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Strategic College Planning: Less Stress, More Success

Dedicated advisors for strategic college planning and funding solutions.

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Strategic College Planning: Less Stress, More Success

Dedicated advisors for strategic college planning and funding solutions.

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Less Stress, Less Cost

Choosing the right college is a monumental decision that can profoundly shape your future. But for many families, this choice feels daunting, with the overwhelming information making it tough to navigate wisely. Our college planning experts are here to make this journey easier. We guide families through a strategic, step-by-step process that ensures students graduate in four years with minimal debt, ready to embark on fulfilling careers.

Key Insights About College Planning

Increasing college expenses

Rising Costs

College costs have been growing twice the rate of inflation.

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Affordability Issues

Most middle-income families find it challenging to fully finance a college education.

Increasing college expenses

Ballooning Debt

Parent and student loan debt has reached unprecedented levels.

Extended deadlines to graduate from college

Extended Timelines

On average, it takes 5.8 years to complete a four-year degree.

At My College Planning Team, we help families overcome these challenges with comprehensive strategies that bring clarity and confidence to the college planning process.

Join Our Mission to Support Students' Futures

Are you a passionate high school counselor looking to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives? At My College Planning Team, we’re dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of higher education. We’re seeking part-time high school counselors across the U.S. to join our team as independent contractors, offering flexible, remote opportunities. If you’re committed to empowering students and advancing your knowledge of financial aid strategies, we’d love to hear from you!

Our Services

Welcome to My College Planning Team, where we empower students and families with comprehensive support for navigating the college journey. From personalized academic and financial planning to free workshops and test score improvement, our expert team is dedicated to making higher education accessible and affordable. Discover how our tailored and affordable services can help you confidently prepare for college.

Academic & College Search Services

Navigating the College Journey: Assistance with the college search, selection, and application process. We guide you through finding the right colleges, crafting standout applications, and making informed decisions.

Financial Planning For College

Strategizing for Success: Expert financial planning to prepare for college expenses. We help families plan their finances in detail, ensuring college is financially achievable.

Financial Aid Appeals

Maximize Your Financial Aid: If your initial financial aid offer isn’t what you expected, our team can guide you through the appeals process to potentially reduce college costs.

ACT / SAT Score Improvement

Achieve Your Highest Test Scores: Enhance your SAT and ACT scores with our dedicated support. Higher scores improve your college admission chances and eligibility for scholarships.

College Planning Sessions

Personalized Planning at No Cost: Schedule your college planning session today for tailored guidance based on your family's financial circumstances and your student's academic goals.

Workshops

Explore over 125 free, annual workshops offered by MCPT, available online and at local libraries and high schools. These accessible sessions cover everything from college planning to financial aid and are open to the public.

Check Our Latest Events

Discover a wealth of knowledge with MCPT’s year-round workshops. With over 125 events annually, mostly online for your convenience, and select sessions at local libraries and high schools, our programs are free and accessible to everyone. Enhance your college planning strategy with these invaluable learning opportunities!

Missed a live event or can’t make it to one of our upcoming workshops? No problem! Explore our On Demand library, where you can access recorded sessions filled with expert advice and actionable tips. Watch anytime, anywhere, and get the insights you need to navigate the college planning process with confidence. 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about future events and to view our list of past events

All events are listed in Central Time

college and career planning
College and Career Planning for High School Students & Families
Virtual
July 21, 2026 - 5:00 pm
Free
21
JUL
College students
Sophomore Success: Post-Secondary Planning for 10th Grade Families
Virtual
August 6, 2026 - 5:00 pm
Free
06
AUG
Financial planning, saving money for college education concept.
Escaping The College Maze: Navigating & Paying for College
Virtual
August 12, 2026 - 5:00 pm
Free
12
AUG
Financial planning, saving money for college education concept.
Escaping The College Maze: Navigating & Paying for College -
Virtual
August 13, 2026 - 6:00 pm
Free
13
AUG

Academic & College Search Services

Navigating the College Journey: Assistance with the college search, selection, and application process. We guide you through finding the right colleges, crafting standout applications, and making informed decisions.

MCPT Impact

This upcoming academic year, MCPT is set to impact approximately 5,000 families through our series of 150+ workshops. These sessions are hosted in diverse venues, including libraries, high schools, and faith-based locations, ensuring easy access for all. 

MCPT Mission

The mission of My College Planning Team is to empower, engage, and support families with financial and academic strategies to reduce cost and gain students admission at a best-fit college.

Host a Workshop

Organize a college funding and preparatory workshop for your friends, neighbors, club members, or colleagues. Our academic and financial experts deliver tailored workshops packed with practical ideas, information, and strategies to help parents of college-bound students effectively plan and pay for college. These customized sessions are offered at no cost to both hosts and participants. Join us and empower your community with essential college planning knowledge!

Latest Blog & Articles

Discover essential college planning tips on our blog. From financial aid strategies to choosing the right college, our posts are filled with expert advice to guide you smoothly through the college journey. Explore our latest articles now and empower your path to higher education success!

Frequent Asked Questions

College planning services, like those offered by My College Planning Team, provide expert guidance on navigating the complex college admissions process. We offer personalized support in selecting the right colleges, preparing for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, and developing a financial plan to cover tuition and related costs. By partnering with us, your family can feel confident in securing your child’s future while managing college expenses more effectively.
We work closely with families to develop a tailored financial strategy that reduces the burden of college expenses. This includes identifying scholarship opportunities, grants, and financial aid options, and providing expert advice on student loans and payment plans. Our goal is to help families minimize out-of-pocket costs while maximizing the financial aid their child is eligible to receive.
When choosing a college planning service, look for expertise in college admissions, financial aid, and test preparation. A strong service, like My College Planning Team, offers a holistic approach that includes personalized plans for each student, addressing everything from selecting the right schools to crafting strong financial strategies. We ensure that every aspect of the college journey is covered, making the process more manageable and less stressful.
Starting as early as freshman year of high school is ideal for college planning. Early involvement helps shape important decisions around course selection, extracurricular activities, and test preparation. My College Planning Team provides a roadmap for your child’s academic and personal growth, maximizing their readiness for college applications and scholarship opportunities.
Yes, My College Planning Team offers comprehensive support for SAT and ACT test preparation. With expert tutoring, customized study plans, and access to practice tests, we help students boost their scores and build the confidence needed to succeed. In today’s competitive admissions landscape, even when tests are optional, strong test scores can open doors to scholarships and selective schools.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Serving Chicagoland and Beyond

Arlington Heights · Aurora ⋅ Barrington ⋅ Bartlett ⋅ Batavia ⋅ Bloomington ⋅ Bolingbrook ⋅ Buffalo Grove · Carol Stream ⋅ Carpentersville · Clarendon Hills ⋅ Darien ⋅ Des Plaines · Downers Grove ⋅ Dundee · Elgin · Elk Grove ⋅ Elmhurst ⋅ Fox River Grove · Geneva ⋅ Glen Ellyn ⋅ Glenview · Hinsdale ⋅ Hoffman Estates ⋅ La Grange · La Grange Park · Lake Zurich ⋅ Lincolnshire · Lisle ⋅ Lombard ⋅ Mokena · Mt. Prospect · Naperville ⋅ New Lenox · Northbrook · Oak Brook · Orland Hills · Orland Park · Oswego · Palatine ⋅ Palos Heights · Palos Hills · Palos Park · Plainfield · River Forest · Roselle ⋅ Schaumburg ⋅ St. Charles ⋅ Tinley Park · Warrenville ⋅ West Chicago ⋅ Western Springs · Wheaton ⋅ Wood Dale ⋅ Woodridge

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