Education Professional Lu Anne Wood Opens College Counseling Firm

Aug. 25, 2009 - PRLog -- WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.  – Lu Anne Wood announces today the opening of LuAnne Wood Consulting (http://luannewoodconsulting.com), a private college counseling and admissions advising firm in Winston-Salem. Wood, who worked for many years as Director of Admission and Financial Aid and Director of Student and Family Advising at Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, will offer guidance to families seeking to identify the best educational options for their children.

“Finding the right school or college is one of the most important decisions a family makes,” Wood says, “Families often feel overwhelmed, particularly with the college admissions process because it has so many variables with all the application deadlines, and SAT, ACT and Subject Test dates. An objective, third-party counselor often can help ease family anxiety and stress while helping students make more effective use of their time and talents.”

Wood started Lu Anne Wood Consulting after realizing her favorite part of her independent school position was working directly with students and families. “One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work has always been the close relationships I developed,” she explains. “I truly enjoy helping students shape their educational pathways, and I decided I would like to do that on a full-time basis. The time was right, and there is a growing need for this type of service in Winston-Salem.”

When advising on school admissions, Wood will help families as they consider the choices of public schools, private day schools, boarding schools and schools for students with learning differences or special needs. When counseling for college admissions, Wood’s philosophy is one of “nurture, support and guidance.” She says it is extremely helpful to meet with families early on during the high school years, so a counselor can help students make intentional decisions regarding curriculum and activities that will enhance their high school experience. As the time to apply approaches, she will help with such aspects of the process as arranging college visits; finding the best college “fit” in terms of size, location, interests and academic support; applications deadlines; and helping the students find their “voice” in order to structure college essays that help them stand out.

“Today’s college admission process is different than it was years ago,” Wood says. “It’s very competitive, and it’s a very deliberate process that requires close attention to detail. But with the appropriate guidance and support, it does not have to be overwhelming — it can even be fun!”

About Lu Anne Wood

Lu Anne Wood received a Bachelor of Science degree from Salem College and has 10 years of experience serving as the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, and the Director of Student and Family Advising at Forsyth Country Day School, an independent school in Lewisville, N.C. She has worked closely with students, parents and faculty to guide students through every aspect of the high school experience, and she understands the value of highly individualized attention during these years. As a college counselor, she established lists of prospective colleges for students and assisted them with their college applications, essays and interview skills.

Wood has been involved in the Winston-Salem community for more than 30 years, and her community service includes positions as Junior League of Winston-Salem President, Junior League of Winston-Salem Treasurer, Forsyth Country Day School Board of Trustees member, Forsyth Country Day School Auction Co-Chair, Summit School Auction Treasurer, Home Moravian Church Board of Trustees member, Salem Academy and College 225th Anniversary Co-Chair, Winterlark Auction Committee Co-Chair and Bethlehem Community Center Board of Directors member.

For more information,visit (http://luannewoodconsulting.com).

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