Most students are incredibly stressed about getting into college.

Actually, that’s the easy part.

The question is —

Who will give you the advice and support you need once you’re there?

College can be overwhelming, especially at the beginning-

New environment-geographically, culturally, politically
Endless choices
New rules and regulations to navigate
More challenging academically
Social adjustment: diversity, drinking, dating
Living away from home, renegotiating relationships with parents
Finding the balance: academics, extracurriculars, social life, work, community engagement
Building new relationships, finding “your people”
Establishing a new identity

As a college student, you’ll face a wide range of challenges–

What should you major in, and what if you want to change your major?
You just got the worst grade in your life and you’re not sure how to regain your academic confidence.
You think you’re entitled to an exemption from an academic policy, but don’t know whom to ask.
You can’t decide whether to… join one more club, go on an off-campus program, or apply to grad school right after college…and need some perspective.
You missed two weeks of class and now don’t know if you should drop the class, change your grading option, or just power through.
You need a recommendation letter for an internship, but don’t know how to approach your professor for one.
You’re dealing with a personal crisis and don’t know whom to talk to.

Throughout your college career, there will be many times when you need advice and mentoring from someone who knows your name and your story.

About your College Success Coach:

Louis Newman was the Dean of Academic Advising and Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Stanford University. He is also the John M. and Elizabeth W. Musser Professor, Emeritus at Carleton College, where he has taught for thirty-three years. Most recently, he is the author of Thinking Critically In College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success (Radius Book Group). In addition to being a renowned scholar in his field, Newman has a lifelong passion for improving undergraduate education. Throughout his long career, he has been praised by colleagues and students alike for the profound impact he has had on their learning and their lives–as a gifted teacher, trusted advisor, and mentor.

Services Offered:

One-on-one Coaching Sessions

Individualized assessment of your strengths and challenges, along with personalized advice on how to make the most of your college experience. Initial session includes extensive guided self-assessment, review of your high school transcript, goal-setting exercises, and orientation to college. Initial 2-hour intake session: $500; subsequent sessions: $350/hr.

Ready, Set, Think: Summer Pre-College Bootcamp

Be ready to hit the ground running with this four-session workshop that prepares you for the academic challenges you’ll face in college. Covers self-reﬂective learning, critical reading, writing as a tool for thinking clearly, quantitative reasoning, disciplinary thinking, parsing your assignments, and tackling research projects. Interactive assignments and reﬂective exercises in each session. Includes a free copy of Louis Newman’s book, Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success. Four 90-minute sessions scheduled on consecutive Sundays in either June or July. $1,500.

Personal College Advisor

Ongoing personalized guidance and support for every step of your college journey. Expert advice for all aspects of academic life: course selection; decisions about majors, minors, and other special programs; planning extra-curricular activities; off-campus study; ongoing assessment of learning goals and progress; leaves of absence; exploring internships; and post-graduation options. Unlimited access to your college coach. Monthly ($500 intake session, plus $500/mo.), semester ($1,500) or annual ($3,000).

To schedule a free introductory consultation with Louis, contact: info@thinkingcritically.us, or complete the Contact Us form located at the bottom of this page.

Dr. Newman is also available for talks and workshops with high schools, parent groups, and other organizations. For a list of topics, see the “Consultation” section of this website.

For a shareable brochure containing information about Louis’s College Success Coaching, click the button below.

What Louis'S Former Students Say:

"You always put me at ease and offered sage and realistic advice."

"With Louis, I can see what it means to put moral ideals into practice. . .what it means to be an advisor and teacher and moral guide."

"During a time of life when I was often lost in abstractions, you consistently and gently pointed me back to my relationships with people and to being part of a community."

"I will always be indebted to you for your endless knowledge, wisdom, kindness, and advice. Most of all, your warmth and guidance as a mentor helped shape me into the person I am today."

"Louis was (and continues to be) a compassionate and empathic mentor and advisor. During a particularly tough time. . . Louis was helpful, caring and understanding. I will never forget how carefully he listened to me and how kind his words were during that time."