- Wendy J. Bush, Director of The Excelsior Academy, provides high school, college, and career counseling to a limited number of students and parents who are not enrolled in TEA. Her professional college admissions counseling equips families with the accurate information needed to make important high school and college decisions with and for their students. For something as critical as post-high school endeavors, it is highly advantageous to be guided by someone with professional experience in counseling thousands of students and whose knowledge base is not limited to the college admissions experiences of their children and the children in their homeschool circles. It is also very beneficial to work with someone who is established in the college admissions community and regularly interacts with colleagues in higher education.
- Wendy stays informed on college admission trends as well as state and federal policy shifts that could impact homeschoolers. Each year she graduates 100 seniors and counsels hundreds of other high school students. Her passion is empowering teens in making good decisions based on their own unique set of interests, abilities, talents, and aspirations. Whether students’ goals are selective four-year universities, community colleges, career schools, or the military, Wendy’s guidance can help them successfully navigate the path to their dreams.
- Wendy is a recognized expert and leader in homeschool college admissions and has presented at conferences of the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC) and the Maryland Organization of Community College Registrars and Admissions Officers (MOCCRAO). She is a member of PCACAC, the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC), National Association of Secondary School Principals, American School Counselors Association, and the Maryland School Counselors Association.
- Services range from a one-time, in-depth consultation to full college admissions counseling. For many families, one consultation is sufficient to equip them with the information needed to conduct a successful high school program that will put their students on their desired post-high school paths. For rising seniors, comprehensive college admissions support can help create and execute a successful strategy for college acceptances and scholarships.
- When is the optimal time to conduct a consultation? For a four-year college-bound student, a high school/college admissions consultation in 8th grade allows the family to develop a comprehensive four-year plan for high school courses, testing, and college admissions. And, of course, consultations during high school are advantageous in reviewing the steps all ready taken, giving guidance on the remaining high school years, and formulating a successful post-high school plan.
Services offered include:
- Personalized college admissions advising/tutorial based on the student’s goals
- Personalized high school planning/tutorial based on the student’s post-high school pathway
- Guidance on college entrance testing (SAT/PSAT/ACT, etc.)
- Guidance on preparing transcripts, course descriptions, personal statements
- Guidance on obtaining recommendations, writing essays, visiting colleges
- Career exploration advising
- Military and career training advising
If you are interested in any of these advising services, contact Wendy with the information requested on the this email form: