Go Beyond Grades. Equip Your Students With a Full Readiness Profile.
Created by Kevin Todd — Director of Upward Bound at the Higher Education Consortium of Metropolitan St. Louis and Adjunct Faculty at St. Louis Community College
For nearly a decade, Kevin has supported first‑generation and income‑eligible students as they navigate the transition to and through college. His work in Upward Bound and his Smart Start for College Success course at STLCC highlight that readiness is about far more than academics — it’s about mindset, support, and belonging.
His research on TRIO parents, published in Opportunity Matters Journal, underscores what many counselors already know: students thrive when they feel seen, supported, and connected. The College Readiness Assessment was built from this insight to help schools and families identify the supports students need most.
As a counselor, you know that college success requires more than GPA and test scores. The College Readiness Assessment provides a comprehensive, research‑based profile that helps you understand a student’s strengths, needs, and the types of support that will matter most as they prepare for college.
For just $24.99, students receive a detailed readiness report that equips you — and their families — with actionable insights to guide advising, planning, and school‑family conversations.
What the Assessment Provides
- College Readiness Score: A holistic score across academic, emotional, social, financial, and cultural dimensions — grounded in student self‑reflection, not just transcripts.
- Family Alignment Insights: A look at where student goals and family expectations align or diverge, helping you facilitate meaningful conversations.
- Match‑Ready Data: A direct connection to the College Match Calculator, allowing you to evaluate how well specific colleges meet a student’s needs.
Why It Matters for Counselors
Most readiness tools focus narrowly on academics. This assessment helps you identify the broader factors that influence persistence and belonging — giving you a clearer picture of:
- Which support systems a student will need to thrive
- How family expectations shape the college decision
- Where students may be at risk for burnout, overwhelm, or mismatch
Built From Real Student and Family Experiences
This tool is grounded in The Unheard: What College Readiness Means to TRIO Parents — research that elevates the voices of families often overlooked in college planning. It is designed to help counselors support students more effectively and holistically.
You’re not just recommending a score. You’re giving students and families clarity, confidence, and a plan that fits.