Good questions.
Honest answers.
Start here for the practical details of working with Thomas College Counseling.
One next step. A little more clarity.
Choose your stage for practical ideas you can use today.
Explore what makes you curious.
You do not need a final college list yet. Start by learning about yourself and building good habits.
Talk through your next stepYour starting checklist
Small actions count. Check off what you have done.
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Turn possibilities into a plan.
Explore fit, build a balanced list, and give yourself room to prepare.
Talk through your next stepYour starting checklist
Small actions count. Check off what you have done.
0 of 6 complete
Take the next step with clarity.
Focus on your own deadlines and keep the student’s voice at the center.
Talk through your next stepYour starting checklist
Small actions count. Check off what you have done.
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Support the process without taking it over.
A calm conversation and a shared plan can make the next step feel more manageable.
Talk through your next stepYour starting checklist
Small actions count. Check off what you have done.
0 of 6 complete
Use this as a starting point, not a deadline calendar. Verify requirements and dates with each college and your school counselor. Entries stay on this page only; download before leaving or refreshing.
Useful tools. A clearer starting point.
Explore your priorities, take better campus notes, and turn a big process into small steps. No signup required.
No account needed. Your answers are not sent to us or saved after a refresh. Download a branded, fillable PDF to keep or share with your counselor. Your answers carry over and remain editable.
Open the campus-visit scorecard
Look beyond the tour.
Rate your impressions, record evidence, and flag what you still need to learn. These are personal reflections, not a college ranking.
Do the courses, majors, and learning opportunities fit my interests?
Can I picture building friendships and finding community here?
What advising, tutoring, accessibility, and wellbeing services can I ask about?
How do housing, transport, location, and campus size fit my needs?
What costs and aid details do I still need to confirm with the college?
0 of 5 areas explored
Open the college-fit worksheet
Your priorities belong in the plan.
Mark each area as essential, important, flexible, or still exploring. Then describe what a good fit would look like.
Keep exploring with trusted resources.
Independent resources to support your research:
- BigFuture — explore colleges, careers, and scholarships.
- Common App application guides — understand the steps and requirements.
These links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement or affiliation.
When should we begin?
For individual counseling, Tamika recommends starting in the second semester of junior year and continuing through senior year. Career exploration workshops can begin earlier. If your timeline is different, reach out to discuss whether the service is a good fit.
Do you work with students virtually?
Yes. Individual college counseling is offered virtually. Local, in-person workshops serve schools and organizations in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
What happens in the free consultation?
The 30-minute conversation covers your needs and goals, Tamika’s approach, and how she may be able to help. It is a chance for both sides to decide whether working together makes sense.
Will you write my student’s essays or complete their applications?
Students remain responsible for their own work. Tamika provides guidance, brainstorming support, feedback, and organization while helping each student communicate in their own voice.
Can you guarantee acceptance or a scholarship?
No. Admissions and scholarship decisions belong to colleges and awarding organizations. The focus is a thoughtful college list, authentic applications, informed choices, and a well-managed process.
How much does counseling cost?
Targeted services, hourly support, and broader packages are available. Request a consultation to discuss the right scope and receive current pricing.
Can you help us consider options beyond a four-year college?
Yes. Tamika’s services include exploring trade schools, two-year colleges, and other postsecondary options based on the student’s interests, goals, and fit.
Can our school book a workshop?
Yes. Workshops cover college planning, applications, essays, financial literacy, and more. Single workshops and multi-session series are available; contact Tamika to discuss your students and goals.
A clearer next step starts with a conversation.
Tell Tamika where you are. Explore how she can help.