Our Approach
We believe in creating a calm, supportive environment where students can explore their options and develop applications that authentically represent their strengths, achievements, and potential. By combining professional expertise with a student-centered approach, we guides families through this significant transition with clarity and care.
We transform what can feel like an overwhelming process into a meaningful journey of self-discovery and opportunity through personalized guidance and comprehensive support
Our Goal:
Demystify the college process, helping parents feel more confident and connected while ensuring their students have the tools and support they need to make thoughtful choices about their educational future.
Opportunities to empower your journey
A La Carte Options
Common Application Workshop
Individualized and interactive workshop designed to support students develop and start their college applications.
College Athletics Consultation
Develop strategies for college-bound athletes
College List Building
Individualized and interactive session to develop an informed list of target schools by connecting student's academic performance/aspirations with recent college admissions profiles
Private Consultation
You guide the conversation wherever you want it go
Extracurricular & Leadership Activity Consultation
Help students reflect on their interests and strengths to build a plan for meaningful leadership and engagement during high school.
Comprehensive College Counseling Packages
The College application process can feel daunting and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We will guide and support students and families during this time, ultimately demystifying the process, saving time, and reducing anxiety and stress.
We offer three starting points for this journey to confidence:
Sophomores
Beginning the summer prior to sophomore year through the end of senior year, we'll focus on:
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Summer extracurricular planning and navigating/planning for the start of standardized testing in the junior year.
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Course Scheduling Support & Guidance for Junior and Senior Years
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Admission Testing (SAT &/or ACT strategies)
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College List Building
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Essay Brainstorming, Drafting and Feedback
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Application Completion and Deadline Management
Juniors
Beginning junior year through the end of the senior year, we'll focus on:
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Course Scheduling Support & Guidance for Senior Year
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Extracurricular Activity & Leadership advising
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Admission Testing (SAT &/or ACT strategies)
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College List Building
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Common App Bootcamp
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Essay Brainstorming, Drafting and Feedback
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Application Completion and Deadline Management
Seniors
Beginning the summer prior to the senior year we'll focus on:
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College List Building
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Extracurricular Activity & Leadership advising
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Essay Brainstorming, Drafting and Feedback
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Common App Bootcamp
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Application Completion and Deadline Management
About me
Though my roots began in Los Angeles, North Carolina has been my home for the past 15 years. My own journey as a first-generation college student deeply shaped my understanding of both the challenges and transformative power of the college admissions process and inspired my lifelong commitment to helping students navigate their own paths to higher education.
My career in college admissions began at the University of Notre Dame before bringing me to UNC-Chapel Hill, where I gained invaluable insight into how institutions evaluate and welcome new students. Since transitioning to college counseling in 2015, I've served as a Director of College Counseling at a state-leading independent high school in Durham, working closely with students and families to help them discover and pursue their educational aspirations.
Looking back on two decades in this field, I consider it a true privilege to have guided countless students through this pivotal chapter in their lives and helping turn their college dreams into reality.
Jazmin Garcia Smith
Founder, Empower College Connection
Experience:
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Undergraduate Admissions: University of Notre Dame and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Law School Admissions: DePaul University
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Independent School College Counseling: Durham Academy
Education:
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BA, University of Notre Dame
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JD, DePaul University
