Question 1

How is the Transfer Package different from the others?

Accepted Answer

Transferring students often have different needs and desires than first year students. Being already enrolled in college, transfer students usually need a little less “hand-holding,” mostly only needing basic advice. Transfer students often have different types of questions. Helping you present “the best you” is very important for transfer students, and colleges consider slightly different criteria in their decision-making process for accepting transfer students.

Question 2

How do you help me get into a good school?

Accepted Answer

First off, a good school for one student is not a good school for another.  Through my DiscoveryU program, I’ll help you decide what’s a good school for you.  I can help you present “the best you” to potential colleges.

Question 3

How is applying to pharmacy school different than applying to college?

Accepted Answer

As there are only 123 pharmacy schools in the USA, your choices are limited. Students are often older and looking for a different college experience than those just looking to go to college.

Question 4

What exactly do you mean by “online?""

Accepted Answer

Online education is booming. Classes range from asynchronous single classes to a synchronous full time education. Some classes have frequent teacher interaction and some have very little to none. Most are accredited, but not all. Any content delivered online could be helpful to your education.

Question 5

Why is this a separate service?

Accepted Answer

Some people just want to know about WUE options as a low-cost alternative to the colleges they are considering. They’re just looking for some basic information in a clear and concise form from a trusted expert.

Question 6

How will you help me?

Accepted Answer

I will help you show your best self as you apply to Pharmacy School. Although all schools offer the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, their emphasis on the various uses of the degree differ. There are also special programs at many of the pharmacy schools. By introducing you to all these options, you can find the right pharmacy college fit for you.

Question 7

Why can't I do this on my own?

Accepted Answer

You can! But with so many choices, it can be overwhelming, and I aim to reduce a family’s stress in this process so you can be empowered to find your best fit school. Families often don’t know where to start or where to direct their questions. I can help put you on the right path and will be there with you for any bumps along the way.

Question 8

Money is important to me. Why not just look at WUE schools?

Accepted Answer

The cost of college is important to almost everyone, but the published price is not what most students end up paying.  By just looking at WUE colleges, you could end up paying more than at a private school or non-participating public school.

Question 9

What do you think about starting at a lower-cost school and transferring to a better one later on?

Accepted Answer

With tuition costs sky-rocketing, this is a common strategy. Depending on your major or college, your chances at most schools are about the same. However, there are numerous schools that don’t accept very many transfer students. You may limit your choices with this strategy, but finances often limit our choices.

Question 10

Does this apply to high school or college classes?

Accepted Answer

High school, college, and dual enrollment students all take advantage of online learning.

Question 11

When should we start the process?

Accepted Answer

The sooner, the better. By starting early in high school or even middle school, you will begin laying the foundation for a successful college search endeavor. Most students begin thinking about college during their junior year of high school, so we most commonly begin work at that time, However, I often begin work with students who are seniors as well.

Question 12

Do you help me with choosing classes and standardized test preparation?

Accepted Answer

I can help you decide classes based on what colleges are looking for in their applicants. I can advise you on various test prep services, giving you the information you need to decide what works best for you.

Question 13

Why are you an expert?

Accepted Answer

I started by working with a homeschool high school group in 2008 and have worked with students who have taken online classes for several years. I use my college consulting background, along with almost 10 years of experience, as a means to analyze online programs.

Question 14

Why are you an expert?

Accepted Answer

I am the only college admissions consultant who has a degree in pharmacy. I have worked in pharmacy for over thirty years as an owner and a manager, and I still work part-time in the industry so I am current on what is happening in the field. I also work with pharmacy students from various college programs, giving me the opportunity to receive feedback on their experiences.

Question 15

Why can’t I just do it myself?

Accepted Answer

You can! That’s why I wrote the book, The Saavy Guide to the 4-Year WUE Colleges. However, with our WUE School Consultation, you’ll be provided with an orderly way to look at the colleges and you'll be able to talk with someone who has spent hundreds of hours researching the WUE colleges and programs.  My questionnaire also asks the right questions to help you find the right fit college. And lastly, I’ve visited many of the campuses of the WUE schools, and that’s the best way to get to know a school.

Question 16

What makes you an expert?

Accepted Answer

I’ve earned certification from the University of California-Irvine in Educational Consulting. It is the most extensive and thorough program in the country. I’ve been guiding students for a number of years. And by visiting over 80 colleges and retaining memberships in professional organizations, attending workshops and conferences, I am keeping up with the ever-changing world of colleges and college admissions. I also have expertise on the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program, as I  am the author of The Saavy Guide to WUE Colleges,

Question 17

What makes you an expert?

Accepted Answer

Brian Swan received certification from the University of California-Irvine in Educational Consulting, the most extensive and thorough program in the country.  He has been helping students for a number of years, maintaining memberships in professional organizations, attending workshops and conferences, visiting numerous college campuses all across the USA, and keeping up with the ever-changing world of college admissions and education. He is also the author of The Saavy Guide to WUE Colleges, making him the foremost expert on the Western Undergratuate Exchange Program.

Question 18

How do I know which credits will transfer?

Accepted Answer

There is no way to answer this. Each school decides what classes they want to give credit for. There are some guidelines available and we would discuss those. It often depends on to where you want to transfer and your major area of study.

Question 19

How does the process work?

Accepted Answer

We start with an intake questionnaire that allows me to get to know you. From this, I can present various options for what you might be looking for in a pharmacy school. Most of our interaction is via email, Skype, or other internet communication.

Question 20

How do I know what is a good online program?

Accepted Answer

It really goes back to fit and what you’re looking for.

Question 21

What makes you an expert?

Accepted Answer

With my years of helping students and learning about colleges and with authoring The Saavy Guide to the 4-Year WUE Colleges, I have spent hundreds of hours researching and communicating with the 4-year WUE colleges. I am a student of all colleges and also use the same expertise in knowing about WUE schools.

Question 22

Do you work with only high-achieving students who want to get into an Ivy League school?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Every student is different, having unique dreams, goals, and aspirations. I work with a variety of students, from those interested in STEM, to pre-med, to the artist, and the undecided. DiscoveryU is the process to help every student find the right college fit.

Question 23

Will you help me get into an Ivy league school?

Accepted Answer

I can’t get anybody into a particular college. We will work together to present yourself as your “best self” and prepare you to be the best candidate for whatever colleges you might aspire to attend.

Question 24

Do you work directly with any online schools?

Accepted Answer

No, I am completely independent. I do have more experience with students in some programs, but with the tens of thousands of online classes now available, I do not know everything about every program. I will answer your questions to the best of my ability.

Question 25

That all sounds good, but how am I going to pay for college?"

Accepted Answer

There are no secret formulas to get free college. I consider cost with every student. We will discuss ways to help get the most aid, scholarships, and find lower cost alternatives for every possible situation.

Question 26

Do online classes count?

Accepted Answer

Most online classes do count for credit, but it mostly depends on the school that is accepting the credit. Sometimes taking a class even without credit can be beneficial.

Question 27

How much time will you spend with me?

Accepted Answer

With the Basic Package, you have access to me 24/7. We will meet face-to-face around six times, plus approximately four times to work on the common app essay. We can meet up to 20 times. With the Platinum Package, you get unlimited meetings.

Question 28

My situation is unique. Do you work with athletes or students with learning disabilities?

Accepted Answer

I work with all students, however if I feel you need a more specialized service than I can offer, I will refer you to other consultants who specialize in certain areas. If you’re not sure, set up an appointment with me. The free consultation will help you decide if you think I be of service.

Question 29

I’m just thinking of transferring. What should I do first?

Accepted Answer

See me! We can discuss how to transfer the most credits, and what to do to make you an attractive candidate so that you will get accepted to another institution.

Question 30

What is the biggest difference between this service and the others?

Accepted Answer

The WUE Schools Consultation is a very streamlined process. A questionnaire is completed and then I provide a list of suggested schools and an explanation on why these may be a good fit for you. This is limited compared to the whole gamut of services that the DiscoveryU program provides.

Question 31

I’m paying for college and you want me to pay you, too?"

Accepted Answer

Over one-third of students transfer colleges because they were not happy with their original college choice. Many families make poor decisions because they didn’t understand all the options and how to navigate the complicated college admissions world.  A college education can cost as much as a house!  Families save more in time, stress, and money when they have the right information and can make the best decisions for themselves, guided by a professional advising them about their choices.

Question 32

Why are your package fees so much less than others in your profession?

Accepted Answer

I really want to offer my services to middle income families.  Most of my colleagues work with higher income families who are trying to get an edge.  I feel middle income families should have equal access to help in finding the right college fit.

Question 33

I don’t live in the Anchorage area. Do you work with students outside your area?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I do.  Skype, email, and other internet communication are amazing.  I prefer the dynamics of face-to-face meetings, but have successfully worked with students not living in this area.

Question 34

What will you try to sell me at the free consultation?

Accepted Answer

The free consultation allows us to meet and see if you’re comfortable with me.  It also allows you to ask any questions in regards to the admissions process, costs, and your specific situation, and whether I might be helpful to you. You can hire me at that time or wait and think about it. There is no obligation.

Question 35

Where and when do we meet?

Accepted Answer

Most students meet at my home office, but we can also meet at a coffee shop or at your home; whatever is most convenient for you. We will schedule a mutually agreeable time. I can be available days, evenings, and Saturdays.

Question 36

Do you help with extracurriculars?

Accepted Answer

I can give advice as to what college admission counselors are looking for in their applicants and how they determine who is a strong applicant.

FAQs