Wendy Thompson of Westport Island is in the business of helping high school students with what can be a confusing and difficult time.

Thompson works from her home consulting with and helping guide students and their parents through the process of choosing and applying to colleges. She said her goal is to find a good match between student and college through what she calls a “search and selection process.”

Based on the level of challenge desired, geographic location, and the student’s academic and extracurricular interests, she will provide a list of colleges to research and will work with the student until a final college application list is agreed on. Then she will help with the application and essay writing process, and offer feedback with grammar, composition and content.

Thompson was the assistant dean of admissions at Bowdoin College for 12 years. Before that she had worked in boarding school and college admissions since 1978.

She said many students begin the selection and application process during their junior year, but that sophomore year is not too early to begin investigating colleges.

Thompson has read thousands of applications. “What's different about working with someone like me is my many years' experience working in college admissions,” she said. “I used to read close to 800 applications a season for 12 years.”

According to Thompson, she is the only consultant in Maine who has such a vast admissions background. “I read student essays like an admissions officer would,” she said.

Thompson said she ensures that students apply to colleges that are appropriate for them, and that their applications and essays are of the highest quality. The essay is an important part of the application process and it's important to get it right. “A student has about 20 minutes to capture the attention of the admissions officer,” she said.

Most colleges require one essay from applicants. Some also require a supplemental essay, which is generally shorter than the required one. She said she can be of help with that, too. “The two biggest problems I see in essays are too much information and grammar issues,” she said. “The more succinct you can be the more powerful the essay is.

“I can work with them on both.”

When it comes to the interview process, Thompson said that it is a learned skill. She conducts mock interviews with them with the intention of making them feel more comfortable during the actual interview. “Interviews bring the applicant to life,” she said.

Thompson said she wants to help students come across in the most positive way possible. She said she helps students get to know themselves and what they're looking for through a series of questionnaires. “I help them to present themselves in the most authentic and positive light. I make sure the admissions office knows who they really are.”

“What I'm trying to do is demystify the whole college search and selection process,” Thompson said. “That's my goal. To make it clear and understandable to people.”

Her work doesn't end when they acceptances come in. She can help students narrow down their choices, and make sure that their final college choice is the best fit for them. “I can help make the college search, selection and application process much less stressful, and can keep it fun and interesting,” she said.

Thompson bills by the hour. Her services are flexible according to students' needs. To contact her, call 207-882-9932 or email westporteducationalconsulting@gmail.com.