Darcy is adept at suggesting colleges that are a good academic and social fit for students, and financial fit for families. In her role running a high school Career & College Center, She’s counseled hundreds of students on the college admission process. She also works with students independently and through volunteer positions. Her students have attended Barnard, Berkeley, Bowdoin, Brown, Columbia, Davis, Middlebury, Harvard, Stanford UCLA and more. Darcy’s previous experience as a copywriter and creative director at a Bay Area advertising agency serve her well in brainstorming and editing student essays. She strives to help students prepare a polished application that tells their whole story. Through the use of activities and short interviews, Darcy focuses students and brings out their stories. This puts students at ease and de-stresses the application process. Using the vast resources online, Darcy coaches students on ways to explore college options, learn about potential careers, and streamline the application process. She works with younger students on high school course selection and finding unique activities where students can learn about themselves and develop their skills and passions in and out of high school.
I see the college application process as a rite of passage from high school to college, and a time for students to reflect on who they are and who they want to become. My favorite part of the process is getting to know the student and helping them brainstorm and edit their college essays. Interviewing both the student and parents helps uncover a student’s strengths and provide insights for essay topics. I love working with students over several years and watching them grow, mature and gain direction. I can help by suggesting courses for them to consider in school or online, as well as coaching them on activities that will help them practice leadership or stretch themselves a little bit out of their comfort zones. I can also suggest summer programs that colleges recognize as truly academic. I’m friendly, funny, firm and patient, and I truly enjoy spending time with teenagers.
"Darcy Robins suggested I should apply to a summer program for minority students to learn about becoming a lawyer. She worked with me on my application essays and I got accepted! I feel a lot more prepared to apply to college because of my experience applying to a summer program."
"Darcy Robins has been an indispensable resource. I would not be where I am today without her countless tips and constant support. Darcy is a mentor in every aspect of the word. She reassured me of my own abilities and truly helped me to express myself in my college application essays."
"Darcy Robins has been invaluable in assisting my sophomore daughter in choosing her high school courses, learning about summer programs relevant to her needs, and counseling her on best choices to achieve her goals. Darcy is approachable, knowledgeable, and motivating to young students. Her understanding of different summer programs, scholarships, financial aid, and colleges and universities is expansive, but even more importantly, she really understands how to help students navigate these systems. She encourages students to explore their interests and dreams, then helps them to realistically start on the path to achieving their goals."