Trusted by Southern California families for over 25 years.
Los Angeles
College Counselor
for Grades 8–12
Consistently rated 5-Stars on Google Reviews
Custom 1-on-1 academic planning, essay coaching, and application strategy
~98%
Acceptance Rate
|
~12,500
Students Served
|
~55,000
Essays Coached
Comparison of National Acceptance Rates vs. Growing Minds Private College Counselor Student Rates
*Out of state admission rates
Los Angeles College
Counselor for Grades 8–12
Custom 1-on-1 academic planning, essay coaching, and application strategy.
~98%
Acceptance Rate
~12,500
Students Served
~55,000
Essays Coached
GM Students are Up to 12.7x More Likely to be Accepted!
Growing Minds: Proven Success in University Admissions
Comparison of National Acceptance Rates vs. GM 2024-2025 Student Rates
Academic Planning
Activity Strategy
College Readiness
Ongoing Support
Your Dedicated Private College Counselor For Every Step
Your Dedicated Private College Counselor For Every Step
- Personalized strategies from 8th–12th grade, tailored to each student’s goals and interests
- One-on-one planning covering academics, activities, summers, testing, and leadership growth
- Thoughtful college exploration focused on fit, values, and aspirations, not just numbers
- Expert essay coaching from brainstorming through drafting and final refinement
- Ongoing timeline management and check-ins to reduce stress and keep plans on track
- Comprehensive application review to ensure each student submits their strongest, most authentic presentation
- Clear, supportive strategies that turn big questions into a well-defined path forward
☑ Trusted by 12,500+ students across Los Angeles for 25+ years.
☑ Trusted by 12,500+ students across Los Angeles for 25+ years.
Why Families Choose Our Private College Counselors
The Growing Minds Advantage
Twenty-five years of guiding Southern California families through college admissions with a trusted private college counselor team — built on collaboration, not a single advisor.
A Collective, Team-Based Approach
Every student benefits from the insight of our entire team, all working under one roof, bringing the depth of a full team’s experience to every decision.
Results That Consistently Hold Up
Our students are accepted at a rate of roughly 98%, consistently outperforming national averages across the top schools our families care most about.
25 Years, One Trusted Local Team
Growing Minds has guided more than 12,500 students across Southern California for over 25 years. It’s a track record built one family at a time, from our Woodland Hills center.
Ongoing Support, Not Just a Consultation
From 8th grade through senior year, we’re with your family at every step: regular check-ins, clear timelines, and a plan that adapts as your student grows.
Focused on Fit, Not Just Rankings
We help students find colleges that match their goals, strengths, and values, not just the most selective name on the list.
A Process Built to Reduce Stress
Clear steps, defined milestones, and a team that keeps the process organized, so your family always knows what’s next.
Let's Talk About Your Student's Next Step
Join the thousands of Southern California families who’ve trusted our team to guide their student — start with a free, no-obligation consultation.
- In-Person At Our Woodland HIlls Office
- Or Virtual
- 30-minute call
- Review your student's goals
- Get clear next steps
GETTING STARTED
Your Free College Consultation, Step by Step
Just three quick steps — no pressure, no obligation.
Step 1 — Schedule
Step 1 — Schedule
Schedule a convenient time to meet with one of our admissions experts. We’ll learn about your student, answer your questions, and discuss your family’s goals.
Step 2 — Consultation
Step 2 — Consultation
During your complimentary consultation, we’ll introduce you to our Collective Insight Model, explain our personalized approach, and help you understand how we support students throughout the admissions journey.
Step 3 — Next Steps
Step 3 — Next Steps
We match your student with the right Head Counselor and begin building a personalized strategy. Behind the scenes, your counselor is supported by the collective expertise of our entire admissions team, ensuring your student benefits from multiple perspectives.
WHAT FAMILIES ARE SAYING
Trusted by Families. Proven Results.
Real stories from students and families who’ve achieved their college goals with the support of our dedicated team.
Growing Minds has made life easier for my family! The staff makes us feel like family. We realize there is an enormous amount of students at growing minds, but we feel like a priority with every detail and experience we go through! Thank you for helping us in every aspect of school and especially College applications!
Dayna Shulman
There is a difference between Growing Minds and regular SAT Tutors. These guys don’t just help you get amazing SAT results– but they help you GET IN to the school of your dreams. Not to mention their amazing knowledge of scholarship opportunities. I had no idea that some of these programs even existed. The best in the business. Amazing Amazing Amazing people. Cannot recommend more highly. Best money I ever spent.
Adam A.
Yelp
Our daughter started at Growing Minds as she entered 9th grade and the experience has been phenomenal. The college counseling was extremely helpful and with support from amazing tutors, Ari got the help she needed and is now set to attend her first choice school this fall. Couldn’t be happier with the service.
G.W.
Growing Minds is phenomenal! Their personalized approach and expert guidance helped me secure a spot in one of my dream colleges. Highly recommend their services to anyone navigating the college application journey.
Doreen Darmon
By far the best tutoring and prep service in Los Angeles. The drive may be far, but it’s definitely worth it! Beyond excellent in writing college applications.
Daniel E.
Yelp
Growing Minds was recommended to me by a friend and I am incredibly grateful and happy I went through with it. They guided and allowed me to improve my application with the help of professionals who made me feel on track and on the best path for myself. I recommend them to all who feel stressed and overwhelmed with the process and timing as it becomes a process that flows beautifully.
Mike Mesropyan
- Consistently rated 5-Stars for our personalized approach and results.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything parents usually ask before booking a free consultation with Growing Minds
What grades do you work with for high school counseling?
We work with students starting in 8th grade through 12th grade, helping them prepare for a smooth transition into high school and plan each year with purpose and clarity.
How is your approach different from a typical college counselor at school?
Our approach is highly personalized, strategic, and designed to evolve with each student over time. We meet with students consistently on a one-on-one basis, allowing us to provide ongoing guidance, adjust plans as needed, and stay closely aligned with their progress. Through this level of dedicated time and attention, we’re able to take a more in-depth and creative approach—developing a thoughtful plan that includes academic direction, extracurricular growth, testing strategy, and long-term fit, all tailored to each student’s individual goals and strengths.
When should we start the college planning process?
There’s no single “right” time to begin. Starting in 8th or 9th grade allows for a longer runway and more intentional planning, but we work very effectively with students who join us in 10th or 11th grade as well. No matter when families come to us, we meet students where they are and create a clear, focused plan moving forward.
Do you help with standardized tests like the SAT or ACT?
Yes. We help students determine how standardized testing fits into their overall college plan, including timing, preparation strategy, and score use. Test preparation is a core part of our approach, and students receive structured support through our on-staff instructors and digital platform to help them perform at their best.
What if my student’s goals change over time?
Flexibility is built into our approach. We regularly revisit plans and adjust timelines to reflect evolving interests, academic strengths, and aspirations.
Do you assist with extracurriculars, summer programs, and leadership development?
Absolutely. We help students identify and pursue opportunities that strengthen their profile and reflect their authentic interests and passions.
How do you help with building a college list?
We work with students and families to create a personalized college list that balances academic fit, campus community, and long-term goals. Our process helps students thrive in college while laying the foundation for future plans, including graduate school or career paths.
Do you assist with college applications and essays?
Yes. We provide comprehensive support through every step of the college application process. This includes strategic guidance on major selection, dedicated coaching for essays, personalized application management with a specialist, recommendation planning, and deadline oversight. Essentially, we provide everything a student needs to craft a thoughtful, authentic application and submit it with confidence.
- FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION
Get a Clear Plan for Your Student's College Future
Your free consultation is a chance to talk through your student’s goals, strenghts, and where they stand today – no pressure, no obligation.
DURING YOUR CONSULTATION, YOU'LL:
- We get to know your student. Their strengths, goals, what they care about.
- Learn how our Collective Insight Model can support your student's path forward
- Walk away with a clear sense of next steps - no pressure to commit.
Schedule Your Free
College Strategy Session
*All Fields marked with asterisk are required
- FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION
Get a Clear Plan for Your Student's College Future
Your free consultation is a chance to talk through your student’s goals, strenghts, and where they stand today – no pressure, no obligation.
DURING YOUR CONSULTATION, YOU'LL:
- We get to know your student. Their strengths, goals, what they care about.
- Learn how our Collective Insight Model can support your student's path forward
- Walk away with a clear sense of next steps - no pressure to commit.