Frequently Asked Questions

Educational consulting offers personalized, one-on-one guidance throughout the admissions process — something school counselors, who often support hundreds of students, aren't always able to provide. We work closely with your family to build a strategy tailored to your child's goals, strengths, and circumstances.

There's no single "right" time — some families start a year or more in advance, while others reach out during a last-minute search or after a relocation. Whether you're just beginning to explore options or need support mid-process, we can meet you where you are.

No, no reputable consultant can guarantee admission. Final decisions rest entirely with each school's admissions committee. What we can guarantee is thoughtful, informed guidance that helps your family build the strongest possible application and find schools where your child will genuinely thrive.

We offer hourly consulting as well as discounted multi-hour packages (5 or 10 hours, paid in advance). Every family's needs are different, so we'll help you choose the option that fits your situation during an initial conversation.

Sessions can cover school research and selection, application strategy, essay brainstorming and review, interview preparation, and coordination with schools. We also stay available by email and phone for quick questions between sessions.

Both. We tailor our approach to each family — some students prefer working directly with their advisor, while parents stay closely involved throughout. We're always transparent with parents about how and when we communicate with students.

We often work directly with students — for essay coaching, interview prep, and application strategy — since that direct relationship tends to produce the strongest, most authentic results. That said, parents are always welcome to be included on email correspondence or in meetings, and we'll never schedule an in-person meeting with your child without your knowledge and consent. We believe in keeping communication open with the whole family throughout the process.

It depends on your family's starting point and goals. Some engagements last a few months; others span a full admissions season. We'll talk through timeline expectations early on so there are no surprises.

We're experienced in supporting families through time-sensitive situations, including relocations and last-minute applications. We'll move quickly to assess your priorities and build a plan that works within your timeline.

We specialize in Bay Area admissions, drawing on deep local knowledge of the schools and communities here. That said, we're happy to work with families applying to schools throughout the U.S. and Canada — many of the same strategies and insights apply, and we'll tailor our guidance to your specific location and target schools.

Yes — we partner with a select number of schools and organizations each year to provide comprehensive counseling support for entire graduating classes, through a flexible, flat-fee program.

Fees for our services are non-refundable. This reflects the personalized time and expertise we dedicate to your family from the moment we begin working together — whether that's researching schools, preparing strategy, or being available for questions. We're happy to walk through exactly what's included before you commit, so there are no surprises.

Schedule a free initial inquiry consultation, or email us at info@ursamajoreducation.com with any questions. We’ll talk through your family's situation and figure out the right next step together — no pressure, no obligation.