Ohlms Institute, LLC now offers personal coaching to families seeking assistance in researching, selecting, and applying to the schools and programs best suited to their needs.

Dr. Derek Lee Rodriguez Ohlms earned his Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy Studies from Vanderbilt University.

With high school counselors swamped and parents overworked, it is especially important that the students receive the individual attention required to make wise college choices.

The time and resources spent at college can be quite substantial. Be sure to maximize your investment by selecting schools that offer the best fit.

Knowing one’s talents and limitations academically, financially, and socially can help in determining what factors to look for in a college to complement the student and family.

We are blessed in the U.S. to have an extraordinary array of tertiary education opportunities, providing diversity in size, location, academic programming, social culture, and cost.

In formal sessions the student & family is guided through the following…                                         

1. Criteria for college admissions

2. Testing dates

3. Schools’ reputations

4. Transcript history

5. Financial aid possibilities

6. Interviewing skills

7. Application facilitation

8. Teacher recommendations

9. Personal statements and essays

10. Legacy and Alumni contacts

1. Introduction -Understanding the candidate’s and his/her family’s post-secondary education intentions and concerns.

2. Institutional & Program Review-Variations in institutions - geography, size, 2, 4 or 6 year, social and academic format.

3. Selecting Preferred Choices-Short list: favorites, reaches, and safety schools.

4. Application Logistics-Facilitating the process and meeting the timelines.

5. Looking at the Transition-Weighing the offers and discussing expectations and possible challenges.