Frequently Asked Questions
College Admissions Counseling
Q: What does your college admissions counseling include?
A: We provide personalized support to help student athletes identify the colleges that best align with their academic, athletic, and career goals. Services include one-on-one guidance, team workshops, and expert support for every part of the college application process.
Q: Do you help with application essays and interviews?
A: Yes! We assist with every component of the application process—essays, interviews, resumes, and more—ensuring students present themselves as confident, well-prepared candidates.
Q: Our child is a student athlete but isn’t interested in playing in college. Can we still utilize your services?
A: Absolutely—everyone is welcome at Polaris! We work with a diverse range of students and families. While our specialty is working with student athletes pursuing college athletics, our services are designed to benefit any student navigating the college admissions journey. We’re always happy to work with siblings, friends, and referrals.
Academic Advising
Q: How do you help student athletes stay on track academically?
A: We create comprehensive 4-year academic plans (and 2+4 year plans for middle schoolers) to ensure coursework aligns with NCAA requirements, college admissions standards, and career goals.
Q: Will you help my child choose the right courses in high school?
A: Absolutely. Our advising guides families through course selection, helping student athletes make informed decisions that support both eligibility and academic interests.
NCAA Eligibility & Recruitment
Q: What support do you provide for NCAA eligibility?
A: We offer grade-by-grade guidance to help students meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements and navigate recruitment with clarity and confidence.
Q: Do you assist with the NCAA Eligibility Center registration?
A: Yes, we walk families through the registration process and help manage key deadlines and documentation.
Career Services
Q: What types of career services do you offer?
A: POLARIS student athletes engage in career counseling, resume building, networking, job shadowing, internships, and more. We help students connect their strengths to real-world opportunities.
Q: Is this just for college-bound athletes?
A: No—our career services benefit all student athletes, whether they plan to compete in college or transition directly into career development opportunities.
Scholarship Assistance
Q: Can you help us find and apply for scholarships?
A: Yes! We help families understand the full landscape of financial aid and scholarships, with strategies that maximize financial outcomes through athletic, academic, and merit-based opportunities.
Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) Preparation
Q: How do you prepare student athletes for NIL opportunities?
A: Our career services programming includes NIL education—teaching athletes how to pursue opportunities while staying compliant with NCAA rules and state regulations.
Education-Impacted Disabilities (EID)
Q: Do you help student athletes with learning differences or disabilities?
A: Yes. We have extensive experience supporting athletes with EID through testing, documentation, and identifying colleges with appropriate accommodations and support services.
Q: Will you help secure testing accommodations for the SAT/ACT?
A: Absolutely. We guide families through the documentation and application process to secure accommodations for standardized testing and academic success.
Team Workshops & Parent Nights
Q: Can you work with our school or team?
A: Yes! We offer dynamic, informative workshops for teams, coaches, and families. Our presentations cover college admissions, recruitment, mental health, and more.
Wellness & Mental Health
Q: Do you provide mental health support?
A: While we are not licensed therapists, our background in Professional School Counseling allows us to support student wellness and connect families with trusted mental health resources.
Q: Why is wellness included in your services?
A: Because success on and off the field starts with a strong foundation. We believe in developing the whole athlete—academically, athletically, and emotionally.