About Me

Headshot

I was a high school teacher
for fifteen years...

Thirteen years ago, a student of mine wanted to visit Indiana University. The school where I taught at the time didn’t have a college tours program, and the parents of the student didn’t have the resources to get her there. I took it upon myself to take this student and another interested student to visit. The convent associated with the school said we could use their Ford Taurus and off we went. It was on this trip that I realized the need to expose Chicago students to the myriad of possibilities available to them when it comes to college.

My desire to expose Chicago students to schools that are the best match for them hasn’t stopped. As a teacher at a selective Chicago public high school, I was proudly the coordinator and lead chaperone for multi-day trips to visit schools all over the Midwest -- in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota as well as schools in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Trips to large cities have included visits to prestigious schools in Boston, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Working with high school juniors and seniors on the college process every day and being on the campuses with students when they have the “Ah ha” moment, has been rewarding. I have, in turn, gained a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience from these trips. Having attended countless admissions meetings, I know what particular schools are looking for in an applicant, the intricacies of each school’s financial aid options and the state of college admissions in general. I have toured all of the campuses – rain or shine, and even snow on occasion. I have listened to student guides talk about what brought them to the school. I have eaten with enrolled students in the dining halls, read the school newspapers, and seen the dorms. After every campus visit, I have walked away with new knowledge – whether it be that private schools are often more affordable than public institutions, the importance of the content of the college essay, the role of extracurricular activities, or the significance of what is now being called “demonstrated interest”. And now I want to share my knowledge and guide students and their families through what should be an exciting process, not an overly complex one. In the fall of 2015, I accepted a job as the sole college counselor at an arts high school in the city. I now have more time for my private practice but at the same time have gained a new perspective on the visual and performing arts programs at various colleges.

When I decided I wanted to be an Independent Educational Consultant, I took additional steps to learn all I could about the profession and the college application and selection process. I completed the University of California-Irvine’s Independent Educational Consultant Certificate Program. I also attended the highly regarded Independent Educational Consulting Association’s Summer Training Institute at Claremont McKenna College. I am now an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultant Association, and a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling and Higher Education Consultants Association.

I want to make the college process easier for you and your child. I will be a neutral voice and do my best to find the best fit for your student. You want your child to be happy with this life-changing decision. You want your child to thrive. You want your child’s transition to be an easy one.

I’m here to help.

Sarah E. Langford, M.Ed.
sarah@onthequadconsulting.com | 773-307-6309

Why an IEC?

On average, public high school students receive 38 minutes of college counseling over the course of four years.

Due to budget cuts, most students do not get significant college counseling services at their schools. School counselors are being stretched thin and are responsible for so many tasks beyond college counseling. The IEC can offer one-on-one college counseling tailored to each and every client.

The IEC spends time year round visiting college campuses and attending conferences to learn not only more about individual schools, but also the trends in college admissions. This allows for the IEC to come to your family with in-depth knowledge of a variety schools, not just the most well known, in order to help your student find the college that is the best fit. Picking the “best fit” college usually means graduating in four years. This saves your family significant money. The IEC is also well-versed in schools that are good with money – whether it be merit or need-based aid. Every family thinks about the finances of college and the IEC excels at finding the ways to help your family understand how to best afford college.

The IEC is an excellent communicator and researcher. If you have a question, the IEC promptly answers your email, text or phone message. The IEC’s job is to make this process easier for all involved and will find the answer to your questions no matter how big or how small.

During the college search process, parents and children often have different priorities and interests. Hiring an IEC means hiring a neutral voice and great mediator. This alleviates some of the tension and makes the whole process productive and enjoyable for all involved.

For more information on the Principles of Good Practice for members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, visit www.iecaonline.com.

Services

On the Right Track Package

This comprehensive package for Rising Juniors and their families ideally begins the summer before junior year. With both parents and students present, we organize consultations regarding high school curriculum choices, standardized test dates, the importance of college tours and the finances of college. We will also begin the discussion about extracurricular activities and building the college list. Students and their families will gradually come to understand need-based aid, merit aid, grants, loans, how college size and type play a part and most important, the goal of finding the right college fit. Students will have the opportunity to take personality tests and college match surveys. As soon as test scores (ACT and/or SAT) are available, the “Building the Best Fit List” process will begin. This process continues throughout the year. I sit down with students and their families and recommend custom-tailored college tour itineraries based on the interests of the student. The summer before senior year, I work with the student on brainstorming the essays for the Common Application as well as supplemental essays for individual schools. We work on applications during the fall of senior year, including the editing of essays. In the spring of senior year I counsel families with an eye to understanding the finances of college. We sit down and look at all acceptance and award letters offered. My services continue through the end of freshman year of college. If you need to talk, I am available to you. Included in this package is a membership to College Planner Pro, which is an essential online tool that maximizes the college search and application process.

Better Late Than Never Package

This comprehensive package is for Rising Seniors and their families and includes the same services as the On the Right Track Package, minus planning the high school curriculum. Students receive the same quality and attention, only it is at a faster pace. Ideally, consultations start early in the summer before senior year, but if you are starting the college search process a bit later than that, I can still help. Included in this package is a membership to College Planner Pro.

It's Never Too Early Package

This comprehensive package is for Rising Freshman and Sophomore students and their families and will initially focuses on making the best choices in high school that will ultimately affect college admissions. Consultations focus on picking the right high school coursework and include conversations about the general state of college admissions and what colleges are considering most important. College dynamics are always changing; I keep you abreast of all those changes. The summer before junior year, meetings will become more frequent and you have all the benefits of the On the Right Track Package. Included in this package is a membership to College Planner Pro.

Hourly Work

For those who feel they just need a little guidance, I am also available to do hourly work for essay brainstorming and editing, building the college list and helping families plan college trips.

Resources

Websites | Books

Testimonials

“Several years ago I read a story in the Chicago Tribune about college counselors. Sarah was in the article. I saved it and I am glad that I did. A year later we were starting our search for Greg’s college. We emailed Sarah and as they say, the rest is history. We got together and she took it from there. She found Greg the only school he wanted to go to. He is going there and got a great scholarship offer to boot. Could we have done it ourselves? Sure. Would he have found his school? Not so sure about that. Do yourself a favor and talk to her. And by the way, for Sarah, I am willing to forgo my usual endorsement fee. That says a lot.”

Jeff
Parent
“Before we met Sarah we had no idea where to begin with the college application process. There were so many pieces of the puzzle to put together that it was overwhelming. Thankfully, we chose to work with Sarah who stepped right in to help my daughter build a list of colleges and universities that matched her individual criteria. From start to finish Sarah helped our daughter with formulating a list of reach, match and safety schools, standardized testing advice, college essay review and editing, the college applications process, making a final decision and so much more. Not only is Sarah extremely knowledgeable she is also fun to work with. I highly recommend Sarah for your child’s college application process.”

Erica
Parent
“My experience working with Sarah was amazing! She helped me come up with ideas for my common app essay, turning it from a cheesy, poorly written essay to a moving one. Sarah also helped me find colleges that met the criteria I was looking for. 10/10 would recommend!”

Olivija
University of Vermont
“During my senior year, Sarah and I talked regularly about my college list and she assisted me by editing my college essay. I remember the day she sent me a message from KU’s campus encouraging me to apply because she thought I’d love the school. I am there now and I absolutely love it. Sarah is accessible, knowledgeable, and always willing to talk about her college. It’s her favorite thing!”

Colleen
University of Kansas
“We first met Sarah Langford during my son’s junior year in high school. She was hosting a college seminar for juniors and their parents. I just wish we had met her a year earlier! Sarah is extremely knowledgeable about the college process but more than that she wants your son or daughter to find the right fit. My son has started sending out his applications and we have visited several of the colleges Sarah suggested. She listened to what he told her, helped him get his essay ideas onto paper and reached out along the way to see how he was doing. She really cares and is so enthusiastic in educating students about college life and the process to finding the right college. She is a breath of fresh air and we have no hesitation in recommending her to help your student with their college search.”

Jean
Parent
“I do not think I would be where I am today without Sarah Langford. She helped me survey a variety of colleges, allowing me to expand my horizons outside of my city. She showed us what universities have to offer along the lines of scholarships, financial aid, and other various opportunities. She’s very knowledgeable, and I always felt comfortable going to her and asking for college advice. She even helped me discover the school I have grown to love now and can call my own. Thanks, Sarah!”

Renee
Georgetown University
“Being a first generation college student and coming from a family of immigrants, I wasn’t exposed to all the options I had when determining what college I wanted to attend. It was junior year of high school when I was introduced to all the amazing colleges and universities that were accessible to me. With Sarah’s guidance, I was able to successfully complete the college application process, perfect my essays, and determine which school was the perfect fit for me. I even received personal letters from admissions counselors saying that they loved and were intrigued by my essay! Today I am able to say that I attend one of the best public universities in the nation, and couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

Gabriela
University of Michigan
“As I enter my fourth and final year at The Ohio State University, I can’t help but think how it was that I ended up here. As a first generation student and the first born in my family, I was completely blind when it came to the whole college search process. My parents have always encouraged me and urged me to pursue higher education, but they had no insight as to what I needed to do. This is where Sarah came in. Coming from a strong Mexican household, going out of state was not very common. My parents thought having me stay home was the better alternative. Sarah was quick to answer my many questions and assured me that everything would work out. She also took the time to meet with my father (the bigger challenge) and explain to him how attending OSU would benefit me. She sat down and explained to him the meaning of my scholarship, the many opportunities and even urged him to take a tour of the campus so he could see for himself what I was getting myself into. It was her passion for higher education that motivated me to take this giant step. Now as I look back, I have nothing but gratitude for Sarah. On behalf of my father and me, thank you and Go Bucks!”

Veronica
The Ohio State University
“Without Sarah’s help I would not be attending the school of my dreams. I never knew the difference between public and private schools, and that a private education is affordable. She helped me apply to a variety of schools, so I would have an abundant number to choose from. Sarah is familiar with different schools across the country depending on the student’s wants and needs, and is always excited to learn more. I highly recommend her as a college consultant based on the knowledge she has and the number of students she has already helped.”

Jessica
Rhodes College
“Sarah changed my life completely. It may sound unbelievable that a single person could have such a big impact, but she did. When I first met her my junior year, I had no idea where I wanted to go to college, what type of school I was looking for, how I would pay for it, and how to narrow down the list of schools from the thousands available. I was completely lost. Sarah made the college process so much easier and less stressful and pointed me in the right direction. She is like a walking Google for college searches and is dedicated to each student she helps. She suggested schools I should do more research on to see if I liked them. Then, together, we would go through my list of schools, their pros and cons, and most importantly, why I wanted to go to those specific schools. Some schools would be crossed off, others added based on a wide range of aspects from academics, to social life, to cost, to atmosphere, and so on. She took all of those things into consideration. Whenever I felt worried about anything related to college I knew that when I would talk with her, those nerves would be calmed. I am really grateful that she informed me about the POSSE scholarship and encouraged me to apply and to not give up. Best support that I have ever received!”

Gabriele
Denison University
“I can honestly say Sarah was an essential part of my college search. Sarah helped me figure out the type of school I wished to attend as we looked at several schools. And it was always reassuring to know that I had someone like her to ask questions about college. Sarah was always knowledgeable, and I always felt her advice was unbiased and sincere. You can’t always believe what college representatives are saying. Sarah single-handedly helped me with my fears of attending school away from home. Thank you Sarah for all you have done to help me get to where I am today. Boiler Up! Hail Purdue!”

Sam
Purdue University
“I can honestly say Sarah changed my life. I know it sounds a little extreme but it is very true. When I started junior year I had intentions of going to community college in Chicago because going away wasn’t an option for my family. As a first generation student, I believed I couldn’t afford it, nor did I have the knowledge to search for schools. Then Sarah began telling me the importance of finding the right college. Now I am currently a student at Illinois Wesleyan University, a school I had no idea about two years ago. Sarah knows about so many schools, as well as resources to help find schools that will fit each student’s personal needs, something I think is so vital. Sarah has been to many schools, has taught hundreds of students who go to schools all over, so she is definitely someone I would trust as a source to help make one of the biggest decisions of your life.”

Angel
Illinois Wesleyan University
“As a sophomore I had no idea where I was headed in life. I didn’t know the difference between UIC, U of I, and U of C. Now I know that there’s a huge difference between all three of these schools and it’s all thanks to Sarah. I was lucky enough to come across her my junior year, just as I was starting the college process. I never really thought that I would go away for college; it always seemed like I would stay at home and be a commuter student. Sarah talked about how she went away for college and that it was the best decision she made, so I asked her for help. She helped me look into colleges that were a good fit for me and that met my family’s expectations as well. Senior year I applied to a variety of schools. Sarah taught me to keep my options open and see what the schools could offer me before I made my decision. Looking back on this whole experience, I don’t know if I’d be going to an out-of-state school or be as excited for college if it weren’t for Sarah. Sarah reminded me how to not disregard schools due to the tuition costs because you never know what the school will offer you. I’m extremely grateful that I got to work with Sarah. She made my college dreams come true. Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me out on this journey.”

Kinga
Marquette University
“When I first began my junior year of high school I knew very little of the college process, applications or opportunities that were out there. When I completed my junior year I had enough information to help me in my application process because of the help of Sarah Langford. Sarah helped so much during the school year with any college questions. She knows a great amount of information and will gladly answer any college question because she is excited and loves to do so. Her services are definitely something someone should take advantage of.”

Alberto
Syracuse University
“I had never really thought about the vast number of possibilities I had for college until my junior year of high school when I met Sarah. Sarah was such an advocate for going away for college that it sparked an interest. Before her efforts, I had always thought I was going to stay in Chicago and live with my parents. Sarah convinced me that going away for college was an indelible experience, and the more I thought of it, I realized I would highly regret it if I had stayed home. I had to show my parents that having the full college experience – packing my bags, moving into a dorm, being away from home, etc. – would really help me grow as an individual. From there, things spiraled. I signed up for two of Sarah’s college tours and researched numerous colleges. Before I knew it I was applying to several colleges as well as for scholarships. By the middle of senior year, I had been accepted to many colleges, but in the end I decided to attend Bradley University. Without Sarah, I would not have had that push to research or even think about colleges outside of my hometown. Because of her, I stepped outside my comfort zone and took a risk that I normally wouldn’t have taken. She is so knowledgeable about colleges, but in addition to that, she inspires you to make choices that only positively influence your future.”

Anna
Bradley University

Let’s Talk

Free Introductory Consultation

Thank you for your interest. I am no longer taking clients for the Class of 2023, but am happy to talk to any families with students in the Class of 2024 or Class of 2025. Please complete this form and I will reach out as soon as possible. If you complete this form and do not hear from me within 24 hours, please send a detailed text message to 773-307-6309.