Set the plan
We learn where you are, what's ahead, and the deadlines that matter.
WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW?
CHECKMATE COLLEGE · GETTING TO COLLEGE
College is a series of moves. You don’t have to make them alone.
Know your next move. Make your next move.
Checkmate College gives students one real human teammate who keeps track of the process, makes the next step clear, and stays with them from where they are now through Day One. When college starts, the same Checkmate relationship can keep going.
One real teammateAlways know your next moveHelp before you’re stuck
A REAL HUMAN TEAMMATE
THE BOARD KEEPS TRACK OF THE PROCESS.
YOUR TEAMMATE KEEPS TRACK OF YOU.
Your teammate knows your Board, notices when a Move stalls, and follows up so important things do not quietly disappear.
Your move
In Play
Move made
CLARITY BEFORE OVERLOAD
The college process shouldn't feel like a full-time job.
There’s no shortage of college information. The hard part is knowing what matters to you, what needs to happen next, and actually getting it done.
You don't have to already know how the college process works to help your student get through it.
Checkmate College turns applications, essays, financial aid, scholarships, deadlines, and enrollment steps into a personalized plan.
You don't need another giant checklist. You need a teammate.
HOW GETTING TO COLLEGE WORKS
We keep track of the whole board.
You focus on your move.
Know your move
We prioritize what matters now so you have one clear move instead of a hundred competing tasks.
Make your move
You take action. We coach, check in, track progress, and help keep the move from stalling.
Move made ✓
We verify the progress, read the board again, and identify what matters next.
THE BIG PICTURE
See where you are. Know what comes next.
You don’t start from scratch. We start with what you’ve already done, build your Board around where you are now, and keep your next move clear.
EXAMPLE PLAN4 OF 8 • APPLICATIONS IN
The plan is the big picture. Your Move is what matters now.
STARTING PLAN
FIND YOUR FIT
APPLICATION READY
APPLICATIONS INCURRENT
FINANCIAL PLANNEXT
THE PICK IS IN
WELCOME TO CAMPUS
DAY ONE READY
CHECKMATE ✓ENROLLED. READY. CONFIDENT.
DIFFERENT ROLES. SAME TEAM.
FOR PARENTS
You don't have to be your kid's college project manager.
We'll handle the reminders, deadlines, next moves, and accountability so you can stay informed without being the person who has to keep asking.
- Clear guidance and a step by step plan
- Ongoing support and accountability
- Updates come to you. You do not have to chase them.
- More confidence and less stress
FOR STUDENTS
You don't have to figure it all out at once.
You'll have a clear plan, personalized guidance, and a teammate who is paying attention. When something gets confusing, we break it down so you understand what to do and can feel confident doing it.
- A step by step plan built for you
- Clear explanations when something gets confusing
- A teammate who notices when a Move stalls
- Confidence to make your next Move
THE POWER OF YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM
Your support system, working together.
Your teammate helps connect the people, resources, and next Moves around the student so support turns into progress instead of more people to manage.
THE RIGHT PEOPLE. THE RIGHT SUPPORT. THE RIGHT NEXT MOVE.
2 TEAMMATES. 1 GOAL. 0 GUESSWORK.
One clear membership. Real accountability.
Checkmate College is $210 per month and starts with two monthly service periods. No confusing tiers. The first month includes two Team Huddles to build the Game Plan, start making Moves, and follow through. The second includes two more Team Huddles to adjust, solve what comes up, and turn those Moves into momentum. After that, membership continues month to month.
WHY CHECKMATE COLLEGE STARTS WITH TWO MONTHS
One month shows you the plan. Two months shows you the follow-through.
Your first two months include four guaranteed Team Huddles, plus ongoing support between them. The first Team Huddle builds the Game Plan and starts real Moves. The next three give us time to actually work the plan, follow through, adjust, and keep moving.
The first Team Huddle builds the plan and gets real Moves underway. The second follows through.
Two more Team Huddles help us adjust, solve what comes up, and keep moving.
$210/month · starts with 2 months · then month-to-monthThe minimum initial commitment is two monthly service periods ($420 total). After that, stay for as long as having a teammate remains valuable.
WHAT YOU GET WITH YOUR TEAMMATE
REAL APPOINTMENTS
Two guaranteed 30-minute Team Huddles every month.
Real time with your teammate to work through what matters and decide the next Move. Your first Team Huddle builds the Game Plan and gets you moving. If something important genuinely needs another conversation, you can ask for an extra Team Huddle.
HOW EXTRA TEAM HUDDLES WORK →A BOARD BUILT AROUND YOU
Your plan reflects where you actually are.
A personalized Board and clear explanations keep deadlines, priorities, progress, and what comes next manageable.
PROACTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY
Your teammate is paying attention too.
Weekly accountability, application and essay coaching, financial aid and scholarship guidance, and follow up when momentum starts to slip.
PARENTS STAY INFORMED
Stay in the loop without running the process.
Parent Position Updates, when permitted, cover what moved, what is next, and anything that needs your attention.
QUICK HUMAN ACCESS IS PART OF THE MEMBERSHIP.
COLLEGE OFFICES HAVE HOURS. YOUR TEAMMATE IS IN YOUR POCKET. Send a Board message, text, email, or call when a quick question comes up. You do not have to save everything for the next Team Huddle. Messages that come in during the day are answered that same day. Messages that come in late at night are answered the next morning, often by 7 AM. Longer planning belongs in a scheduled Team Huddle.MEET YOUR TEAMMATE
A real person in your corner.
You need more than information. You need a teammate who knows the process, understands students, explains things clearly, and stays connected to what happens next.
YOUR TEAMMATE IS IN YOUR POCKET.
Questions happen between appointments. Your support should too.
When you call, text, email, or send a Board message, you're reaching me, not a call center or ticket queue.
Quick questions are welcome between Team Huddles. Daytime messages are answered that same day. Late-night messages are answered the next morning, often by 7 AM. Longer planning belongs in a scheduled Team Huddle.
I already know the student, their Board, and what they are working on, so every question starts with context instead of starting over.
I AM PAYING ATTENTION TOO.
I do not just wait for you to reach out. I keep an eye on the Board, deadlines, and progress. If a Move starts to stall or something important is getting close, I check in.
If something gets missed, we do not turn it into a lecture. We figure out what got in the way, reset the next Move, and keep going.
And when each Move gets made, we celebrate it and get ready for the next one.
Checkmate College was built from firsthand experience in college advising.
I have worked directly with students for many years as both a teacher and college advisor. I have helped students understand options, build academic plans, navigate registration and requirements, think through college and career goals, and make sense of the decisions that come with moving toward college.
That experience showed me what helps students move forward and what they often need between important conversations: clear next steps, consistent access, proactive follow-through, and someone who keeps paying attention.
Before that, I was an English teacher and writing center tutor. I learned how to break complicated information into clear steps, meet students where they are, and help them build confidence as they move forward.
I know what works. I also know where students can get lost. Checkmate College was built so the next Move stays clear and the student does not have to carry the whole process alone.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE?
Meet your teammate.
Start with a short conversation about where the student is, what's coming up, and whether Checkmate College is the right fit.
MEET YOUR TEAMMATE →
No payment required to start the conversation.
WHAT A MONTH WITH CHECKMATE COLLEGE LOOKS LIKE
A clear rhythm.
One move at a time.
Two guaranteed 30 minute Team Huddles every month. Your very first Team Huddle is all about building the Game Plan and starting to make Moves. After that, Team Huddles review the Board, work through questions, and decide the next Move. If something important genuinely needs more live time, the student can ask Travis for an extra Team Huddle. One additional 30 minute Team Huddle may be approved for that service period, subject to availability, at no additional charge. Extra Team Huddles are need-based, not automatic monthly appointments.
TEAM HUDDLE
Read the Board together.
We review what moved, what changed, what is coming up, and where the student needs help.
YOUR MOVE
Leave knowing what matters now.
The student leaves with one clear priority instead of trying to carry the entire college process at once.
BETWEEN TEAM HUDDLES
Keep the move moving.
We track deadlines, follow up on progress, and reach out when a Move starts to stall. Questions do not have to wait for the next Team Huddle. Call, text, email, or send a Board message when something comes up.
PARENT POSITION UPDATE
Know what is happening without running it.
Parents stay in the loop without having to chase updates. When sharing is permitted, each Parent Position Update shows what moved, what is next, and anything that needs their attention.
NEXT TEAM HUDDLE
Read the Board again.
We adjust the plan, choose the next priority, and keep moving toward Day One Ready.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO MANAGE THE WHOLE PROCESS.
Your student always knows the next move. You always know where things stand.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU JOIN?
You won't be left wondering what happens next.
Joining starts a simple handoff from parent to Checkmate College, then from Checkmate College to the student.
Join the team.
Complete the Client Agreement, start the $210/month membership with its two-month initial commitment, and finish the Starting Position onboarding.
We build the Board.
We organize what you told us, map what is ahead, and add the first real Moves. Your part is done for now.
Your student joins.
Your student gets their own invitation, accepts the Student Commitment, sees a Board that is already populated, and taps HUDDLE UP WITH YOUR TEAMMATE to schedule their first Team Huddle.
First Team Huddle: build the Game Plan.
The first Team Huddle is all about the Game Plan. We confirm the student's starting position, clean up the priorities, choose the first Your Move, and start making Moves.
Keep moving.
Two guaranteed 30 minute Team Huddles every month, ongoing accountability, proactive follow up, guidance, Board management, clear Parent Position Updates when permitted, and quick human access between Team Huddles. If something important genuinely needs more live time, the student can ask Travis for an extra Team Huddle. One additional 30 minute Team Huddle may be approved for that service period, subject to availability, at no additional charge.
READY TO HAND OFF THE MENTAL LOAD?We'll take it from here.
JOIN CHECKMATE COLLEGE →
YOU HAVE OPTIONS.
Here’s what you’re actually getting.
College information is everywhere. You are not paying for another checklist. You are paying for scheduled time with a teammate, ongoing accountability, and someone who notices when a Move starts to stall.
| What matters | CHECKMATE COLLEGE | Traditional Private Counseling | DIY / Free Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalized plan | ✓ Included | Typically included | Build it yourself |
| Scheduled 1:1 Team Huddles | ✓ Two guaranteed 30 minute Team Huddles every month | Varies by provider | Not included |
| Ongoing accountability | ✓ Ongoing | Varies | Not included |
| Proactive follow up | ✓ Included | Varies | Not included |
| Deadline tracking | ✓ Included | Often included | You manage it |
| Application & essay coaching | ✓ Included | Often included | You research it |
| Financial aid & scholarship guidance | ✓ Included | Varies | You research it |
| Parent Position Updates | ✓ Included | Varies | Not included |
| Questions between appointments | ✓ Call, text, email, or Board message | Access and response times vary | You find the answer |
| How you pay | $210/month Starts with 2 months · then month-to-month | Often $3,000 to $10,000+ for comprehensive support | Free to low cost You manage the process |
| Your role | Make your move | Depends on the service | Manage everything yourself |
Pricing and services vary by provider, service level, and length of engagement. This comparison is illustrative and does not represent every provider.
THE CHECKMATE COLLEGE DIFFERENCE
You don’t need more college information. You need a teammate who helps turn it into action.
THE FREE CHECKUP
Start where you are. Know your next Move.
Take a five minute Checkup and get a mini Board built around what matters right now.
FreeAbout 5 minutesPersonalized mini Board
FAQ
Simple answers before your first move.
Is Checkmate College a college or admissions office?
No. Checkmate College is an independent educational coaching and student support service. We help students organize, understand, and act on the college process.
Do you guarantee admission, scholarships, or financial aid?
No. College admissions and financial aid decisions are made by schools and other third parties. We provide planning, coaching, accountability, and process guidance, but we do not guarantee outcomes.
Do you write essays or applications for students?
No. We coach, edit, ask questions, and give feedback. The student's work must remain their own.
What does the $210 monthly membership include?
It includes a personalized Board, two guaranteed 30 minute Team Huddles during each monthly service period. Your first Team Huddle is centered on building the Game Plan and starting to make Moves, plus Your Move prioritization, deadline tracking, weekly accountability, proactive follow up, application and essay coaching, financial aid and scholarship process guidance, clear Parent Position Updates when permitted, and quick human access between appointments for questions. If something important genuinely needs more live time, the student can ask Travis for an extra Team Huddle. One additional 30 minute Team Huddle may be approved for that service period, subject to availability, at no additional charge. Extra Team Huddles are need-based, not automatic monthly appointments.
How quickly will you respond if we have a question?
College questions do not always wait until the next Team Huddle. Your teammate is in your pocket, so you can send the question when it happens by Board message, text, email, or phone. Messages that come in during the day are answered that same day. Messages that come in late at night are answered the next morning, often by 7 AM. Longer planning belongs in a scheduled Team Huddle. Checkmate College is not an emergency service. You are reaching your teammate, not a call center or ticket queue.
What happens if my student gets stuck or falls behind?
It happens. We do not turn a missed Move into a lecture. I check in, figure out what got in the way, and explain anything that feels confusing in a way that is clear and manageable. Then we reset the next Move and keep going. The goal is progress, confidence, and forward movement.
Will I have to keep checking on everything as the parent?
No. When sharing is permitted, Parent Position Updates come to you. You will know what moved, what is next, and whether anything needs your attention without having to keep asking your student for a status report.
Why does Checkmate College start with two months?
Because the value is not just making a plan. Your first two months include four guaranteed Team Huddles plus support between them. The first Team Huddle builds the Game Plan and starts real Moves. The next three give us time to work the plan, follow through, see what changed, address what stalled, and turn those Moves into momentum. The initial commitment is two monthly service periods at $210 each ($420 total). After that, membership continues month to month.
Can I cancel?
Yes. New memberships begin with a two-month initial commitment. You may give cancellation notice during those first two months, but the membership remains committed through the second paid monthly service period. After the initial commitment, you may cancel before the next billing date to stop the next renewal. See the Client Services Agreement and Cancellation Policy for the full terms.
Is this only for students applying to four year colleges?
No. Checkmate College can support students exploring multiple postsecondary paths, including two year and four year colleges, as long as the requested services fit our educational coaching scope.
ALREADY IN COLLEGE?
Checkmate College gives current college students a human teammate for staying on track, asking for help early, and making the next move clear.