FAQs

School counselors are a valuable resource, but they’re typically working with major constraints.

The college counseling department serves every student at the school, which can mean a single counselor for upwards of 400-500 students. Even the most dedicated counselor typically doesn’t have the bandwidth to provide the level of individualized and sustained attention that a competitive college application often requires.

At The Admissions Desk, the personalization, depth of engagement, continuity, and detailed guidance through the nuances of the process simply cannot be matched by in-school counseling departments.

None of this should be construed as a criticism of school counselors, who do important work under real resource constrains. Think of The Admissions Desk as a complement to that relationship, providing specialized support to ensure that no opportunity is missed.

If you’ve spent any time researching private educational consultants, you probably know there is no shortage of options. Here's what sets The Admissions Desk apart.

We've sat on both sides of the desk. In addition to his extensive experience serving on admission committees at top-ranked U.S. institutions, Dr. Davtyan spent several years at a bespoke educational consultancy, directly supporting students and families through hundreds of highly competitive admission processes. Through his unique combination of experiences, Dr. Davtyan brings his insider knowledge, breadth of perspective , and student-centered philosophy to each relationship.

Every plan is created from scratch. From years of experience, we know there isn’t a single “best” strategy for a successful admission outcome, and what works for one student may not be effective for another. With this in mind, the strategy we develop for your student is constructed around who they are, where they're headed, and what will resonate most with the schools they're targeting.

We're strategic about every hour we spend together. Our process is designed to maximize impact. That means focusing our time and energy on the work that has the highest potential to positively influence admission outcomes.

Our experience spans the full higher education landscape. By virtue of encompassing both undergraduate and post-graduate admissions (including MBA, JD, and health professions programs), we have a richer understanding of how academic and professional trajectories unfold over time. This broader vantage point allows us to position students for long-term success, not just the next application.

The college admissions process involves much more than filling out applications in the fall of senior year. Ideally, it represents the culmination of intentional choices around academics, activities, and self-discovery. The earlier you begin working with a consultant, the more opportunity you have to shape those choices.

That said, there’s real value at every stage:

Starting in freshman/sophomore year allows ample time to assess strengths and interests, build a purposeful academic and extracurricular plan, and foster the habits and skills that ultimately make the entire process more successful.

Junior year is the most common entry point and still highly effective. This is when testing strategy, college list development, and early personal narrative work come into focus.

Senior year can still be manageable, particularly for families seeking focused support on essays, applications, and financial aid decisions. The timeline is tighter, but strong outcomes are very achievable with the right structure in place.

Yes. In addition to our packaged services, we offer hourly sessions for families who need specific help — such as essay reviews, interview prep, or transfer applications. This allows you to customize support based on your goals and budget.

No — and no ethical consultant can.
What we do guarantee is that every application will represent your student at their strongest — with a compelling, authentic story, strategic school list, and well-organized plan. Our goal is to position students for the best possible outcomes across a balanced list of colleges.

Absolutely. Every comprehensive plan includes financial aid and scholarship strategy sessions. We help families understand how to compare offers, maximize opportunities, and make informed decisions that align with their financial capacity.