What to Expect

UMatch offers a 4-Phase Comprehensive approach to the college application process. Clients generally come to UMatch early in their junior year, although we can modify the framework to meet you wherever you are in the process. While UMatch will design a custom plan to fit your circumstances, our general timeline is as follows:

Our 4-Phase Comprehensive Approach

  • Student standing among her peers who are seated in a classroom

    Phase I: Criteria Development

    Early to Mid-Junior Year

    The first phase is all about discovering who you are and what you want in a college or university. Through a series of assessments and exercises, you’ll identify core values, personality traits, study habits, and long-term goals which will help you to focus on the colleges that are best suited to you! Phase I also includes a family meeting to discuss parent expectations and the broader landscape of college admissions.

  • College campus scene

    Phase II: List Building and Refining

    Mid to late Junior Year

    The second phase is all about the College List! UMatch will work with you to develop a list of schools that you wish to research further. You’ll use UMatch research tools, along with college visits, to dig deep into the schools on your list. We’ll also prepare you for interviews and build your Activities List during Phase II. The Phase concludes with a meeting at which you’ll present your Balanced Application List of Colleges to your family!

  • Student pushing a door open to go outside

    Phase III: Essays & Application Completion

    Summer and Fall of Senior Year

    The third phase is when we put all of the information we learned in Phases I and II to work! Through a series of sessions, you’ll draft your Personal Statement and Supplemental Essays for the schools on your Application List. Your UMatch Student Portal will allow us to make checklists, set deadlines, and create benchmarks to make the application process as streamlined and organized as possible! Most importantly, you’ll have all of your applications finalized and submitted in time to enjoy the holidays.

  • Outdoor scene overlooking the tops of dozens of graduation caps

    Phase IV: Finding Your Match

    Spring of Senior Year

    The final phase is the fun part! UMatch is available to advise as you and your family make your ultimate college decision. We’ll also guide you through some exercises to help you with the transition to college. Finally, we hope you’ll keep in touch with UMatch when you are in college. We can’t wait to see you achieve your goals!