Caryn Galpin, a Care Specialist with a BA degree from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, came to Care over 10 years ago with a background in education. Today, Caryn brings her experience and expertise to help students and families navigate the complex process of college planning and admissions.
In your role as a Care Specialist, how do you help college-bound students?
I assist families with all aspects of college planning. No matter what stage a college-bound student is at in their journey, I take the time to listen to their goals, explore their academic strengths and interests, and guide them to helpful college planning resources. In my day-to-day routine, I regularly connect students with tutors in various specialty areas, locate college-test prep courses for standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT, and help them identify scholarship and financial aid opportunities to finance an education. Many families also come to me seeking college coaches and advisors.
What does a college coach/advisor do?
A lot of families don’t understand the college process or know where to begin. Their child might be the first one in the family going to college and they need more personalized guidance and support. For these families, we can connect them with college coaches/advisors who can work with them early on to prepare for the college admission process and provide 1:1 guidance all the way through the decision-making process, including:
- Helping determine which classes to take in high school
- Building college lists and comparing chances of acceptance
- Sharing strategies for completing applications
- Reviewing and sharing feedback on college essays
- Helping students who receive waitlist or deferral decisions understand their options
Is there a case that is most memorable to you?
I recently worked with an employee who contacted us because she needed guidance about what resources were available to help her daughter who has learning disabilities. She was concerned that it would be difficult for her daughter to complete the college application process and find a school that could accommodate her disabilities. After helping this family explore their options—including finding them accommodations for students with learning disabilities—the student got accepted into the university of her choice. The family was thrilled. They did not at first think it was possible. I will always remember the joy and relief this family felt. It reinforces to me that there are programs out there for everyone—and I was so happy to be a part of the process.
What makes you proud to work at Care?
I love the opportunity to speak with parents and students every day and to educate them about all the different resources that are out there. Families often come to us unsure of what help is available–and our team is able uncover college planning resources that they never knew existed. I really like being on the front helping them to achieve their college aspirations and goals.
