Cross Bay serves anyone interested in exploring and achieving their future education goals. Some of the areas of expertise include University of California (both first year and transfer) and MBA admissions.
At Cross Bay, we help students find their written voice. Essays should be authentic – they don’t need to be perfectly polished. They need to tell a story that helps admissions officers learn about the student – as if they were having a conversation with them. We help students create a plan for all the essays across all the schools they are applying to. We assist with brainstorming essay topics and give feedback on drafts.
Work with Cross Bay to develop a timeline and map out the steps for applications. We will help you to plan ahead and stay on track. We advise on how to request recommendations and who to get them from, how to describe extracurricular activities and present supplemental materials.
Undergraduate – first-year applications to college can be challenging because the student may not have selected a major or even know which aspects of college are most important to them. Cross Bay will help the student narrow down a list of schools to apply to, based on the student’s and family’s priorities.
Transfer – transfer applications often resemble a blend between freshman and graduate school applications – students need to articulate what they have accomplished so far during their time in college while describing why they want to pursue their major at the new institution.
Masters – Masters degrees are typically more straightforward than undergraduate applications – schools look for dedication in the field and understand why students want to study at that particular institution’s program.
MBA – these applications are unique in that there is no typical background of a successful applicant – applications come from all different majors, undergraduate institutions and work experiences. Cross Bay can help an applicant articulate their individuality and fit for a particular MBA program.
Early action, Early decision, Regular admission or Rolling admission? Cross Bay can discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the different admission types – especially when it comes to Early decision, and help students plan the best application strategy for the timing of their applications. Early decision is a binding commitment, and students have to be especially dedicated to an institution in order to select this option.
Create a balanced list of good-fit colleges that includes highly likely options as well as ones that are more aspirational. The list is a starting point and can be adjusted throughout the application cycle.
Summer program applications can often feel like a college application, with transcripts, recommendations and essay questions. Cross Bay can advise students on summer program applications and help them make sure their choice of program is a worthwhile investment of time and money.
SAT, ACT or no Test? Should students take AP tests and submit scores? When is the best time to take a test? Should a student re-take a test? When does it make sense to submit scores to a test-optional school? Cross Bay can help the student figure out a plan that works for them.
Entering high school or already in high school and wondering which courses are the right ones? Cross Bay can advise on class schedules and suggest a college prep pathway depending on the goals and interests of the student and their family.
Cross Bay can guide families to various resources that help them to understand the financial aid application process and show them where to access scholarship information.
Cross Bay College Consulting 