPA with perfect SAT scores to receive $30,000 per year (or more) in merit scholarships***! You DO have to know where to apply in order to stand out AND you need to submit an application with genuine evidence and examples that convincingly answer these questions:
Who are you (aka what’s your story)?
What makes you…you (aka how do you stand apart from other accomplished peers in terms of strengths, self-awareness, and initiative)?
When do you shine (aka is this college is a fit for you and are you a fit for the college)?
Where are you headed (what are your goals)?
Why are you a reliable investment (resilience and reflection)?
I love helping teens foster this confidence and clarity.
Learn more 👇👇👇
Pricing & Packages
Too much help can be just as disempowering as too little help. With just the right amount of help, college prep can become an empowering, skill-building adventure where both parent and teen feel confident about the future.
Junior Motivator (College Research Lab + Application Accelerator)
Junior Motivator is my comprehensive coaching package. We’ll work together for the full college prep and application season through the College Research Lab (Phase 1) and the Application Accelerator (Phase 2). You’ll have priority scheduling and discounted one-on-one coaching if you want to add even more support.
Pay in Full: $5,997 (valued at over $8,000)
Monthly Plan: 12 payments of $500*
The College Research Lab
Not every family wants comprehensive, long-term support. I’m happy to help get you started on Phase 1 of your journey in the College Research Lab. I’ll get you started and will share my resources and tools to help your teen build out their college application on their own. If, after getting started on the research and applications, you change your mind and want to join Rachel in Phase 2, the Application Accelerator, this can be added on before August 1, 2026 and only if there is space for an additional teen. The only way to be guaranteed a space in Application Accelerator is by signing up for the Junior Motivator by March 2026.
Phase 1: College Research Lab - Pay in Full: $2500 or 6-Payments of $417*
Phase 2: Application Accelerator - Pay in Full: $5497 or 6-Payments of $917*
*Note: I do not believe in penalizing families who cannot afford to pay in full, therefore the monthly plan nets out to approximately the same as the pay-in-full. If your family is able to pay in full, please know that your support helps sustain my small business and the values-based work that I do with families. If your family would benefit from a longer payment plan, please let me know during our discovery call.
🎉 Take advantage of the Buddy Bonus! 🎉
Enroll with a friend and experience the power of positive-peer pressure! Both teens will receive a free 60-minute one-on-one coaching session, limited to the first 10 families to sign up - a $250 value!
Junior Motivator is a GREAT fit for your teen if:
You want your teen to feel excited and clear about their path forward, regardless of whether they are undecided or already have a major/career in mind.
You believe that stress is not an indication of hard work.
You value your teen’s mental health alongside their academic success.
You want to support your teen’s independence, helping them do the things without doing the work for them!
You want your teen to grow the skills they’ll need for success in college and beyond:
Analysis: critical observation, critical thinking, and research skills
Executive Functioning: project management skills, organization, and time management skills
Communication: cross-generational communication - talking with adults, writing, speaking over the phone and via email
Self-Advocacy: knowing when and how to ask for help
Junior Motivator is not right for your teen if:
Your teen does not want to go to college at all - at any point in their future.
Your teen is considering community college first (let’s start with 1-1 coaching first)!
Your teen is struggling to pass their classes and has below a 2.5 GPA.
You want a college coach to give you a list of colleges and call it a day.
You want a college coach to do the work for your teen.
You want your teen’s hand held throughout each step of the application process.
You want SAT or ACT tutoring built into the program. You wan
You want a guarantee of college admissions to your top choice regardless of fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for Junior Motivator or the College Research Lab? To make sure the program and my approach are the right fit for your family, please schedule a free intro call. If it feels like a good match, I’ll invite you to enroll. Registration is open now through March 30, 2026!
How will this help my teen get into college? JUNIOR MOTIVATOR helps teens get excited about going to college and teaches your teen how to do effective and meaningful college research. College research is the foundation of impressive college applications, but your teen still has to do the introspection and the work. I can’t make any promises because so many variables impact admissions decisions beyond your teen’s grades, test scores, and essays.
What’s expected of my teen? Your teen needs to show up each week and be open to this process. They don’t have to be excited, but they have to be a willing participant. Outside of our group coaching sessions, your teen will have a detailed guide that outlines what work they need to complete and when. Your teen will need to dedicate 30-45 minutes each week to completing college research between our coaching sessions and one-on-one meetings in order to stay on track. Teens will be very clear about what work needs to be done and how to do the work.
Will you make sure my teen meets all deadlines? Your teen is in charge of meeting deadlines. That said, I will teach your teen how to organize themselves and manage their work to hit all deadlines. I will also let you and your teen know if you’re falling behind on the weekly benchmarks that we establish together.
What’s expected of parents? Parents are expected to review the session recaps and make sure that your teen is completing their weekly homework. Parents are responsible for scheduling one-on-one sessions and making sure your teen shows up with you. Additionally, parents are encouraged to share feedback with me about how their teen is doing and feeling about this process.
Is this enough 1-1 Support? Yes! Group sessions are guided co-working sessions where teens come in, establish their working tasks, and then are supported in breakout rooms. We utilize Google Docs so that I can see the progress each student is making in real time. The Application Bootcamp sessions are limited to 4 students at a time so that all teens receive individualized attention. That said, if your teen has unique learning and/or attention needs, they may benefit from additional support alongside the asynchronous support in August, September, and October, which is always available as a discounted program add-on for all families.
How do parents learn what Rachel teaches the teens? A brief recap video will be recorded each week for parents to view. Additionally, all materials provided to the teen can be reviewed during family one-on-one sessions.
What happens if my teen misses a group coaching session? To prioritize the privacy of minors, live coaching sessions are not recorded, which means your teen must prioritize attending the live sessions. If an unforeseeable emergency takes place and your teen misses a call, a portion of the call with the lesson and activity instructions can be recorded with advance notice.
What’s the refund policy? This program is non-refundable. Cohorts are limited in size. By saving your spot, you are committing to participating in this program. To make sure this is the right program for you and your teen, please use the link below to book a free discovery call and connect with me in real time.
Do you offer scholarships? I am able to offer partial scholarships to a limited number of students. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please reach out to rachel[at]rachelfusco.com for more information.
What if I have more questions? Please book a free intro call or email me at rachel[at]rachelfusco[dot]com
***While these numbers are a reflection of the guidance my coaching programs provide teens, these numbers equally reflect the hard work, flexibility, and dedication that each teen put into their admission process. Because college admissions and financial aid awards are based on so many variables that shift year to year, I cannot guarantee admissions and/or scholarship outcomes for any of my clients.