01
Planning & college fit
Turn interests, academics, family priorities, and affordability into a balanced college strategy.
- —Academic and course planning
- —College list development
- —Major and career exploration
Independent college advising
A clear path.
A student’s own story.
Thoughtful college planning for students and families who want expert guidance, honest options, and a process that still feels personal.
Student-centered
The student remains the author and decision-maker.
Family-informed
Priorities and constraints become part of the strategy.
Deadline-ready
Every major task has a clear place in the plan.
How I can help
Guidance for the decisions that shape the whole process.
Support is shaped around the student’s current stage—not a generic package or a one-size-fits-all checklist.
02
Applications & essays
Move from scattered deadlines to a clear plan while keeping the student’s voice at the center.
- —Application project management
- —Essay and PIQ coaching
- —Final application review
03
Affordability & decisions
Compare the real options—academic, financial, and personal—before making a confident choice.
- —Financial-aid planning
- —Scholarship strategy
- —Enrollment decision support
The approach
Less confusion.
More direction.
A strong college process begins with clarity.
01
Listen
We begin with the student’s story, the family’s priorities, and the decisions already on the table.
02
Build the roadmap
You receive a focused plan with clear priorities, realistic options, and the next right steps.
03
Move with purpose
We work through milestones together so the student stays organized, authentic, and in control.
The right plan should challenge a student without losing sight of who they are.
Student ownership. Honest guidance. Thoughtful strategy.
Meet your advisor
Rah-Ben Coates
Founder & College Admissions Advisor
Rah-Ben works closely with high school students and families to translate ambition, academic history, finances, and personal fit into a realistic college plan. His approach is direct, encouraging, and grounded in the day-to-day work of guiding students through consequential choices.
rahben@coatesadvising.comBegin with the full picture
Let’s build a college plan that fits the student—not just the application.
The intake questionnaire helps identify goals, priorities, deadlines, and the best place to begin.
Start the new-client intake