Blueprint Workshop

Testimonials

"Collegiate Blueprint was great at keeping me focused and on track with my college goals. It was extremely beneficial to have an experienced professional to remind me of deadlines and reassure me that I had all parts of my application turned in and finished completely. By myself I would have been overwhelmed and not been able to apply to as many schools as I wanted to, but with Collegiate Blueprint’s help I was able to complete numerous well thought out essays and applications to every school I considered applying to without all the stress of facing it by myself."

Webb School of Knoxville Senior

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Webb School of Knoxville Senior

Mr. Hedrick was invaluable in assisting us with our college search process. He was with us from the start of my son's sophomore year and made the whole process easy. My son loved working with him and you can really tell that Mr. Hedrick enjoys assisting students with college planning. My son was thrilled to have multiple acceptances from a number of schools he wanted to attend. He enjoyed the feeling that where he went was his choice, not just who would accept him. I can't recommend Jesse and Collegiate Blueprint enough!

Webb School Parent

Collegiate Blueprint was a wonderful experience for our daughter and family as we began our first experience in applying for college. It removed stressed and tension from the experience and allowed our daughter to lead the charge with Laurie on the application process. The process was organized and simple to follow.

West High School Parent

"You have been amazing to work with...Your many hours of help were very much appreciated and made this so much easier than it would have been otherwise."

Webb School of Knoxville Parent

Our family found Collegiate Blueprint to be an extremely helpful source of information and assistance beginning our daughter's sophomore year and extending through her senior year. It was great to have someone else push the college essay writing process along! They were always willing to answer questions that arose and guide us in the right direction. Taking into consideration our daughter's personality and goals, They gave sound advice on a range of colleges to which she should apply. Unable to decide on early decision anywhere, our daughter's college search was long but Collegiate Blueprint there for her throughout. We would highly recommend Collegiate Blueprint.

Webb School of Knoxville Parent

Working with the team at Collegiate Blueprint has been very rewarding for our family in many ways. Their research was extremely helpful as our daughter was focusing on college choices. They helped define our daughter's interests which led to being very important when choosing where to apply to school. Receiving so much guidance during the application process also helped relieve the stress that tends to happen during a child's senior year in high school. We are very grateful for such a successful experience with wonderful professionals.

Webb School of Knoxville Parent

Working with Collegiate Blueprint really helped me find the topic that truly reflected by personality and portrayed my best characteristics in my college essay. She really helped me explore and narrow down my subject choices and gave great guidance. It was so nice to have the Collegiate Blueprint team there to guide me through the process and write a meaningful essay.

Webb School Senior

"As a senior I felt lost and had no idea where to begin my college selection process…Mrs. Brandow was able to help me choose a major, Commercial Dance, and then she did extensive research on the colleges that would be the best fit. She helped me with college applications, kept me on a timeline and gave me advice on writing my essays. She made me feel confident in my choices and encouraged me throughout the whole process. Words cannot describe how lucky I feel to have been able to work with Mrs. Brandow and I would strongly recommend her services. I couldn’t have gotten through it without her."

Farragut High School Senior

"I could not have written that essay without your help brainstorming and showing me how to put all the parts together. Thank you so much for motivating me to get it done!"

West High School Senior

"My experience working with Mrs. Brandow could not have been more fulfilling. I had always wanted to get into a top university, and she worked with me to achieve my goal. We all know that writing essays for college applications can be difficult but also one of the most important pieces of your application. She was a perfect sounding board that helped me choose a topic that was easy to write, personal and one that helped me stand out from the crowd. I truly believe that without Mrs. Brandow’s help I would not have been able to achieve my goal of attending one of our nation’s top universities. I would recommend using Mrs. Brandow as a college consultant to any high school student who wants to excel and get that acceptance letter from their dream college."

Webb School of Knoxville Senior

"The summer of my daughter Kelsey’s junior year was exciting yet stressful. From a parent’s perspective, I was overwhelmed. In fact, I didn’t even know where to begin. My neighbor recommended I give Laurie Brandow a call. I made that call and Laurie became our saving grace.

Our first meeting she reassured us that we would get through this process and she would walk us through each step. She had such a calming and reassuring tone that the weight of my stress seemed to be lifted. I could truly see her passion for her profession. In fact, when we left that day I was excited about the process I once was so afraid of and most importantly so was Kelsey.

Over the next few months, Laurie presented us with a list of 20 schools, guided Kelsey through the application process and deadlines, gave her advice on writing her essays and kept her organized and motivated. But most importantly she was a constant support system for Kelsey as well as myself. We were thrilled.

We were so fortunate to have Laurie's guidance during this time. We truly could not have gotten through this process without her. She was dedicated and passionate with the utmost expertize."

Farragut High School Parent

"Mrs. Brandow has gone out of her way to print out lists of scholarships and grants, and help me pick the right colleges and high school courses. Mrs. Brandow recommended me for a summer internship at a veterinary clinic in Farragut and thanks to her, I got the internship. I would recommend Mrs. Brandow's guidance to any student. If there is one thing Mrs. Brandow has taught me, you can do anything you put your mind to."

Temple Baptist Academy Junior

"I often have trouble putting my thoughts onto paper, so it was very helpful to be able to talk through my ideas with Mrs. Brandow beforehand. An essay that I had been dreading for weeks became a relatively enjoyable process. Her help with organization and revision made it much easier for me to complete my essay and feel confident that I was submitting the best college application I could."

Homeschool Senior

"Thanks for making this whole process practically stressless. Thanks for all the encouragement. I really, really appreciate it!"

Sevier County High School Senior

Thank you Laurie for your research, your patience, your candor, and your tenacity. Even though we may not have agreed on every detail at each step in the process, I always admired your commitment to helping create the strongest possible applications and knew that you wanted great things as much as I. I think you really helped my daughter find her voice without letting the essays become generic or melodramatic. When I read her essays from start to finish, I remember tearing up and thinking how incredibly well her application captured her personality and even her soul.

Again, thank you for your work with my daughter. I think you have really done something great for her that will impact her for the rest of her life, and I appreciate it.

Webb School of Knoxville Parent

"Mrs. Brandow helped me to focus on the things in my life that interested me the most and that I enjoyed. Not only that but she guided me in every step of the way and it would have taken much longer without her help. I believe that my essay was significantly better after she helped organize my thoughts and ideas."

Christian Academy of Knoxville Senior

"My son was able to complete his essay in just 10 days! Mrs. Brandow was a kind and steady influence. She gave him easy stepping stones to complete what seemed like a mammoth task. His essay was creative and informative. Thanks, Laurie!"

Homeschool Parent

Laurie Brandow has been critical during my college search. I hired Laurie not as an admissions novice, but as a high school student knowledgeable about the college process. Despite having done my own research prior, I have learned ten-fold under Laurie's professional guidance. I have been accepted to my dream school and the number one liberal arts school in the nation (not the same!), and I owe a great portion of my success to Collegiate Blueprint. Making an investment in Laurie Brandow's expertise and services has drastically changed my present and future in many ways, and stands as one of the best decisions I have made thus far in my life.

William Blount High School Senior

Mrs. Brandow was a fantastic mentor through the very stressful and demanding college application as well as decision process. As a student who remained undecided until May, I could not have asked for better guidance from someone who knows the ins and outs of the entire process and presents options in a timely and intelligent manner. I am thankful for her patience with me and grateful for her assistance and perseverance in reaching my goal of acceptance into the school of my dreams.

Webb School of Knoxville Senior

"Mrs. Laurie Brandow has been such a great influence in my daughter Katie's life. She has given so much guidance and encouragement that it as motivated Katie was a drive that I have never seen in her before. Mrs. Brandow has given Katie the tools and information that will help her as she strives to achieve her goals. I would recommend Mrs. Brandow to any student who needs help in achieving their goals."

Temple Baptist Academy Parent

My experience was amazing. I was a little late getting into the college application process, but the team at Collegiate Blueprint helped me through it and I was able to finish all of my applications before early decision time.

Bearden High Senior

This being my second child I thought I could do as I did with my first and help him with the essay writing portion of the application process. Quickly recognizing the differences in my two children (and in an attempt to enjoy our last year at home together) we met with Laurie to see if she could help with this highly subjective yet critically important part of the college application. She and my son quickly created a rapport from which she could help him put the necessary skills, traits and experiences on paper and do so in a cogent and impactful way. Thanks to Laurie for all of the time, interest, follow-up and sometimes necessary nagging she shared with my son.

Webb School of Knoxville Parent

I count Laurie as one of my closest friends but that's not why I asked her to help my son with his college essays when applying last year. I hired her because I know she's incredibly competent, and when she sets her mind to achieve something, she's all in with impressive focus. When my older son was applying to universities, I tried to help him manage the process with my husband. Although he had earned an impressive high school resume, getting him to complete college applications in a timely manner with thoughtful essays was incredibly frustrating. I decided we wouldn't go through that with his younger brother. Laurie came on board and helped our younger son refine his essays. He was accepted early decision to an elite university which was his first choice, and my husband and I found it a much less stressful experience. Money well spent!

Lake Braddock Secondary School Parent

My experience with Laurie's service and the Collegiate Blueprint plan was excellent. The self assessments and questionnaires that she had my son complete really helped him focus and produce an outstanding (ok, I'm biased) common app essay. She kept him on track (sometimes no small feat) and provided valuable feedback on the many essays that he had to write. I really valued her "industry" knowledge on what colleges are looking for in essays and her editing of the essays. He is my only child so I haven't been through this process before and had no idea what I was doing. Having her there to guide me through the process was invaluable for me. She is really pleasant to work with and worked well with my son. We are very pleased with the outcome, acceptance to schools and scholarship money... So, as you can see it was a very positive experience for us.

Knoxville Catholic High School Parent

If I had to describe Laurie in a few words, I would describe her as brilliant, bold, creative, funny, kind, and knowledgable. Laurie not only knew about nearly every college or university in the nation (and quite a few in Canada and the U.K.) but she also was able to tailor my college list by my anticipated major, feelings about location, and even my personality. Laurie was even keen enough to research which schools had Model United Nations teams, becoming acquainted with new rankings and travel statistics. If you have a silly request (within reason) or organization that is rare and you want to take part in, Laurie will find schools that meet your criteria. Laurie also helped me transform my essays into works of art. She was able to help me think about myself in terms of where I have been and whom I presently am. Laurie turned my vision of the college process, which was a vision of great headaches and apprehension, into one where I knew I could get through my applications and be accepted into an amazing university. I am attending the college of my dreams.

William Blount High School Senior

Laurie provided me with an opportunity to have someone help me figure out what I wanted to write about in my college essay, and then help me with the process of writing the essay. My college essay was the most important essay I have ever written, and without Laurie's help I would still be writing it today.

Webb School of Knoxville Senior

Mrs. Brandow was great! She thoroughly covered every aspect of the college application process, from choosing colleges to getting accepted by them. In my opinion, her work on the college essays was phenomenal. By the time I sat down with my school counselor to talk about college, I had already applied to my colleges and knew where I was going. 10/10 would recommend.

Knoxville Catholic School Senior

I am so lucky to have worked with Mrs. Brandow throughout my college application and selection process. By assisting me in composing essays, creating résumés, and keeping my deadlines in check, the daunting jump from high school to college was seamless. Mrs. Brandow went above and beyond for me by offering her time, advice, and reassurance whenever I needed her, including phone calls to talk me through a college rejection. I am confident that my experience would not have been the same without her, and I am so excited I will be attending the perfect school for myself and my major this fall.

Webb School of Knoxville Senior

Laurie did an awesome job working with Catherine! She gave her some great ideas to consider and helped her hone her final essays. Her approach and connection with Catherine was great and Catherine greatly enjoyed working with her. We were so grateful for her guidance on the college process and felt like she really spent time considering what was in our daughter's best interest. Thanks again!

Webb School of Knoxville Parent

Laurie and Collegiate Blueprint were wonderful to work with. She took all the fear and uncertainty out of finding the right college for our daughter. We will be using Collegiate Blueprint for our second daughter as well.

Bearden High School Parent

I cannot thank Laurie enough for her help throughout this year. Without her, I would never have visited Vanderbilt and discovered it was the perfect school for me! I know I emailed her with essays and questions soooo much, but it helped so much!

Bearden High School Senior

Laurie Brandow was a tremendous help and support throughout my daughter’s college admissions process, and honestly, we couldn’t have done it without her. From the first time I met Laurie, she impressed me with her know-how, confidence, and clear guidance. She worked with my daughter for two years, steering her to the right classes, coaching her through standardized testing, and working through college choices. When the time came to apply to schools, Laurie kept my daughter organized and on track. She recommended a school that we hadn’t considered and that ultimately turned out to be an excellent fit for my daughter. I couldn’t be more pleased. I’ve recommended Laurie to friends and really can’t say enough good things about her. We are so grateful to have had her support in the admissions process.

Webb School Parent

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 | College Admissions, College Applications, College Essays, College Search, Financial Aid & Scholarships, Parenting, Planning Early, Standardized Testing, The Right Fit | No Comments

Blueprint for College Planning Workshop

Lane Music in Franklin Square, 9648 Kingston Pike

Tuesday, April 15th from 7-8:30 pm

A message from Laurie Brandow:

Does your son or daughter have a dream college? Or are they even thinking about college? What’s the plan? Where do you start?

Let’s start with our workshop!

Along with my colleague Jesse Hedrick from Testing Solutions, we are holding the second annual “Blueprint for College Planning and Admission” workshop. We’ll give you the resources that you are looking for…

From Your-Personal-Statement-is-NOT-an-English-Essay, to Crafting the College List, our topics and information will get you ready for it all. Learn about Demonstrated Interest and resources for Unraveling the Mysteries of Merit and Financial Aid. Find out whether the ACT or the SAT might be a better fit for your student.

This year each of my 20 students received multiple acceptances from what we call ’right-fit’ colleges. My mantra: Organization and timeliness minimizes stress and maximizes smart decision making. In other words: Procrastinate Later!

Come by Lane Music at 9648 Kingston Pike in Franklin Square Tuesday April 15th from 7-8:30 pm to get the inside scoop.

SPACE IS LIMITED! So RSVP now by emailing either Jesse at jesse@helpmytestscore.com or Laurie at Lbrandow@collegiateblueprint.com.

The cost is $25 per family. We will be giving away door prizes of a Regal Cinema gift basket courtesy of Collegiate Blueprint Consulting as well as a tutoring package courtesy of Testing Solutions.

Collegiate Blueprint Consulting LLC

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Testimonials

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