Affirm Education
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to empower students to achieve their highest potential by guiding them through every step of the U.S. college admissions process with expertise, integrity, and personalized support. We are dedicated to unlocking opportunities by understanding each student’s unique strengths and aspirations, equipping them with tools, insights, and strategies to gain admission to top universities. Our commitment is to nurture confident, informed, and purpose-driven applicants, ready to succeed in their college journey and beyond.
What We Do
In today’s rapidly evolving academic environment, the path to college admission has become more competitive and complex than ever before. With a record number of applicants vying for limited spots at top institutions, students are finding it increasingly challenging to stand out among their peers. Add to this the ever-changing admission criteria, standardized test requirements, and a maze of essays, interviews, and deadlines, and it’s easy to see why the process can feel overwhelming.
At Affirm Education, we understand the pressures students and families face as they navigate this competitive landscape. Our mission is to simplify the admissions process, provide personalized guidance, and empower students to achieve their academic dreams. With our expertise, we help students present their best selves and build compelling applications that reflect their unique strengths and aspirations.
- Personalized College Counseling
We provide tailored advice based on each student’s academic strengths, extracurricular activities, and career goals. We also offer guidance on selecting colleges that align with the student’s profile and aspirations. In doing this, we help families understand which schools offer the best fit academically, socially, and financially.
- Strategic College Planning / Application Planning
We create customized college lists and application strategies that align with each student’s goals, academic profile, and unique strengths. We create a comprehensive application plan (including deadlines and submission requirements, special projects, humanist projects, etc). We also assist with Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision applications to optimize chances of acceptance. We help students develop a well-rounded application list that includes safety, target, and reach schools.
- Academic Positioning
We provide comprehensive academic support to help students excel in their studies and prepare for the rigor of college-level work. Our strategies ensure that students not only perform well in high school but also develop the skills and confidence needed for college success.Some of our academic services include:
- Academic Goal Setting and Planning
We help students set clear short term and long term academic goals and create structured plans for reaching them, including course selection, study schedules, and strategies for improvement in challenging areas. This planning is often aligned with the students’ college and career aspirations to ensure a balanced, challenging curriculum that stands out on applications.
- Personalized Tutoring and Subject-Specific Support
We connect students with specialized tutors who focus on strengthening key academic subjects, offering one-on-one support in math, sciences, English, and other critical areas. This tutoring is tailored to the student’s unique learning style and aims to solidify their foundational knowledge.
- Academic Enrichment Programs
To make students competitive candidates, we may recommend or facilitate enrollment in enrichment programs, such as advanced courses, summer programs, or online classes that deepen subject knowledge beyond the school curriculum.
- Skills Development
We also guide students in building essential academic skills, like effective study habits, time management, and test-taking techniques. This support can lead to stronger performance in school and improved scores on standardized tests, creating a solid foundation for success in college.
- Regular Academic Monitoring and Feedback
By tracking grades and academic progress, we provide continuous feedback and adjustments to students’ study plans as needed. They can intervene early to address any academic issues, helping students avoid falling behind and maintaining their academic trajectory.
- College-Level Course Advising
For advanced students, consultants help in selecting and preparing for AP, IB, or dual-enrollment college courses, ensuring that students challenge themselves appropriately and are well-prepared for university coursework.
These strategies ensure that students not only perform well in high school but also develop the skills and confidence needed for college success.
- Application & Essay Support
Through one-on-one sessions, we assist students in crafting standout personal statements, supplemental essays and activity lists that reflect their individuality, success, impact and passions. We provide support in brainstorming, drafting, and refining personal statements and supplemental essays. We help to ensure that the student’s essays reflect the student’s unique voice and tell a compelling story. We offer feedback on structure, content, and tone to ensure clarity and impact.
- Building a Standout Resume and Activity List
We help students create a strong resume/ activity list that highlights academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement. We provide guidance on how to effectively format and present activities and honors.
- Extracurricular Positioning
We offer strategic extracurricular advice to help students build impactful and genuine portfolios that align with their interests, strengths, and college aspirations. Our strategies not only strengthen the student’s application but also help them develop skills, connections, and experiences that are valuable for their personal growth and future careers. Here’s how we typically approach extracurricular advising:
- Identifying Core Interests and Passions
We start by helping students uncover their genuine interests and strengths. This process often involves in-depth discussions and assessments to identify areas where the student’s passions align with their college and career goals. By focusing on authentic interests, students are encouraged to engage in activities they are genuinely excited about, which also strengthens their college applications.
- Strategic Activity Selection
We guide students in choosing activities that complement their academic pursuits and align with college admissions goals. For instance, if a student is interested in STEM, they may be encouraged to participate in science competitions, coding clubs, or research internships. The goal is to build a focused and coherent extracurricular profile that reflects a depth of commitment in specific areas rather than a broad list of activities.
- Leadership Development and Initiative
Colleges value students who show leadership and initiative, so consultants often help students seek leadership roles within their current activities or guide them in creating new opportunities. For example, a student interested in environmental science might be encouraged to start a sustainability club or lead a community recycling project. This leadership emphasis demonstrates responsibility, organizational skills, and the ability to create positive change.
- Community Impact and Volunteering
We emphasize community service and encourage students to engage in projects that give back to their communities. Consultants help students find meaningful volunteer opportunities that connect to their interests, showing colleges that the student is socially responsible and invested in making a difference.
- Skill Development and Awards
We may suggest that students pursue relevant certifications, skills, or competitions to validate their expertise. For example, if a student is interested in business, they might be encouraged to join DECA or participate in finance internships. Gaining recognition, awards, or certifications demonstrates dedication and achievement in their chosen field.
- Building a Compelling Narrative
We work with students to craft a cohesive story that connects their extracurriculars to their personal growth and college goals. This narrative helps college admissions officers understand the student’s journey, making their applications more compelling and memorable.
- Guidance on Time Management and Balance
Managing extracurriculars alongside academics can be challenging, so consultants often advise on time management and help students prioritize their activities. They ensure that students maintain a balanced approach that maximizes impact without overwhelming their schedules.
- Standardized Testing Preparation (SAT/PSAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE)
We offer superior assistance for standardized tests through a tailored, research-backed approach that maximizes results. With a team of highly experienced tutors specializing in SAT, ACT, GRE, and other exams, we provide personalized study plans based on each student’s strengths, areas for improvement, and learning style. Our instructors use proven test-taking strategies, adaptive practice questions, and comprehensive review materials to ensure students master each subject and develop confidence.
In addition to individualized tutoring, we offer group classes, mock exams, and performance analytics to track progress, ensuring that students are fully prepared for each exam section. Our support extends beyond academics, providing students with stress management techniques and time management strategies to help them perform their best under exam conditions. By leveraging cutting-edge resources and a results-driven approach, we empower students to achieve their highest potential.
- PSAT
The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is a standardized test that serves as both a practice test for the SAT and a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program. It’s often taken by high school sophomores and juniors and consists of three main sections:
- Reading: Evaluates comprehension and reasoning skills based on passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and sciences.
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Writing and Language: Tests grammar, punctuation, and language usage through passages that require editing.
- Math: Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry, similar to the SAT but with slightly fewer advanced questions.
Scored between 320 and 1520, the PSAT helps students identify areas for improvement before taking the SAT. High-achieving juniors can qualify for National Merit Scholarships based on their PSAT scores, making it a valuable opportunity for both practice and potential scholarships. It’s offered once a year in October by the College Board.
- SAT
The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. It assesses students’ readiness for college and provides colleges with a common data point to compare applicants. The test includes sections on:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: This section evaluates reading comprehension, grammar, and language skills. It includes a Reading Test (with passages from literature, social studies, and science) and a Writing and Language Test, which assesses grammar and clarity in written passages.
- Math: The Math section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, and some advanced math concepts. It’s divided into two parts: one that allows the use of a calculator and one that does not.
The SAT is scored on a scale of 400 to 1600, with each main section (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) scored from 200 to 800. Many colleges and universities consider SAT scores as part of the admissions process to evaluate academic potential and readiness for college-level work.
The SAT is developed and administered by the College Board and is offered multiple times a year at testing centers worldwide.
- ISEE
The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Exam, is a standardized test used by private and independent schools in the U.S. and abroad for admissions from grades 2 through 12. Designed and administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), it assesses a student’s readiness for competitive academic environments through a combination of sections that vary by level:
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Verbal Reasoning: Tests vocabulary and reasoning through synonym recognition and sentence completion.
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Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on mathematical reasoning, such as problem-solving and logical thinking.
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Reading Comprehension: Measures understanding and interpretation of passages from a variety of topics.
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Mathematics Achievement: Evaluates specific math skills, including computation and concepts appropriate to each grade level.
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Essay: Allows students to demonstrate writing skills; although it’s unscored, the essay is sent directly to the schools for review.
The ISEE has four levels tailored to different age groups: Primary (for students entering grades 2-4), Lower (grades 5-6), Middle (grades 7-8), and Upper (grades 9-12).
- SSAT
The SSAT, or Secondary School Admission Test, is a standardized test used by many private and independent schools in the United States and abroad as part of their admissions process for students in grades 3 through 11. The SSAT assesses students’ academic abilities and helps schools evaluate their readiness for a rigorous academic environment.
The SSAT is divided into three main sections:
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Verbal Section: This includes questions on synonyms and analogies, which measure a student’s vocabulary and reasoning abilities.
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Quantitative Section: Comprising two parts (one focused on arithmetic and the other on math concepts), this section tests a student’s mathematical skills, including problem-solving and quantitative reasoning.
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Reading Comprehension: This portion assesses the student’s ability to read and understand passages, drawing conclusions and making inferences based on the content.
There is also a writing sample, which is unscored but is sent to schools as part of the application. The SSAT is offered at different levels: Lower Level for grades 3-4, Middle Level for grades 5-7, and Upper Level for grades 8-11.
Students prepare for the SSAT to improve their chances of admission to competitive schools, and it’s important to note that each school may weigh the SSAT differently in their admissions process.
- Skill Development and Awards
We may suggest that students pursue relevant certifications, skills, or competitions to validate their expertise. For example, if a student is interested in business, they might be encouraged to join DECA or participate in finance internships. Gaining recognition, awards, or certifications demonstrates dedication and achievement in their chosen field.
- Building a Compelling Narrative
We work with students to craft a cohesive story that connects their extracurriculars to their personal growth and college goals. This narrative helps college admissions officers understand the student’s journey, making their applications more compelling and memorable.
- Guidance on Time Management and Balance
Managing extracurriculars alongside academics can be challenging, so consultants often advise on time management and help students prioritize their activities. They ensure that students maintain a balanced approach that maximizes impact without overwhelming their schedules.
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Guidance
We help families navigate the financial aid process, including FAFSA and CSS Profile. We also offer advice on finding and applying for scholarships and grants. We provide insights on financial aid packages, loan options, and overall college affordability.
- Letters of Recommendation Strategy
We advise students on whom to ask for letters of recommendation and how to approach them. We ensure that recommendation letters reinforce the student’s narrative and strengths.
- Stress Management and Emotional Support
We offer emotional guidance to help students and families manage the stress of the college admissions process. We encourage a balanced approach to academics, extracurriculars, and mental well-being.
- Interview Preparation
We coach students on how to excel in college interviews, from mock interviews to communication skills. We offer tips on how to present themselves authentically and confidently during interviews. Our team provides mock interview practice and supports students in identifying and applying for scholarships and financial aid.
At Affirm Education, we’re committed to helping students gain acceptance to their dream schools by highlighting their authentic strengths and achievements.
- Post-Acceptance Decision Support
We assist families with evaluating acceptance offers, financial aid packages, and choosing the right school. We also provide support in navigating waitlists, deferral options, or reapplication plans if necessary.
By offering these services, we ensure that families feel supported throughout the college applications process. We also empower families to make informed decisions and create a strategic, successful approach to the college admissions process.