Welcome to CollegeThoughts
College Admissions Guidance for Every Step of the Journey
Your family doesn't have to navigate it alone.
The college admissions process can feel overwhelming. At CollegeThoughts, we help students and families make sense of the college journey, one step at a time.
Start Here
What Should Your Student Focus on Right Now?
Every year of high school brings new opportunities, questions, and decisions. Whether your student is just starting high school or preparing to submit applications, knowing what to prioritize can make all the difference. Choose your student's graduation year to explore the key milestones, helpful resources, and next steps for their stage of the college journey.
9th Grade
Class of 2030
Build strong academic habits, explore interests, and establish a foundation for high school success.
10th Grade
Class of 2029
Strengthen academic performance, explore potential interests, and begin thinking about future college options.
11th Grade
Class of 2028
Prepare for testing, research colleges, and begin developing a thoughtful application strategy.
12th Grade
Class of 2027
Navigate applications, essays, deadlines, financial aid, and the decisions that lead to college enrollment.
Our Track Record
CollegeThoughts by the Numbers
Our experience reflects our commitment to helping students and families navigate the college admissions journey with confidence.
Students Supported
Years of Combined Experience
Colleges Where CollegeThoughts Students Matriculated
Why families choose us
Simplify your journey to college.
When you sign up for CollegeThoughts, you are choosing to simplify your journey to college by working with a group of compassionate, talented educators who will help to alleviate stress and increase success by developing a comprehensive plan for college readiness for your child.
We help students to think about their ownership of the application process clearly and express themselves authentically.
Explore our resources, learn about your options, and discover how to make the most of every year of high school.
Getting started is simple
- Tell us about your student and their goals.
- Meet with a CollegeThoughts expert.
- Leave with a personalized Roadmap to College.
For Families
Expert Guidance for Every Step of the College Process
No two students have the same goals, challenges, or path to college. We help families navigate the process with personalized support, practical strategies, and a clear plan.
CollegeThoughts is the partner you need to provide your student with the tools they need to increase access to top-caliber colleges. Our students are strategically guided through the application process to the college or university that will best position them for future success.
Partner With Us
Let's Help More Students Find Their Path to College
College access is a community effort. CollegeThoughts partners with schools, nonprofits, libraries, and community organizations to help students and families navigate the college admissions process with greater confidence.
Schools
Nonprofits
Libraries
Community Organizations
If you're looking to offer educational workshops, provide college planning resources to families, or explore a longer-term partnership, we'd love to connect.
Ways we can work together:
- College admissions and application workshops
- SAT/ACT preparation resources and mock testing
- College essay and application support
- Financial aid and college affordability education
- Customized programming for your students and families
Keith Wilkerson
CEO and Founder · Princeton, Class of 1997
A Note From Our Founder
Why I founded CollegeThoughts
Dear CollegeThinker,
When I think about why I founded CollegeThoughts, I think about my grandfather.
He swept the floor of the bookstore at William & Mary. When his children and grandchildren sent updates about their accomplishments, he posted them on the bulletin board inside the store. Two generations later, I have the privilege of helping students find their way there to study. I stand on his giant shoulders, knowing what access to education can mean for a family.
I also think about the student I was.
I attended a public high school in Philadelphia through a magnet program that benefited from desegregation. Ebony magazine recognized me as one of the country's top young Black scholars. Yet some of my teachers discouraged me from applying to Princeton. I applied anyway and graduated in 1997.
Keith Wilkerson
CEO and Founder
Learning Center
Stay Informed. Feel Prepared.
College admissions information changes, and families naturally have questions. We make it easier to stay informed with practical resources, timely reminders, and a community that understands what you're going through.
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Take the next step
Wherever Your Family Is in the Journey, We're Here to Help.
You don't need to have every answer today. Start with the information you need now, and take the next step when you're ready.