Beyond the Brand: College Connoisseur Cathy Davis

By: LiliAnn Paras | November 5, 2020 |  Local , Meet Your Neighbor , Beyond The Brand |  Colts Neck , Fair Haven , Holmdel , Lincroft , Little Silver , Red Bank , Rumson , Sea Bright

Meet Cathy S. Davis, Independent College Counselor

The college admissions process can be very stressful in “normal” times. Now, the pandemic has added layers of new issues and strategies as colleges change their requirements and methods, and students weigh their best options. Meet Cathy Davis, a former high school guidance counselor, guiding families for more than 25 years. She understands the students, the process, and as importantly, has built relationships with many admission departments.
 

CM: What is involved in college counseling?
Cathy Davis (CD): My services are comprehensive- including, but not limited to, resume writing, determining realistic college choices, ACT vs SATs, extracurricular activities, selecting essay topics that highlight the students accomplishments and future goals, and filling out the college applications. Both students and their parents are the beneficiaries of my counseling service. With my expertise and over 25 years of college counseling experience, I am able to help students successfully navigate the often daunting college admission process.

CM: How has the pandemic changed the application process?
CD: With the advent of the pandemic, colleges have begun to look at their past criteria for selection, and have made modifications. New questions have become the norm: Should I take a gap year? Will my courses be virtual? Should I go to a community college for my first year? If colleges no longer require standardized tests should I take them anyway? Because each college has set individual standards, it is important that I contact individual admission counselors as well as attend webinars to obtain the answers. As a college advisor I do this without hesitation so that my students know what will be required of them.

CM: How are you different from other counseling advisors?
CD: As a former high school guidance counselor, I have obtained a wealth of knowledge pertaining to the information and qualifications college admission counselors are seeking. My extensive communication with college admission personnel is definitely a plus. As a guidance professional, beginning in tenth grade, I help students choose a project that is not only beneficial to them, but also to their community and to the admission process. I make sure the student has all the criteria needed when it comes time for the application process. I work individually with all my clients, both virtually and one-to-one. As a guidance professional, I can help them choose a high school path that optimizes their future success.

CM: Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy?
CD: I am a great believer that each student should reach for the stars. But in doing so, he or she must also have realistic choices and project these qualities on their applications. Through this process every student should be able to shine. It is my job to help them recognize their potential, highlight their qualifications and demonstrate confidence in their choices.

To learn more about navigating the college admissions process, email Cathy Davis at cdavis516@gmail.com today!