College Planning
Doesn't Have to Be Stressful.
You’re here because the college planning process feels overwhelming—and you’re not alone. Between building a college list, understanding deadlines, crafting essays, and navigating SAT/ACT exams, it’s no wonder parents and students feel stuck, stressed, and unsure of where to start.
At The College Planning Coach, we turn the chaos into calm with a clear roadmap and expert guidance, so you can stop second-guessing and start feeling confident about your child's future.
Here’s What We Make Possible
Peace of Mind for
Parents
No more late-night Googling or worrying about what you’re missing. We’ll give you a step-by-step plan that keeps you on track and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Confidence
for Students
Your child will feel ready, prepared, and equipped to submit applications that stand out—because we’ll handle the details together and help craft essays and applications that shine.
Time and Energy Saved
for Everyone
Say goodbye to endless back-and-forth debates over deadlines and forms. We cut through the clutter, so you can focus on what matters: spending time as a family and enjoying the journey.
Guidance That Supports Your Mental Health
With my background as a licensed therapist, I’m here to provide more than just practical help—I’m here to support your child’s well-being through every step of the process.
Purpose Not
Prestige
It's not about prestige or selectivity, it's about purpose and fit. Let's work to find the college that fits your unique needs at the rice price.
A Step-By-Step Approach
We’ve designed a flexible process to meet your family’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for a crash course or long-term guidance, our services are tailored to help you feel confident and in control.
Step 1
Free Meet & Greet
Get to Know Each Other
This is a no-commitment 15 minute session to get to know each other, and learn more about our services. We’ll discuss your family’s goals, challenges, and any questions you have. By the end, you’ll know exactly how we can help and what the next steps look like.
Step 2
Crash Course: 90 minutes for $200
13+ years of knowledge, condensed.
In this 90 minute session, we’ll throw everything you need to know at you—key deadlines, essay strategies, test prep tips, and more. If this is all you need to feel ready, great! If not, we’ve got you covered with follow-ups.
Step 3
6 Follow-Up Sessions: $1,250
Ongoing support to keep you on track.
These hour long sessions are designed for students who want continued guidance. Whether it’s essay drafts, application help, accountability, or school list refinement, we’ll be there to help. Want more sessions? No problem—sign up for additional check-ins as needed.
Please Note: Crash Course is required before purchasing additional sessions.
Get Started Today!
.png)
Scott Thigpen
Founder, The College Planning Coach
“For the past 12 years I've had the pleasure of coming alongside hundreds of high school students and families to guide them in the college planning process. It can be intimidating and stressful when it comes to navigating the college search, selection, and application process. I created this business to simply provide clarity and guidance. I offer no magic formula, simply personal attention to helping you land where you will thrive.”
.png)
Step-by-Step Guidance
From Overwhelmed to On Track in No Time
It’s easy to feel lost when there’s so much to do and no one telling you how to do it. That’s where we come in. Our process simplifies everything with clarity, structure, and accountability.
A Clear Roadmap
We break down everything: deadlines, application requirements, essay drafts, and test prep timelines. You’ll know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to do it right.
Expert Coaching
We don’t just tell you what to do—we coach you every step of the way. Whether it’s selecting the right schools or crafting a killer essay, you’ll have an expert in your corner.
Real Results, Real Relief
Why Families Choose Us
We’ve helped families like yours navigate the college application process with less stress and more success. It's not about prestige or selectivity. It's about purpose and fit. Let's work together to find a college that fits each of your unique needs at the right price. Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
Clarity and Confidence
No more confusion or feeling like you’re falling behind. Our structured process keeps you on track, so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Expertise You Can Trust
With years of experience and proven success, we provide honest, transparent guidance that’s rooted in what works—not gimmicks or guesswork.
Your Path to Stress-Free
Success
We know this isn’t just about getting into college—it’s about giving your family peace of mind. Here’s what working with us means for you:
No More Guesswork
Stop wondering if you’ve covered all the bases. We make sure you’re always two steps ahead, so there are no surprises when deadlines hit.
Applications That Shine
Your student’s application won’t just check the boxes—it’ll tell a compelling story that sets them apart and maximizes their chances of acceptance.
Empower
Transforming
College Applications
into Clear Pathways
At College Planning Coach, we simplify the college application process. Our expert guidance ensures you and your student feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
Clarity and Confidence
No more confusion or feeling like you’re falling behind. Our structured process keeps you on track, so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Expertise You Can Trust
With years of experience and proven success, we provide honest, transparent guidance that’s rooted in what works—not gimmicks or guesswork.
About this time last year my grandson realized he needed some help in navigating the college application process, essays, and meeting date requirements.
Scott was fabulous helping him with his applications hands on in a timely fashion, alleviating much stress and anxiety for the whole family.
His first acceptance arrived in early December and the rest is history.
He is presently a freshman at the college of his choice adjusting to college life.
Thank you Scott for all your much needed help.
You are terrific.
Carol
A Letter From Scott Thigpen, Founder of The College Planning Coach
Dear Parents and Students,
For the past 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many families through one of the most exciting yet challenging seasons of life: the college planning process.
I know firsthand how intimidating it can feel to navigate the search, selection, and application journey. Deadlines pile up. Essays loom. And every decision feels high-stakes. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unsure, and even stuck.
That’s exactly why I created The College Planning Coach—to provide the clarity and guidance families need to feel confident and prepared. There’s no magic formula here. Instead, I offer something better: personal attention, tailored strategies, and a focus on helping you land where you will thrive.
As a licensed therapist with over 14 years of experience, I also understand the toll this process can take on a family’s mental and emotional health. That’s why I approach every step of this journey with care, empathy, and a commitment to supporting your family’s well-being—not just your student’s applications.
On a personal note, I’ve been married for 21 years and we have three kids of our own (ages 15, 17, and 19). I know the joys, struggles, and hopes that come with raising teenagers. I know the pride you feel watching them grow—and the anxiety that creeps in as they take this next big step.
I’m here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need a crash course in the college process or ongoing support through the application season, my goal is to make this experience less stressful and more rewarding for your entire family.
Let’s work together to create a plan that helps your child thrive—not just in college, but in life.
Warm regards,
Scott Thigpen
Founder,
The College Planning Coach
What Families Ask Before Working With Us
Find answers to the most common questions about college planning and our services.
How much does your service cost?
We offer a flexible, three-step approach designed to meet your family’s unique needs. It starts with a free consultation, where we’ll get to know your family, understand your goals, and answer any questions you have—all with no commitment. From there, many families opt for our $200 Crash Course, a 90 minute deep dive into everything you need to know about college planning, including deadlines, test prep, essay strategies, and more. This session is designed to give you a clear roadmap, whether you decide to continue working with us or move forward independently. For those seeking ongoing support, we offer six follow-up sessions for $1,250. These sessions provide personalized guidance to refine essays, finalize applications, and ensure you stay on track throughout the process.
How many hours will we need?
Every family is different! Some only need 5–10 hours for targeted help with essays or school lists, while others opt for ongoing support throughout the entire application process. During your free consultation, we’ll assess your needs and provide an estimate based on your goals.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and ACH transfers. Payment is required after each session unless you’ve purchased a package in advance.
Interested in Becoming a College
Planning Coach?
Please email me your resume and cover letter.
Contact Us to Get Started
1073 Willa Springs Dr,
Winter Springs, FL 32708, USA
+1 (407) 718-1413