Are you the parent of a high schooler saying:
"The headwinds of college choice are strong."
"This is our first 'flight' ."
"I'm not even sure where the 'airport' is."
"We could use some help!"
Consider letting me be your "tailwind" :
​
a helpful boost towards college success,
ensuring your child lands at a school
that sets them up
for success and happiness.
​​​​​
Applying to college today means you need someone who:
​
- gives you the updated view of what is happening in higher ed and how it affects YOUR FAMILY​
- suggests REASONABLE colleges which fit YOUR financial boundaries
- understands YOUR CHILD, doesn't apply a cookie-cutter approach
- celebrates where your child is RIGHT NOW, and helps build their confidence and independence for the future
​​​
Identifying colleges where your student can thrive ---not just looking at Top 50 rankings---is what makes my families happy. At Tailwind, the student comes FIRST, learning about their talents and strengths, then we learn about colleges and how to interpret what they offer.
​
You want your child to be well-positioned for college
(and life) success. We share that goal!
​
Contact me today for your free 30 minute consultation!
​
​
​
​
​
​​
Independent Educational Consultant Assn.
2025 Mentorship Excellence Award
2024 Making a Difference Award
About Me
Jenny Buyens, MBA
For over 15 years, helping high schoolers find a great flight path is what I love to do! ​
Working with Tailwind means equipping your student with the latest information so they fly to and land at a college that feels like home. I provide personalized support that targets your student's particular college search and builds independent skills at the same time. Parents love my honest advice and dedication to helping students fly high!
​
Think of me as your "college air traffic controller". This means:
​
- I interpret AI results from the lens of expertise and experience. No need to struggle to understand what AI just spit out to you --- let me help you interpret your AI results and make sense for your family!
​
- I fly to (and sometimes drive to) public and private, large, medium, and small college campuses every year all across the US so I understand colleges from the ground up. (Would you believe I'm closing in on my 300th college visit?!)
​
- I know from personal conversations with college admissions professionals what makes a strong college application and what stands out in a positive way.
​
​- I stay on top of the latest higher ed data through professional conferences and webinars, supported by a national network of independent education consultants.
​
But it's not just knowing about the schools and the process.
​
- I listen closely to understand what makes your high schooler tick (and what college would help them THRIVE!).
​
- I guide your student to take charge of their search, but I'm always there with a steady hand and a listening ear. ​
​
- No cut-and-paste process from me; every step is tailored to the guidance your student needs.
​​
Here is a list of questions one might want to ask a prospective college counselor instead of "What schools did your students get into?" *
​​
-
Have you helped students discover and thrive at colleges they hadn’t considered before?
-
How do you help families stay within budget and still find colleges that fit their student’s needs?​​​
-
How do you support students with learning differences, unconventional goals, or nontraditional backgrounds?
-
What tools do you use that can help our family with research, organization, and timeliness?​
-
Tell me about something new or surprising you learned on your last college visit.
* Our conscious decision not to share where our students are admitted reflects our belief that there is a right school for your student.
It's not relevant where previous students, who may or may not share similar goals as your student, are enrolled.
Tailwind Services
"The Flight Path"
Professional, ethical college planning services offered virtually to students in all 50 states.
Comprehensive Plan
"The Wind Beneath Their Wings"
Our most popular package!
Perfect for a sophomore or junior! Complete professional college application support including academic review, standardized test recommendations, building extracurriculars, HS course choice, college list construction and research, college visit tips, application set-up and review, personal statement development, up to five supplemental essays, interview prep, decision support.
College List Plan
"The Updraft"
For the junior or senior who wants to expand their college options with a balanced list of choices.
We develop college characteristic preferences, build a balanced college list, assign research; collaborate on final list development. No essays in this package.
Senior Crunch Plan
"The Final Approach"
Available on a limited basis after August 1 prior to student's senior year. Includes balanced college list build and refinement, Common App set-up, personal statement review. Supplemental essay reviews are
an add-on.
​
