What You Get
The Right School Changes Everything. Let’s Make Sure It’s the Right One for Your Child.
The decision to pursue a boarding or private school education is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your child’s future. The right school doesn’t just educate — it shapes character, ignites passion, and opens doors that last a lifetime. But with lots of schools to consider, each with its own culture, strengths, and expectations, navigating the admissions process alone can feel overwhelming. The stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and the process is far more nuanced than most families realize.
Real Competitive Edge
You'll have a clear, personalized roadmap that takes the guesswork out of every step, from identifying the right private/boarding schools to acing the interview and crafting a standout application. Most importantly, you'll have peace of mind knowing that someone with expertise is watching out for your child's best interests at every turn.
Clarity
When you partner with A Starting Line, you gain far more than an admissions consultant - you gain a dedicated strategic ally who knows the private and boarding school landscape.
Confidence
You'll feel confident walking into every campus visit, every interview, and every decision - knowing that your child is being presented in the most compelling, authentic light possible.
What We Provide
UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO YOUR CHILD
- We bring a personalized approach - no cookie-cutter advice, no one-size-fits-all strategy - because your child is one of a kind, and their application should reflect that. And above all, we bring an unshakeable commitment to helping every student find not just a school, but the right school - the one where they will truly thrive.
EXPERTISE
- At A Starting Line, we bring years of hands-on experience guiding families through the boarding and private school admissions process - and we know what it takes to stand out.
INSIGHT
- We offer an intimate understanding of what schools across the country are truly looking for beyond grades and test scores: the values, the personality, the spark. We bring a carefully cultivated network of admissions professionals and school insiders, giving our families a genuine behind-the-scenes advantage.
Testimonial
Meenal and Ravi G
Meenal and Ravi G
Looking for personalized guidance?
Get our free study tips
Simple, practical tips to help students study smarter and feel more confident.
Success Record
FAQ’s
Should I hire a College Consultant (Independent Educational Consultant)?
You should hire a consultant if:
- You want an independent, objective expert help
- Your child will listen to a non-parent adult with expertise
- You want a knowledgeable project manager who maps out the timeline, helps shape a balanced list around student goals and needs, and helps students tell an honest story
What does an IEC do that a school-based counselor can’t?
- IECs can give families individual attention that many school-based counselors don’t have time for because of the large number of students they advise and the numerous roles they have to play.
- If an IEC is a member of professional networks such as NACAC or IECA, they also visit scores of campuses each year, and are able to offer firsthand information on schools that a student may not be aware of. After all, students must be a good fit based not only on academics, but on social and community criteria as well.
When is the right time to engage you and A Starting Line?
- We begin working with students in 8th and 9th grades to ensure a smooth and successful high school journey.
What is your success rate?
- 100% of our students receive multiple acceptance offers to their desired schools.
- Many of our students receive acceptances to honors colleges, merit aid offers, and presidential scholarships.
Do you meet in-person or on Zoom?
Both. We work with students both locally and nationwide. Students in the greater Boston area can come for in-person meetings, while others prefer zoom meetings.
What is your success rate?
- 100% of our students receive multiple acceptance offers to their desired schools.
- Many of our students receive acceptances to honors colleges, merit aid offers, and presidential scholarships.
Can you help with applying for internships, summer programs, or contests?
Yes, we advise the student and offer reviews of application essays.
Can you help with scholarships?
Yes, we advise the student and offer reviews of scholarship application essays. Many scholarships are listed on schools’ websites.
Do you help with career guidance?
Yes! We help students discover their strengths, aptitudes, goals, and interests so they can begin to narrow down potential paths for majors, minors, and careers.
Do you help students with program application essays?
Yes, we advise the student and offer strategic reviews.
Connect with us!
Have a question? Want to partner with us? Please send us a message at inquiry@astartingline.com
