JoAllan Gehde’s Overview of Service Options

Comprehensive and hourly packages are available and tailored to the student’s needs. Services may include:
  • Academic & Extracurricular Review
  • Strategic Academic & Activities Planning
  • Major & Career Exploration
  • Campus Visit Planning
  • Standardized Testing Strategy
  • Student Profile Development
  • Exploration of Alternative Pathways
  • College List Development
  • Application Strategy & Timeline Management
  • Financial Aid Guidance
  • Essay Coaching
  • Activities List Development
  • Letters of Recommendation Guidance
  • Application Completion Support
  • Post-Admission Advising

Service Options

Full Support

Comprehensive Package

Ideal for students beginning the college planning process prior to senior year. This package provides comprehensive, personalized guidance from the early stages of college planning through the final college decision and enrollment process.

one-time guidance

Individual Consultation

For students or families who need focused guidance on a specific planning or admissions question without ongoing support.

8th and 9th grade

Early Planning Package

Designed for 8th and 9th grade students beginning their college journey. Includes two consultations focused on academic and extracurricular planning, early college awareness, and long-term strategy.

Writing Support

Essay and Application Package

Designed for students who have completed junior year and need support developing and submitting strong essays and polished applications.

Senior Year

Senior Sprint Package

Perfect for students who have completed junior year, this package includes the same personalized guidance as the Comprehensive Package, but is designed for students beginning too late to benefit from longer-term academic, extracurricular, and early college planning.

A Personal Approach to College Planning

Dear Students & Families

College planning is about much more than applications, grades, and test scores. It is an opportunity for students to discover more about who they are, what matters to them, and what they want their life after high school to look like.

My goal is to help students navigate this process with confidence, clarity, and a growing sense of independence. Together, we will explore their interests, strengths, values, and aspirations, identify colleges and opportunities that fit who they are, and create an application that authentically reflects their experiences and accomplishments.

I believe every student deserves to be seen as more than a GPA or test score. Each student brings a unique combination of talents, interests, experiences, and potential to the college process. My role is to help them recognize those strengths, communicate them effectively, and understand the many possibilities available to them.

For parents, I know the college process can feel overwhelming. I am here to provide expertise, perspective, and organization throughout the journey, from building a thoughtful college list and developing an application strategy to navigating deadlines, essays, financial considerations, and important decisions along the way. My goal is to make the process more manageable for your family while encouraging students to take increasing ownership of their future.

Most importantly, I want students to feel supported, understood, and excited about what comes next. There is no single definition of the “right” college or the “best” path. Together, we will focus on finding opportunities where each student can thrive, grow, and build a future that feels right for them.

I look forward to getting to know your family and helping your student navigate the college journey with confidence and excitement.

JoAllan

From Parents

JoAllan was a lifesaver. We were completely overwhelmed by the college selection and application process until JoAllan stepped in. She guided us through every step, resulting in multiple acceptance letters and, most importantly, what we believe is the perfect college for our daughter. JoAllan’s support didn’t end with our formal engagement-she continued to offer guidance throughout. I cannot recommend her highly enough and fully intend to work with her again for our next round. Truly best in class!

Herb, Father

JoAllan was an incredible support to our son throughout the college application process. She helped him get organized, stay on schedule, and manage each step with confidence. The tools and structure she provided not only guided him through his applications, but also built lifelong skills in planning, time management, and follow-through. She was always accessible whenever he needed support or guidance, and helped him complete the majority of his applications before senior year even began. We are so grateful for her steady support and highly recommend her to any family navigating the process

Julie, Mom
Working with JoAllan was an absolute game-changer in my daughter’s college application process. Her unwavering support and guidance gave her the confidence to tackle what often felt like an overwhelming journey. She not only provided invaluable insights tailored to each school, but also edited and refined every essay with such care that my daughter’s authentic voice truly shined through. Perhaps most importantly, she was a steady anchor, holding my daughter up during the most stressful moments, when she felt like retreating under the covers instead of pushing forward.
Parent

Thanks to JoAllan’s expertise, encouragement, and dedication, my daughter was able to put her very best forward. We are so grateful for the role she played in turning a daunting process into a transformative experience

Kristen, Mother

Working with JoAllan was truly a game-changer for our family during the college application process. She was instrumental in helping my son navigate every step, from narrowing down school choices to brainstorming and refining his college essays. Her guidance brought clarity to what can often feel like an overwhelming process, and she provided the kindness, structure and support he needed to stay on track. Thanks to her thoughtful approach, clear communication, and genuine dedication, the entire experience was far less stressful. We’re incredibly grateful for her expertise and encouragement throughout.

Marissa, Mother

Get to Know More about JoAllan