College advising

Every student deserves a seat at the table.

I'm Laura. I help juniors and seniors and their families take the stress out of college applications, with clear timelines and a calm, step-by-step plan that eases everyone into the process.

For students: it's your story. I'll help you tell it.

Laura Schammel, founder of The Prep Table, smiling in a navy polka-dot blouse

Start here

Where are you in the process?

11th grade

The big year

Junior year is when it all comes together. The Junior Year to Senior Year Package ($850) can start any time during junior year.

See the junior package
12th grade

Applications now

Essays, activities lists, and deadlines. Starting in the summer or fall of senior year? The Senior Year Package ($1,000) is built for it, or get help one service at a time.

See single services
Not sure

Let's talk first

Send me a note. I'll set up a free 15 to 20 minute call, and you'll know what would help.

Send an inquiry

The roadmap

From junior year to decision day

Here's how the work usually unfolds when we start in junior year. Starting in senior year? We'll cover the same steps on a faster timeline, beginning with whatever is due first.

  1. Junior year

    Build the foundation

    Build the college list and testing plan, and begin drafting the resume and activities list. We also identify any gaps in volunteering, internships, or job shadowing, so there's time to address them before senior fall.

  2. Summer before senior year

    Start writing

    Write the personal statement, the main college essay, with a goal of finishing it by August 1, when applications open. Finalize the college list.

  3. Senior fall

    Apply

    Supplemental essays, final reviews, and an application calendar for early deadlines, often mid-October through November.

  4. Senior winter and spring

    Finish strong

    Regular deadlines, often in January, then decisions arrive and your student chooses a school, usually by May 1.

How it works

How we start

  1. Send an inquiry

    Tell me a little about your student. I'll reply by email and set up a free 15 to 20 minute call if it helps.

  2. Pick what fits

    One service, a few hours, or a package. If you need less than you think, I'll tell you.

  3. Get started

    Online, library, or coffee shop.

Meet Laura

Who you'll work with

  • I'm the founder of the National Charity League, Stone Oak Chapter, which I started in 2019. Moms and daughters there began asking me for college help.
  • My two daughters applied to college three years apart, so I've been through it twice as a parent.
  • Since 2023, I've worked with 4 to 5 students a year.
  • I hold NACAC's Professional Certificate in Core Concepts for Independent Educational Consultants.
  • I'm a member of the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling (TACAC).
  • I've served as a scholarship evaluator for the San Antonio Area Foundation.
  • I completed the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) Latina Leadership Institute, a six-month program in leadership, nonprofits, and board service, in 2020.

More about me

NACAC Professional Certificate badge: Core Concepts for Independent Educational Consultants

Services and prices

Clear help, clear prices

Junior Year to Senior Year Package

$850

Up to 6 meetings and support for up to 5 college applications. Start any time during junior year. Support continues through senior year.

Paid in two parts: half when your student starts, and half in June, at the beginning of senior year.

See what's included

Senior Year Package

$1,000

Up to 6 meetings and support for up to 5 college applications. Start any time in June of senior year or later.

Paid in two parts: half when your student starts, and half 30 days later. Rush add-on: $500 if your student's first application deadline is less than 3 weeks away when we start.

See what's included

Resume and Activities Package

$225
A one-page resume for admissions, scholarships, summer programs, and recommendation letters, an expanded version if a college prefers it, and an activities list that shows what your student contributed.

College list

$125
A balanced list of up to 10 safety, target, and reach schools, with each school's average GPA, SAT scores, and admission deadlines. Then we meet and walk through it together.

Essay coaching

$75 / hour
Brainstorming, outlining, and honest feedback on the main essay and short-answer questions. Your student writes every word. Final essay drafts are due at least 72 hours before each application deadline.

See all services and FAQs

What we do and don't do

We coach. The student writes.

I do

Help students brainstorm, plan, organize, and revise. I give honest feedback, coach, and keep everyone on schedule.

I don't

Write essays or any part of an application. I don't offer test tutoring or help with the FAFSA or CSS Profile.

No one can

Promise an admission. My job is to help your student turn in an application that's complete, on time, and truly their own.