Is this college counseling?

Yes. Good college counseling will help you search for, select, and apply to a set of institutions that have the most potential to meet your unique needs and achieve your ambitious goals. Another key benefit of college counseling is guidance and navigation through the often confusing and stressful application process.

At InStride, we offer expert support to achieve both of these objectives, with a very specific focus. You want to compete athletically at the collegiate level, and we provide a thoughtful approach and deliberate strategies to help you identify the right colleges, create the strongest applications, manage effective communications with coaches along the way, and ultimately make the most thoughtful and informed decision.

I haven’t been recruited at all. Can I still compete in college?

Yes, absolutely. We are eager to show you the vast opportunities that exist for you to compete at the collegiate level across different skill levels. Whether you’re a top athlete in your section or a hard-working athlete dedicated to improving and continuing your career for 4 more years, we want to make you aware of all of your options, help you optimize the recruitment process, and make the most of your hard work.

Does InStride work alongside other college counselors?

Yes, we are happy to work cooperatively with other service providers to incorporate and amplify the athletic component of your interests and goals into the big picture. If you are already working with a college counselor, we would be glad to partner with them to ensure all aspects of your search and application process get the attention they deserve.

When should we start working together?

Ideally we want to start counseling at the beginning of your junior year track season (after junior cross country season for distance runners). This will give you time to create a provisional list of colleges and hopefully hit the marks you will need during your junior season to become a viable prospect for those respective programs.

Will InStride consultants be communicating with coaches?

The majority of communication will be between athlete and coach. We will take an active role in the background helping you format emails, prepare the right questions, give the best answers and schedule timely visits.

Do I have to be from the Bay Area to work with you?

No! While we certainly are based in the Bay Area and have established our roots here, we are more than happy to talk and work virtually.