Unleash the Power of The Press

PCCI

College admissions workshops offered at South Shore YMCA Emilson in Hanover. 

Choosing the right school and getting the best financial package. 

HANOVER AND RAYNHAM, MA… Overwhelmed by the enormity of the college admissions task?  It’s often the biggest challenge of a lifetime for many families.    

Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore

Two free “College Admissions 101” workshops led by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) of Raynham, MA will be held at the South Shore YMCA Emilson, 75 Mill Street, Hanover, MA 02339. 
 
Topics will include: 
 
– Choosing a college/university that is a good match for the student’s interests, lifestyle and budget 
– Getting the best financial package and maximizing merit scholarship dollars  
 
Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore helps focus effort on colleges that academically, socially and financially are most appropriate, which puts the student in the best position to succeed in school itself as well as beyond in their career.  
 
The workshops are geared towards Freshman to Junior students and their families. To accommodate busy schedules, it will be a hybrid workshop (in-person and online) held on two dates: 
 
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 6pm-7pm  
Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 10am-11am 
 
Registration is required. RSVP to:  https://conta.cc/3RMevWM 
 
About PCCI 
Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 29 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid.  
 
PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. Virtual services as well as in-person services are available. PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com. 

College admissions workshops offered at South Shore YMCA Emilson in Hanover. Read More

Personal College Counseling, Inc. Navigating Dual Degree/Joint Degree Opportunities

When it comes to college admissions, the interview process can be a bit daunting. Now imagine the application and admission process for dual degrees in highly competitive fields such as medicine and law.

With the mission to help each student who wants to succeed in college and beyond to find the college or university that is the best fit for them, Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) based in Raynham, MA, can help students navigate a complex and challenging application and admissions process, along with merit and financial aid process especially, if you want to find a joint degree program that’s right for you.

“Students who are undertaking dual degree programs must be academically highly qualified as well as super-motivated,” explained Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore. “Dual or joint degree programs are accelerated programs offered at a college or university in conjunction with a grad school where a student will graduate from college with a B.A. or B.S. degree but some of their credits automatically count towards their Master’s, JD or MBA, thereby reducing the time needed to complete the graduate program and saving them money. More importantly, it can give the college student direct access to law or medical school where the acceptance rates are even more competitive. These programs give students automatic entry or a direct pathway to the grad program at the next institution.”
    
Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore helps focus effort on colleges that academically, socially and financially are most appropriate, which puts the student in the best position to succeed in the accelerated program itself as well as beyond – in their career. 

Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore

Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore continued, “Some universities offer several joint degrees – law, medicine, engineering to name a few.  Typically, these colleges can help their students get to the next level and save the student time and money. When a college has one of these affiliated programs it’s indicative that their college is well respected in that field and prepares their students well. They may be smaller than many of the “big name” schools you may be familiar with but in my opinion, these are hidden gems even if you are not in the accelerated program. For example, Drew University, a highly respected liberal arts school in Madison, N.J., has a 77 percent first time acceptance rate for medical school. Compare that to the national average of only 43 percent and you can see what I’m talking about.”

Dual degrees help to set the student apart, particularly in highly competitive fields such as medicine. For example, the admission rates for Physician Assistant programs nationwide is only about 31 percent which is even harder to get into than medical school. PCCI helps students navigate the unique application and admission challenges.

PCCI was established to help students and their parents/guardians pick the best school that puts them on the path to success. Essentially, PCCI helps determine which colleges and universities address the student’s academic and social needs; inspires them to achieve inside and outside of the classroom; provides them with tools for success, and is a good return on investment. PCCI offers an affordable, flat-fee based college search and application services to find the best college fit for a student.

PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. Virtual services as well as in-person, socially distanced services are available. For more information about PCCI or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com or email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

About PCCI
Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 29 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid. PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. 

PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com

Personal College Counseling, Inc. Navigating Dual Degree/Joint Degree OpportunitiesRead More

Personal College Counseling, Inc. adds unique “College Visit Diary” tool and other enhancements to website

With the mission to help each student who wants to succeed in college and beyond to find the college or university that is the best fit for them, Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) based in Raynham, MA has announced several website enhancements which includes a unique tool for students.

Students may now be able to keep a scorecard of each college visit with PCCI’s downloadable College Visit Diary. Essentially, the College Visit Diary is a detailed checklist for students to complete after each college visit for a better recollection of the visit and to aid in the decision-making process. Students rate the campus, cafeteria, off-campus accessibility, parking and more.

The College Visit Diary is complimentary and available for download from PCCI’s website, https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com

“The College Visit Diary makes it much easier for students to review the colleges and universities they have visited to help them make that life-changing decision of where they will spend their next four educational years,” noted DaSilva-Kilgore.

Website Enhancements
Other recent enhancements to PCCI’s website include Testimonial and Review pages as well as Publications and Appearances pages which includes links to DaSilva-Kilgore’s recent bylined articles, videos, podcast guest appearances, webinars and more.

Helping Families through the College Admissions Journey
PCCI was established to help students and their parents/guardians pick the best school that puts them on the path to success. Essentially, PCCI helps determine which colleges and universities address the student’s academic and social needs; inspires them to achieve inside and outside of the classroom; provides them with tools for success, and is a good return on investment. 

PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. Virtual services as well as in-person, socially distanced services are available. For more information about PCCI or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com or email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

About PCCI
Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 25 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid. PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. 

PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com.

Personal College Counseling, Inc. adds unique “College Visit Diary” tool and other enhancements to websiteRead More

Go to the head of the class. Free webinar demystifies College admissions.

Finding the right fit for each student and the best financial package.

RAYNHAM, MA… Overwhelmed by college applications, FAFSA and the enormity of the college admissions task?  This is often the biggest challenge of a lifetime from many families.   

A free webinar entitled “Go to the head of the class – Demystifying College Admissions” is scheduled for Wednesday evening, February 2, 2022. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. The complimentary virtual event is led and sponsored by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI); Patricia Regan, Vice President and Financial Consultant, RT Investment Services; and Mohamad Omran, Owner and Center Director, Mathnasium of Marshfield and Plymouth, MA. 

There is no charge for the online event, but event will be limited to 50 people and reservations are required. Please RSVP to:  https://conta.cc/3Kc3DOx

Topics will include how to find a college/university that is a good match for your student’s interests, lifestyle and budget; how to maximize merit scholarship dollars; how to find other financial resources including home equity, 529 plans and other strategies; managing math requirements/challenges; and how to track all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms. 

Who should attend? High school students, including freshman, sophomores and juniors and their families. The earlier in the college application process the better. 

Sponsors 

PCCI, based in Raynham, MA, was founded by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, who has been practicing law for more than 25 years helping clients with numerous financial matters and long-term planning. Over the years, Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore took note of a recurring theme among her clients that often cropped up – inadequate planning regarding higher education. 

RT Investment Services located at Rockland Trust, Where Each Relationship Matters TM
Securities are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Rockland Trust Company and RT Investment Services ARE NOT registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered Representatives of LPL offer products and services using RT Investment Services, and may also be employees of Rockland Trust Company.  These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Rockland Trust Company or RT Investment Services.  Securities offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

NOT INSURED BY FDIC OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY/NOT ROCKLAND TRUST GUARANTEED/NOT ROCKLAND TRUST DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS/MAY LOSE VALUE

A new survey revealed that at least 89 percent parents feel that Mathematics is the toughest subject their kids study. 77 percent of parents surveyed believed that the subject was not being taught well in school leading to the necessity of tutoring assistance.  Mathnasium helps make math make sense! Help the “flying-under-the-radar” students and the ones who have enormous potential to become higher level math students but just don’t know it! 

Please RSVP to:  https://conta.cc/3Kc3DOx

Go to the head of the class. Free webinar demystifies College admissions.Read More

The College Interview – Personal College Counseling, Inc. shares interview tips for college bound students

Does your high school student interview well? When it comes to college admissions, the interview process can be a bit daunting.

With the mission to help each student who wants to succeed in college and beyond to find the college or university that is the best fit for them, Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) based in Raynham, MA, shares college interview tips with students and families:

Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore
Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore

•    Make sure you are thoroughly familiar with what is available at a school. Interested in political science? Internships? Potential students should let the Admissions Counselor know their intention and ask pertinent questions.

•    Dress appropriately. For example, do not wear ripped jeans even if that is the style. Be neat and presentable, wear actual shoes (not sneakers, slides or flip-flops). The key is to be comfortable but don’t look like you are heading to the gym or a party with your friends.

•    Make eye contact. Do not touch your phone during an interview. Don’t even bring a phone into the office if you can avoid it, as you want to ensure there is no pinging, ringing, or other distractions.

•    Show genuine enthusiasm. You should be happy about having the opportunity to speak to admissions to flesh out any concerns or unanswered questions you may have about their school. The Admissions Counselor wants to know that you are actually interested in their school and will be happy to tell you more about it. Although you may be nervous, try to relax.  Just think of the interview as meeting with someone about something you are mutually interested in.

•    The point is to have a meaningful discussion with the Admissions Counselor. Be prepared to talk about your outside interests. Have you read a good book (for fun)? Talk about it if the opportunity arises. They want to hear you speak, learn about your interests and have a real conversation.

As an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC), Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore explained, “Acing the college admissions interview is important. Ideally, an Admissions Counselor will remember the student after the interview which works in their favor, particularly when the competition is tough.”

Reach, match, safety
Students shouldn’t limit themselves to the “reach, match, safety” conventional wisdom about where to apply. PCCI targets schools where the student fits the range of what that university expects from their incoming freshmen on all or most metrics and the school has all the academics and outside interests that are important to the student. The fit has to work on both sides. That’s what puts a school on the list for further research, then we target that school for visits and interviews and eventually application. 

She continued, “Beyond getting into a school; students (and families) also have to focus on how to pay for it. If the student gets accepted but cannot afford it, then that was a waste of time. They need to know well before that step if they are likely to get enough merit and/or financial aid to make that choice realistic. It’s all about choosing the right schools and finding the right fit. That’s another key area where PCCI assists.”
    
Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore helps focus effort on colleges that academically, socially and financially are most appropriate, which puts the student in the best position to succeed in college and beyond.

PCCI was established to help students and their parents/guardians pick the best school that puts them on the path to success. Essentially, PCCI helps determine which colleges and universities address the student’s academic and social needs; inspires them to achieve inside and outside of the classroom; provides them with tools for success, and is a good return on investment. PCCI offers an affordable, flat-fee based college search and application services to find the best college fit for a student.

PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. 

Virtual services as well as in-person, socially distanced services are available. For more information about PCCI or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com or email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

About PCCI
Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 25 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid. PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. 

PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com

The College Interview – Personal College Counseling, Inc. shares interview tips for college bound studentsRead More

Is college on the radar? Start planning early. Personal College Counseling, Inc. shares 5 key college planning tips for high school students and families

As college campuses open up for visits in the Fall, there are a few things potential high school students and families should consider when it comes to the college admissions process.

With the mission to help each student who wants to succeed in college and beyond to find the college or university that is the best fit for them, Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) based in Raynham, MA, shares 5 key college planning tips for high school students and families:

  • Start planning for college admissions early. Ideally, during Freshman or Sophomore year. Evaluate your student as a whole and identify their strengths and interests. Encourage them to find their passion.
  • Review your student’s strength of schedule, and the classes they have taken, along with their good grades. Extracurricular activities are also important. All will be determining factors in the potential for merit aid later. This is a key reason why it is important to start college planning early. It is harder to level up later, and by junior year, it is too late for it to matter.
  • Focus on exploring colleges where your student will stand out and their achievements and interests are valued.
  • Once you have determined which schools to target, go visit them in person. Virtual tours do not compensate for the actual vibe obtained from visiting a campus in person whenever possible. Plan well ahead so you have enough time to do so.
  • Regardless of whether or not a student (family) qualifies for financial aid, be sure to submit the FAFSA on time. Many colleges will not consider a student for merit aid without it. 

According to Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore, “College will probably be the greatest financial investment, after buying a home. If you want better planning and more due diligence before committing to a school, then students and parents should consider working with an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) and start as early as possible. An IEC can help you make sure your student is taking the right classes, thereby building a strong foundation, show you how to use SAT scores as a tool to your advantage, schedule visits and interviews. But, most importantly, they help focus effort on colleges that academically, socially and financially are most appropriate, which puts the student in the best position to succeed in college and beyond.”

Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore has been practicing law for more than 25 years helping clients with numerous financial matters and long-term planning. Over the years, she took note of a recurring theme among her clients that often cropped up – inadequate planning regarding higher education.

PCCI was established to help students and their parents/guardians pick the best school that puts them on the path to success. Essentially, PCCI helps determine which colleges and universities address the student’s academic and social needs; inspires them to achieve inside and outside of the classroom; provides them with tools for success, and is a good return on investment.

Merit and Institutional Aid

PCCI offers an affordable, flat-fee based college search and application services to find the best college fit for a student, while maximizing merit and institutional aid. Most financial packages awarded range from $40,000 to $125,000.

Although the office is in Raynham, it does not matter where the student lives, as PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. Virtual services as well as in-person, socially distanced services are available. For more information about PCCI or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com or email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com

About PCCI

Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 25 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid. PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. 

PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com

Is college on the radar? Start planning early. Personal College Counseling, Inc. shares 5 key college planning tips for high school students and familiesRead More

Personal College Counseling, Inc., a new college matching & planning service has launched.

Access to college can transform a life. Admission to a school that is a good fit and offers a generous financial package can make the difference. 

Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq.
Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. 

With the mission to  help each student who wants to succeed in college and beyond to find the college or university that is the best fit for them, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) has recently launched and opened its doors at 2 Richard Street, Raynham, MA 02767.

PCCI was founded by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, who has been practicing law for more than 25 years helping clients with numerous financial matters and long-term planning. Over the years, Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore took note of a recurring theme among her clients that often cropped up – inadequate planning regarding higher education.

PCCI was established to help students and their parents/guardians pick the best school that puts them on the path to success. Essentially, PCCI helps determine which colleges and universities address the student’s academic and social needs; inspires them to achieve inside and outside of the classroom; provides them with tools for success, and is a good return on investment.

Merit and Institutional Aid

PCCI offers an affordable, flat-fee based college search and application services to find the best college fit for a student, while maximizing merit and institutional aid. Most financial packages awarded range from $40,000 to $125,000.

Although the office is in Raynham, it does not matter where the student lives, as PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone.

“PCCI was created because we passionately believe that a college education is one of the most important tools we can utilize for success, and that all college bound students deserve to get good advice about where they should consider going and how to get there, in order to have the best shot at achieving their dreams,” explained Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore. “This takes preparation, time and research which most students and parents do not have the time to do on their own. That is where we come in.”

Athletics, Study Abroad and Other Considerations

PCCI often gets involved early on, ideally during the Freshman or Sophomore year. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted to the student, taking into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III), clubs, intramurals and other niche interests. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid.

Virtual services as well as in-person, socially distanced services are available. For more information about PCCI or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com or email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com.

About PCCI

Founded by Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, Esq. who has been practicing law for more than 25 years, Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI) provides high school students (and parents/guardians) with one-on-one guidance throughout the entire college preparation process. PCCI’s college planning includes research and recommendations that are specifically targeted and provide the best fit to the student’s abilities, interests, finances, and family circumstances. PCCI takes into consideration university and campus life; programs, internships and study abroad; athletics (Division I, II, and III) and clubs and intramurals. PCCI manages all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms, and assists with merit-based scholarships and financial aid. PCCI’s services are available to students in all 50 states via video conferencing or via telephone. 

PCCI is based in Raynham, MA. For more information or to arrange for a complimentary Parent/Student Personal College Consultation, contact (508) 622-5250, email nod@personalcollegecounseling.com or visit the website at https://www.personalcollegecounseling.com.

Personal College Counseling, Inc., a new college matching & planning service has launched.Read More