Your College Matters is a highly personalized, effective and intentional approach to identifying and gaining admission to the best college for you. It is a comprehensive, systematic 1:1 program including academic and character strengths surveys, goals and passions identification, application and essay preparation, and establishing the best possible school choices aligned with financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Mark has dedicated his life to building strong relationships with students—especially those passionate about STEM—and providing them the most powerful educational opportunities possible. With thousands of schools, academic programs and financial aid resources available, it is virtually impossible for the average high school counselor to keep track of all these critical admission variables – particularly when they are responsible to advise many dozen or even hundreds of students.
Your College Matters offers comprehensive programs for high school students of all ages and grades from freshman to senior. While it’s best to get students on the runway early to increase success and reduce stress for the entire family, it’s never too late to work with an expert who can help find and gain admission to the best fit school for each student.
Dr. Mark Hofer is one of only four college admissions consultants in Washington state to receive certification from the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners and is also a graduate of UC Irvine’s College Counseling program. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master’s degree in Teaching from Seattle University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Washington.
Your College Matters – The Programs
Your College Matters is a comprehensive approach to build useful skills and meaningful relationships that support a student’s personal mission and academic goals in college and life.
The Comprehensive College Counseling Package for Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors includes: Developing skills associated with academic and social success to increase a student’s competitiveness during the college application process.
Hourly consulting for students and families (including high school seniors) looking for assistance on specific components of the college application process including: essay development, college list development and evaluation, and other specific components of college planning.
This leadership skills development session is designed to introduce and practice the theories of personal and group leadership. Working individually as well as in small groups students identify their strengths and put them into action, immediately reflecting on what they do well and where they can improve.
Mark’s Background at a Glance
- Science and psychology educator for nearly a decade in private and public high schools
- College counseling for the Bezos Scholars Program at the Bezos Family Foundation
- Directed the college and high school aerospace engineering internship and co-op programs at Blue Origin for thirteen years
TESTIMONIALS
I have yet to meet someone who knows more about the college or scholarship application process. Mark turns one of the most stressful times in a person’s life into a pleasurable experience. I know, for a fact, I could not have done it without Mark. Mark gives invaluable direction, advice, and input. Having Mark as an adviser and a mentor throughout the application process allowed me to learn so much about myself and what I want to ultimately accomplish in life.
Faris Q. – Stanford University – 2020
As a first-generation college student, I didn’t know what to expect from the college admissions process, besides the fact that it would be stressful. I’m very grateful that Mark [or Dr. Hofer — if that’s more professional-sounding] was able to guide me through the process, serving as both a counselor and a cheerleader every step of the way.
Casey C. – Soka University – 2020
Mark has been a shining beacon since he began advising our daughter during her sophomore year. He has laid out a thoughtful, intentional path to college that has set clear milestones, helped her navigate the testing and school identification and application process. Thanks to Mark, our daughter is now choosing from among a number of fabulous schools, several of which weren’t on our radar. And with his guidance, we are confident she will earn at least one scholarship that will significantly reduce our costs for college. More importantly, he’s helped her define why college, and what’s best for her.
Josh Kerns – Parent
Dr. Hofer’s guidance through every step of the college admissions process helped prepare me to reflect on my goals and passions as both a student and lifelong learner. Learning to understand my comfort zone academically and socially and push past it has proved invaluable in my experience at Stanford, as I figure out my path during and after college
Julie F. – Stanford University – 2019
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The SAT Resurrection
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