Best Light
College Consulting
Empowering students to present themselves to colleges authentically and effectively… and in their very best light
Jennifer Fehser, MD
About Me
As a pediatrician for nearly twenty years, I have loved supporting and advising children, teens and their families through challenges, illnesses, and the many developmental stages of life. It was a privilege and a joy to form close relationships with my patients and their families and to learn so many unique life stories. During my medical career, I also worked as a member of a top medical school Admissions Committee, and I worked to recruit and hire doctors, nurses and staff.
Over the past several years, I have embarked on my “second career” and have immersed myself in the world of college admissions. Currently, I work in the Office of Admissions at a Top 5 public university reading college applications. It has been an honor and a privilege to read students’ stories and to get to know them through the lens of college applications. Over the past few years, I have read thousands of applications and essays and made countless very difficult admissions decisions. Through this work, I have gained a deep understanding of the evaluation process and what stands out in applications.
Because of my expertise, friends and family have at times sought my advice, and I have informally guided many students through college applications. Early on it became clear to me that students and families often do not have a sense of how to make their application shine. Many times I would see wonderful students — students who I personally knew to be amazing individuals! — present an application or an essay that was not compelling and likely would not stand out. They often did not portray their unique strengths, special attributes and strong fit like I knew that they could and should. Their opportunity to shine was missed!
Thus, my new passion —Best Light College Consulting — was born! My goal is to help each student present themselves as positively as possible in the college application process, showcasing their unique attributes, experiences and achievements in a manner that will be compelling to admissions officers.
Best Light College Consulting
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Best Light College Consulting *
My goal
I aim to empower students to present themselves in a way that is compelling to colleges and truly stands out — to present themselves in their own best light.
I assist students in self-reflection and values exercises that will help them to understand themselves and consider how they should present themselves and their accomplishments. This often requires some vulnerability and humility. I will help students to craft a cohesive and compelling application that highlights their strengths and values and shows admission counselors how they will contribute positively to their future college campuses.
How Best Light is different
My goal is to assist in presenting each student in his or her best, authentic light. Authenticity is key and always shines in applications. I aim to show colleges what makes your student special, not to craft an inauthentic resume or persona.
All of my work and advice stem from several core beliefs. First, all students are special and have great things to offer. Second, I am confident that there are many, many colleges that would be an excellent fit for each student! The challenge is finding those schools that are a great fit — those schools where your student will thrive. Operating from these assumptions, I try to avoid the frenzy and panic that often surrounds the college application process. Through Best Light, I aim simply to assist students in crafting excellent applications that showcase their best selves— applications that will stand out because of their content, authenticity and fit.
What I offer
I work with high school students (usually juniors and seniors) in a variety of capacities.
I offer comprehensive packages (based upon the specific number of college applications). Ideally, application work should begin with brainstorming and organizing in the Spring of Junior year. Writing begins in earnest in late Spring, continues through the Summer, and ideally is completed in early Fall. Tasks will include narrowing down the college list, brainstorming personal statement and supplemental essays ideas, and writing and editing many drafts of many essays. The earlier this work can be done, the better off your student will be!!! The vast majority of our work together should be completed by November 1st.
I also offer a la carte reviews of specific pieces of the applications as well as general consultations on an as-needed basis.
Let’s help your student put together a compelling and cohesive application that gives them the best chances of success in the application process!