Hourly and Flexible Options
Expert Judgement, in Exactly the Dose You Need
The internet has answers. You need answers about your student.
Forums, Facebook groups, and generic guides can tell you what works for students in general. But your decision isn't general. It's whether your student should submit that test score, write about that topic, or add that school to the list.
Sometimes you don't need a year-long program. You need hourly options with experienced judgment aimed at exactly what you need. That's what these options are for.
Sessions are available via Zoom. And every family starts with a free 30-minute consultation before any service begins.
EVERY SESSION ENDS WITH
✓ A decision made, or a clear recommendation
with the reasoning behind it
✓ Specific next steps your family can act on
immediately
✓ Honest answers, including "you don't need
to buy more help for this"
✓ Written follow-up notes so nothing gets lost
after we hang up
Bring me the question that's been circling
Below are some of the most common reasons families book time.
If yours isn't here, ask anyway. It probably fits.
Essay Direction and Development
Your student has ideas, three drafts, or nothing at all. Work with me in flexible five-hour coaching blocks for essay development, revision, and refinement. Perfect for students working on the Common App personal statement, University of California PIQs, or supplemental essays.
College List Feedback or Development
A focused review of your student's list for balance, real fit, and the schools that should be on it but aren't. You'll leave knowing exactly where the list is strong and where it's wishful. Don't have a list? We can design one based on your student's needs.
Data-driven testing strategy
Determine whether your student should focus on the SAT or ACT, retest, submit scores, or apply test-optional. One strategic session provides a clear plan based on your student's academic profile and college list.
Interview Preparation and Coaching
A realistic mock interview with personalized coaching and feedback on content, delivery, and confidence, so your student walks into their college or scholarship interview prepared to answer the questions that matter most.
Choose What Fits
Both options buy the same thing: my full attention on your student.
The only difference is how you reserve it.
Hourly Consultation
$395 per hour schedule as needed
One-time or recurring sessions on any part of the college search and application process. We use the time however it's most useful: reviewing a college list, working through an essay question, discussing financial aid, or simply talking through where things stand.
✓ Get answers to specific, targeted questions
✓ Check in at a key milestone (junior fall,
application season, etc.)
✓ Supplement work you're already doing independently
✓ Get a second opinion on a decision you're facing
Five-Hour Service Block
$1,850 prepaid use at your own pace
A block of five hours applied to any services: list building, essay editing, interview preparation, college visit planning, or any other need your student has. Time can be used across multiple sessions throughout the application season.
✓ Tackle a defined project (like essay editing for multiple
schools)
✓ Have a bank of time ready without scheduling each
session individually
✓ Address several different needs without committing to a
full program
✓ Give a student focused support in one high-stakes area
✓ Get priority scheduling during peak season
What Our Clients Say...
"Hire Kathy Noble. Just do it! She is worth 10x the amount that she charges. We only wish we had done it sooner... Although our younger son had outstanding grades and test scores, we needed help explaining some unusual circumstances. About two months before applications were due, we reached out to Kathy and asked her if we could hire her on a per hour basis to help us with specific things. Her advice was insightful and knowledgeable. Kathy is a gem and understands the passion and the heart of both a parent and a child trying to navigate the college admissions process."
L.P.
PARENT OF A UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN STUDENT HOURLY CLIENT
How It Works
Free Consultation
We start with a free 30-minute call to talk through your student's situation and what you're trying to accomplish. I'll tell you honestly whether an hour is enough.
Choose Your Option
Decide whether an hourly arrangement or a five-hour block makes more sense for your needs right now. There's no wrong answer and you can always add time later.
Get to Work
Every session is focused and purposeful. You leave with answers, a decision made, or a clear next step.
Schedule Sessions
We set up sessions at times that work for your student and your family via Zoom.
When it's a whole season, not a single question
If your student is heading into a full application season, my essay packages and year-long partnership provide comprehensive, ongoing support. Before application and essay writing begin every package begins with a Story Fingerprint™ Session, where we diagnose the narrative core that will organize your student's entire application before anyone writes a word.
Not sure which option fits your student?
Every family starts with a free 30-minute consultation. We'll talk through where things stand, and I'll tell you honestly whether an hour is enough.
Schedule a free consultation