Parents say navigating the college application process for the first time
is like building a puzzle they don't know how to build.

  • They can't afford $3,000 or $5,000 for a college consultant to guide them
  • They don't know what the finished puzzle looks like
  • They don't know what pieces they need or where to find them
  • They don't have one place to manage and track all the pieces

Now they do.

The Tools a Parent Needs

  • The Handbook to Solve the College Puzzle

    Read our handbook in one afternoon to understand the 15 pieces of the puzzle. The modular design lets you tackle any piece at any time, whether your student is a sophomore, junior or senior. Links to nearly 50 websites and online tools provide easy, instant access to the resources you need.

    Preview the Handbook ->

  • The Web App to Build Your College Puzzle

    You now have one place to track everything from colleges to SAT scores to scholarships, etc. Just enter data in the spreadsheet to unlock the automation of a real-time Dashboard (shown above), aTask Agent to-do list, and your family's own Google College calendar with Gmail and text message reminders.

    Preview the Web App (PDF) ->

Some Details

  • About the Handbook

    • We will update the Handbook when key changes impact the college application process whether those changes are new Congressional policies, reorganization of the Dept of Education, or annual updates to FAFSA , student loans, etc.

    • A link to access the Handbook will be sent to the email address you provide at checkout a few minutes after you order.

    • Enjoy 24/7 online viewing access (downloads and printing are turned off to ensure you always see the latest updates). Note: Purchasing the Handbook grants access to 1 user. Upgrading to the Bundle grants access to 2 parent/guardians + 1 student.


  • About the Web App

    • The app runs in a browser so there's no software to install. It supports 1 student and 2 parent / guardians. Users must grant our Google Apps Script permission to access their Google Sheets, Gmail and Calendar to enable the system automation.

    • A link to your web app will be sent to the email address provided at checkout a few minutes after you order.

    • Note: The app will not run on a school-issued laptop due to IT security policies enacted by schools / districts

Start Smart and Maximize your College Investment

College is expensive enough without paying a consultant just to explain the basics (while hoping you remember it all). Once you read the Handbook and begin building your college puzzle in the web app, if you decide to hire a consultant, you will have clarity on the expertise you need and get greater value for the time and money you spend.

  • Is your student laser-focused on 1 or 2 Reach schools? Has the consultant demonstrated their ability
    to analyze those school's success factors, suggest precise changes to a student's course selection, extracurriculars, accomplishments and resume and get students admitted to your schools?

  • Does your student need their essay to offset lower grades or test scores? Look for a consultant who specializes in crafting narratives, who can uncover your student's unique story and craft a memorable hook that admissions officers won't forget.

  • Do you need a consultant who truly understands your financial challenges and specializes in helping families get the maximum amount of grants, scholarships and financial aid?

We believe the right college consultant can provide enormous value to your efforts, which is why we let families share their College Puzzle with their consultant and collaborate in real-time.

You Owe It to Yourself and Your Child

How much is your time and peace-of-mind worth?

How do you put a value on the life-long memories of your child's senior year?

For about 1% of the cost of one year of college you'll:

  • Save dozens of hours searching, sorting and digesting an endless stream of online college content
  • End the struggle of trying to remember and keep track of everything
  • Replace the anxiety of uncertainty with the feeling of empowerment knowing exactly what to do
  • Avoid the mistake of hiring any consultant because you don't know how to start and feel behind
  • Reclaim the joy of your child's senior year that is often lost facing such a daunting process

And on that final college move-in day, when you fight back the tears and hug your child in their dorm room one last time, you'll have the peace of mind knowing you did the best job you could do, helping them with the most important decision of their young life.

The Universe Rewards Action

Don't wait till summer to start your college planning. The Start Smart 2026 event is on now.

The next 26 16 6 customers will save $100 and get the Web App Free!

Buy the Bundle and use discount code Smart26 at checkout

  • Buy Handbook Access

    Get 24 / 7 access to our
    190-page Handbook to
    Solve the College Puzzle

    $299
    One-time charge
    No monthly subscription

    Buy the Handbook

  • Buy the Web App

    Get the Web App to
    Build Your College Puzzle with
    Google security and automation

    $179
    One-time charge
    No monthly subscription


    Buy the Web App

  • Buy the Bundle

    Get 24 / 7 access to our Handbook, get the Build Your College Puzzle Web App and save $$$

    $399

    One-time charge
    No monthly subscription

    Buy the Bundle