When you work with Karen Hott, you’ll be following her proprietary curriculum covering everything from getting to know you to making your decision for The One. Clients get a detailed spreadsheet that is frequently updated so that you can see what’s been covered and what’s ahead. Parents and students get session recaps detailing what is covered in a given session. Here’s an overview of the Two Bridges curriculum:

Two Bridges College Planning Curriculum

A guided, student-centered process from self-discovery to enrollment.

The Two Bridges curriculum guides students through every stage of the college planning process in roughly chronological order, though the process is recursive, not rigid. Each module builds on the last, ensuring that every decision is grounded in self-knowledge, thorough research, and careful planning.

Module 1: Getting to Know You

Before we can find the right colleges for you, we need to find you. This module is about discovering your personality, your strengths, your values, and your vision for your future. Ms. Hott will use everything she learns here to build a college list that fits you, not just your GPA.

Module 2: Standardized Testing

Test scores are just one piece of your application, but knowing your options and having a plan takes the guesswork—and the anxiety—out of this part of the process. Together, we’ll figure out the smartest testing strategy for you.

Module 3: The Big List

This is where the possibilities start to take shape. Ms. Hott will present a curated list of colleges selected with you in mind, and you’ll narrow it down to the schools you’re genuinely excited about.

Module 4: Research

A college list is only as good as the research behind it. This module gives you the tools and structure to dig deep into your options so that the colleges you ultimately apply to are ones you’ve chosen with confidence, not just familiarity.

Module 5: Visiting Colleges

No amount of reading about a college replaces the feeling of actually being there. This module helps you visit campuses with intention so that each visit teaches you something new about what you’re looking for.

Module 6: Common App

The Common App is the platform through which most applications will be submitted, and learning to use it well is a skill in itself. This module walks the student through every section so that nothing catches them off guard, and every part of the application puts their best foot forward.

Module 7: Essays—Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one place in your application where admissions officers hear your voice. This module guides you through a process of reflection and writing that helps you tell a story only you can tell.

Module 8: Essays—Supplementals and Short Answers

Each college’s supplemental essays are their way of asking, “Why us?” This module helps you answer that question thoughtfully and specifically, showing colleges that you’ve done your homework and that their school is a genuine fit.

Module 9: Letters of Recommendation

The people who write your recommendations can offer perspectives on you that no other part of your application can. This module helps you approach the process professionally, respectfully, and strategically.

Module 10: Guidance Department Actions

Your high school’s guidance or counseling department plays an important supporting role in your application. This module makes sure you stay connected with them, meet their deadlines, and allow them to advocate well for you.

Module 11: Financial Aid

Understanding how college is paid for—and what you can realistically expect to pay—is one of the most empowering things you can do in this process. This module helps your family navigate financial aid so that affordability is part of your decision from the start.

Module 12: Scholarships

Beyond financial aid, scholarships can make a real difference in what you pay for college. This module helps you take the initiative to find opportunities worth pursuing.

Module 13: Choosing The One

You’ve done the research, visited the campuses, written the essays, waited for and received the decisions, compared financial aid. Now it’s time to choose. This module helps you make that final decision with clarity, confidence, and excitement for what comes next.