Diana's Comprehensive College Counseling Practice

 

Just as busy professionals benefit from career coaching to maximize their potential and work towards goals, I am your students' coach through high school. Step by step, in a very personalized and structured program, we work together towards the goal of successful college admissions.

 

To realize college goals is a holistic process of growth and discovery down a proven path. Together, realistic expectations are defined where student will thrive and realize their potential. A roadmap of manageable steps is followed to manage stress while developing life skills and talents. Structure, timelines, knowledge, and support build confidence and empower your student to take ownership of the college search and admission process. Our comprehensive work together, application tools, and deep essay expertise will thoroughly prepare and support your student for the final crucial push required for college applications: writing their essays and submitting applications well before deadlines. 

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Teenagers' energy, curiosity, and quest for self-knowledge inspire me every day.  For almost 20 years, I  have been coaching and advising high schoolers in their college search with a vision born from a wide range of experiences. Expertise has been gained as a graduate of top universities with degrees in psychology and architecture. Further experience as an MIT college admissions interviewer, wife of a UC Berkeley faculty member, college swimmer, artist, museum docent, swim coach, parent, and ongoing student of college admissions at UC Berkeley will bring a wide range of knowledge when working with your student.

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Parents are valued partners. Together, we will encourage your students to be more independent and develop self-determination when making decisions and defining their futures. Your criteria and aspirations for your child will be strongly considered. College costs are a concern for all families. The family college budget will be a top priority when crafting college lists. Colleges offering merit aid and scholarships will be applied to early when their pots are larger.  The long-term cost benefits of different college choices will be considered.

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Your investment in college counseling will pay dividends far beyond financial benefits. Your student will discover potential majors and careers, resulting in a more focused and efficient college student. Every step of the way, you and your student will be supported by my deep knowledge and structure in navigating the application process. This support will reduce family stress over senior year. Your student will discover, apply and be accepted at a college where they will thrive and prosper. (I have yet to have a student who has transferred colleges, which speaks to our thorough and thoughtful work together). 

 

About a third of my students are aspiring college athletes but I work with a broad range of students who benefit from my many experiences ranging from STEM to the arts and everything in between... With my wisdom, support, and hard work,  I will inspire and guide your student to prepare for their college years and realize their potential. Ideally we start working together in 10th or early 11th grade to allow the greatest impact. A later start is possible if a student is willing to intensely prepare with less time. Please explore this website to discover a proven process.  

 

Email:  DIANADAYMONDCAA@GMAIL.COM with details about your student to arrange a complimentary 30-minute conversation.

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For students in my comprehensive program. Class of 2026:    

COLLEGE ESSAY WORKSHOP

A well-crafted college essay can be an admission game-changer.

Get organized and take the mystery and stress out of writing college essays.

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Saturday,  June 14, 2025

9:30 am - 4 pm

 Ygnacio Valley Public Library in Walnut Creek​

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This workshop will guide, inspire, and organize your student to:

• Understand the expectations and get underway with the UC Questions & Common Application Essay.

• Brainstorm individual and effective essay topics with personal on-the-spot feedback as your student develop their ideas. 

• Write effective and concise UC and Common Application Activity Lists. 

• Create a plan for the completion of essays and college applications before Thanksgiving.

• Guaranteed space on Diana's individualized essay coaching roster.

• Limited to 12 students for each workshop. Sign up early to ensure your place.

• Before the workshop, students should be prepared with a well-researched college list. Consider Diana's comprehensive counseling if a student needs a lot of help generating their college list. 

• Registration limited to students in the Comprehensive Program. Register for short free workshops here:

  • Registration: https://www.dianadaymondcollegeadmissionadvising.com/workshop-registration

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Student's Comments from Essay Workshops Earlier Last Year

Mrs. Daymond has helped me immensely during my college applications. She especially helped me with my UC and common application essays and activities list. I would not have written my essays as amazing as they are without her help. She guided me so much during this process and I don’t know what I would have done without her. Her hands-on experience is what I valued the most and she taught me so many things about the application process that I would have never known.  I owe everything to her and would 100% recommend her to students navigating this stressful process!”

M.O.  Class of 2022

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Diana’s essay workshop gave me confidence in starting my applications. The most useful aspect was breaking down each question and having time to brainstorm with feedback. With the handouts and explanations from Diana I have a better understanding of the expectations and I am ready to write!

R.C. Class of 2023

 

With the advice you gave me on essays and such, I was really happy with the final results. I ended up getting into great options on the East Coast, as well as all of the UC'S and some small privates in CA as well! I ended up choosing UC Berkeley. I felt a due diligence to let you know, as your advice helped me so much through the very stressful times of admissions.

S.F. Class of 2022

 

I found Diana’s essay workshop extremely helpful when starting my application process. It really helped jumpstart everything to get ahead of the game. I would highly recommend signing up!  

Andrew Hallett

A.H. Class of 2023

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