• How long does the initial consultation take?
• What are the hours of operation?
• My kid is a "B" and/or "C" student, can you help us?
• What should I bring to our first meeting?
• When should my child begin to plan for college?
• What is full-time senior planning?
• What is a one-time senior?
• What is discussed during junior, sophomore or freshman planning?
• How does a boarding school / treatment placement work?
• How long will it take for my child to be placed in a treatment program?

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• How long does the initial consultation take?


Typically, the initial consultation lasts an hour and a half to two hours. During the meeting, a relationship begins where the child's history, interests and uniqueness are explored and programs are suggested based on the student's individuality and desired services. Parental input is a vital aspect in this session.



• What are the hours of operation?


Most meetings occur after school with limited appointments available during the evenings and on weekends.



• My kid is a "B" and/or "C" student, can you help us?


Yes, each student is different. We have found that "B" and "C" students can benefit greatly from our services, as it is often the extra incentive they need to get focused on their academic progress. Porter Associates believes that all students who wish to continue with their education should be provided every opportunity to succeed, which is why every student's style is matched with an appropriate program.



• What should I bring to our first meeting?



• Transcripts from all schools attended in recent years, including teacher comments, if available
• Copies of any testing, including standardized tests (SSAT, PSAT, ACT, SAT or TOEFL, etc.)
• Copies of individualized tests (Educational, Psychoeducational, Neuropsychological, etc.), if available
• Chronological history of child or young adult, including all schools attended, any psychological history with contact names, any hospitalizations, suspensions or expulsions from school, and precipitating events that led you to inquire about our services
• Writing sample in student's own handwriting or, if applying to college or graduate school; a graded English paper
• Recent photograph, if available



• When should my child begin to plan for college?


It is never too early to begin planning for college. Typically students who are entering 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade will schedule an appointment for college planning. Things to consider when planning for college include:


• Are college preparatory classes being taken?


• Does your child participate in extra-curricular activities or sports?


• Do they volunteer?


• What is your child's motivation level toward learning?


• Does your child have a documented learning disability and require special accommodations?


• Is a "D" or "F" reported on the child's transcript? These classes will need to be repeated. Do they need a referral for tutoring?



These questions and many more will be asked by Porter Associates to better direct your child in the college planning process.



• What is full-time senior planning?


Senior students meet twice a month for fifty minute sessions to prepare for their college options. These sessions begin the last week of June or the first week in July and continue through December or until all applications are submitted. Services include preparation of the college list, assistance in completing applications, assistance with application essays, review of all applications, discussion of campus tours/visits, preparation for interviews, as well as review of talent and scholarship information.



• What is a one-time senior?


One-time seniors will meet with a consultant one time to review their list of schools, review personal essay (if prepared prior to meeting) and gain insight into the college admission process.



• What is discussed during junior, sophomore or freshman planning?


Discussion topics include: class selection; scheduling ACT, SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests; volunteer opportunities; enhance music/sport talents; summer school programs; tutoring referrals; possible ideas for visiting colleges; academic program challenges; identification of learning difficulties; identification of special programs; research options for major areas of study; referrals to community resources; and motivation and encouragement to succeed in High School.



• How does a boarding school / treatment placement work?


During the initial consultation parents meet with Jill to discuss the child's individual needs. When appropriate, Jill will meet with the child to assess and individualize placement options. Porter Associates will contact programs for space availability and send preliminary information for the child. Depending on the situation and the need for services, one to three programs will be recommended for placement. Ideally, a visit to the boarding school will occur before the placement. Communication with the family and the program will occur on a regular basis. Porter Associates will work with the family on a yearly contract.



• How long will it take for my child to be placed in a treatment program?


Treatment placement depends upon the family situation. Children have been placed within a couple days after the initial consultation depending upon program space availability, physical evaluation, and completion of forms.



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