Comprehensive 9–12 Package
FRESHMEN THROUGH SENIORSFull-cycle guidance from freshman course selection through the final decision letter.
$9,800
BOUTIQUE COLLEGE COUNSELING · CALIFORNIA & BEYOND
A partnership
for the whole
applicant.
Intentionally small. Deliberately collaborative. From freshman year to the final decision letter.
BEGIN AN INQUIRY We work with all students and specialize in UC applicants, athletes, international colleges, and STEM.
COLLEGES WHERE OUR STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED
Berklee College of Music·Boston College·Boston University·Bucknell University·Carnegie Mellon University·College of Charleston Honors·Cornell University·Dartmouth College·Duke University·Georgetown University·Georgia Institute of Technology·George Washington University·
Harvard University·Harvey Mudd College·Johns Hopkins University·New York University·Northeastern University·Princeton University·Purdue University Honors·Rice University·Stanford University·University of British Columbia·UC Berkeley·UCLA·
UC Davis·UC Irvine·UC San Diego·UC Santa Barbara·University of Chicago·University of Maryland·University of Michigan·University of Pennsylvania·University of Southern California·University of Texas at Austin·University of Washington·University of Wisconsin·Wesleyan University·Yale University·
THE COLLABORATOR DIFFERENCE
Two counselors. One family.
Why do this process alone when you can collaborate? We bring decades of guidance, a deliberately small roster, and a team that knows when to bring in the right expert.
01
A boutique, intentionally small practice
Most independent counselors carry 50–75 students. We keep our caseload deliberately small so every family receives true 1:1 attention, not a volume model.
02
Certified, credentialed counselors across every setting
More than 50 years of collective experience in public and private schools, athletic academies, and independent educational consulting — here and abroad.
03
Specialized strengths
We work with all students and specialize in UC applicants, athletes, international colleges, and STEM majors — and we know how to position each story.
04
Campus visits, not website scans
We have walked hundreds of campuses in person. Seeing the places where our students apply is a vital part of how we build a list that fits.
05
Up to date on what is changing now
Conferences, webinars, college tours, admissions rep conversations, and the evolving role of AI in admissions — we stay current so our students do not fall behind.
06
A team that collaborates widely
We partner with fellow professionals, college admissions reps, coaches, school counselors, and families. No one person knows it all, so we work as a team.
07
National and international perspective
Having lived in the Northeast, Southeast, West, Texas, and internationally, we guide local Truckee-Tahoe families and students across the U.S. and around the world.
08
The whole child, start to finish
Clear communication, structured deadlines, and an achievable checklist at the end of every meeting — with the student at the center and the family beside them.
SERVICES & INVESTMENT
Transparent pricing for every stage.
We offer both hourly meetings and comprehensive packages for grades 9–12, 10–12, 11–12, and senior year. No hidden fees. Packages are set by scope, not by the hour.
Comprehensive 10–12 Package
SOPHOMORES THROUGH SENIORSAccelerated planning for students who begin the process in sophomore year.
$8,000
Comprehensive 11–12 Package
JUNIORS & SENIORSList refinement, essay development, application strategy, and decision support across the final two years.
$7,200
12th Grade Package
SENIORS — SIGN UP BY AUGUST 31Streamlined support for seniors finalizing school lists, essays, supplements, and application details.
$5,840
Hourly Meetings
ALL GRADE LEVELSFocused, one-on-one sessions for essay review, list development, interview prep, or any single admissions decision.
$200/hour
THE COUNSELORS
Karen Rowe
COUNSELOR
“I firmly believe in finding the ideal fit for a student's undergraduate degree, and I've visited colleges all over the country with them in mind. I listen to what a student wants and design a college list to match those aspirations.”
Karen has spent the last 20+ years advising students on college planning in large public schools on the East Coast, a rigorous private school on the West Coast, an athletic academy, and with independent college counseling companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.
Karen has worked as an external application reader for the University of California, reading thousands of applications, and has been a multi-time national presenter on college advising. She has helped students gain admission to the top UCs as well as Ivy and elite public universities.
She grew up in upstate New York, earned her BA in Psychology in Rochester, and her Master's in School Counseling at North Carolina State University. She now lives an active outdoor lifestyle in Truckee, California, in the Lake Tahoe region.
EDUCATION
- BA Psychology, Nazareth College, Rochester, NY
- M.Ed. in School Counseling K-12
- North Carolina State University
CREDENTIALS
- National Board Certified Counselor
- K-12 School Counseling Certification
- NACAC · ACCIS member
- UC Application Reader
WHAT FAMILIES SAY
“Karen will gracefully guide your child through a step-by-step process that allows them to reflect and pinpoint what they are looking for and how to get there.”
“Karen provided a structured path from freshman year all the way to committing to a college my senior year. If you are ever stuck, Karen has a way through.”
Katy Watts
COUNSELOR
“As a college guide and mentor, I don't tell students what to do — I partner with them. I hope students working with me find that the college process doesn't have to be painful or stressful. It can be fun and exciting.”
Katy has been a high school counselor for 20+ years, starting in California public schools in 2002 before moving overseas into college planning at the high school level. Since 2005 she has focused primarily on college planning and post-high school guidance.
Her experience has taken her to Bahrain, Texas, and California, guiding students in selective academic programs such as IB and AP in both public and private schools. Her students have successfully applied to universities in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, and beyond.
Katy has worked as an external application reader for the University of California. She resides in Reno, Nevada, and enjoys spending time with her family.
EDUCATION
- BA Sociology, California State University, East Bay
- M.A. in School Counseling K-12, Chapman University
CREDENTIALS
- Pupil Personnel Services Certification (CA)
- NACAC · ACCIS member
- UC Application Reader
WHAT FAMILIES SAY
“Katy converts complicated data into usable information and asks questions designed to help kids get clear on what they want. We are feeling so very clear on our next steps with zero worry.”
“Under her care and tutelage, I found a school that not only exceeded my expectations but also fit who I am as a person.”
50+
YEARS OF COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE
Across public and private schools, athletic academies, and independent educational consulting — with close relationships with admissions professionals and speaking roles at national conferences.
“The college admissions process is complicated and rigorous. Many families feel overwhelmed with where to start — we are here to help you get into the college that is the right fit for you.”
— KAREN & KATY
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Proudly nominated for the 2026 Community First Award with the Truckee Chamber of Commerce.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Just the FAQs.
Many schools have a counseling department — but with 500 students assigned to 1 counselor, it can be hard to get the help you need, when you need it.
1
What do you offer?
A range of support designed to meet your timeline — whether you're planning high school class strategy, creating a targeted college list, or nearing the application end zone. Many schools assign 500 students to 1 counselor; we make sure you get the help you need, when you need it.
2
How do I get started?
Reach out through our inquiry form — we'll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
3
When do we start?
College planning can start anytime. We recommend starting freshman year with a curriculum tailored to your interests — there is a strategy to course selection, AP/IB classes, and extracurricular involvement that sets up a successful high school experience.
4
What makes The College Collaborators different?
We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with reliable results. It's not just what we do — it's the way we collaborate. It's a team of counselors working for you.
INQUIRY
Want to collaborate with us?
We take a limited number of families each cycle. Begin with a single conversation.
KATY@THECOLLEGECOLLABORATORS.COM
KAREN@THECOLLEGECOLLABORATORS.COM
Ready to begin? Share a few details through our intake form and we will be in touch promptly.
SEND INQUIRY