Early College Strategy Lab is a focused college prep program for students in grades 8–10 designed to build a strong academic and extracurricular foundation before high school decisions begin to shape college outcomes.

For students in grades 8–10

A small-group strategy experience for students who want to begin high school with more clarity, confidence, and direction.

Students will learn how to make thoughtful decisions about courses, activities, interests, summer opportunities, and long-term college preparation before the pressure of junior and senior year begins.

Best for students who are:

• In grades 8–10
• Unsure how early college preparation should begin
• Exploring interests, activities, or possible academic directions
• Wanting to make stronger choices before junior year
• Families who want guidance without jumping straight into comprehensive counseling

Format

• 2 live sessions
• 2 hours per session
• Small-group format
• Limited to 10 students
• Live online via Zoom

Price

November Cohort: $420 $297 if booked before October 31, 2026

January Cohort: $420 $297 if booked before December 21, 2026

 

“I got into UC Berkeley’s Data Science program — my dream school. Zac is personable, patient, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented. His guidance helped me gain admission to exactly where I wanted to be. I wish I would have met him sooner.” — UC Berkeley admit, Data Science | Avidmission Student

Establish a strong academic and extracurricular foundation early, so future decisions are made with clarity—not pressure

 

Early College Strategy Lab is a focused, small-group college prep program for 8-10 graders, where intentional decisions create lasting advantages.

Most families assume college planning begins junior year. It doesn’t. Course selection in 8th and 9th grade determines which AP classes are available later. Extracurricular choices made in 9th and 10th grade shape the narrative colleges will eventually read. By the time most students start thinking strategically, several of their most important decisions are already behind them.

This college prep program changes that. In two focused sessions, your student leaves with a clear academic roadmap, a purposeful extracurricular direction, and a genuine understanding of what college admissions actually looks for — years before it matters. That head start is everything.

 

What Your Student Will Walk Away With

 

By the end of the Early College Strategy Lab, your student will have

• A personalized academic roadmap aligned with their interests, strengths, and long-term college goals
• A clear extracurricular strategy focused on depth, impact, and authentic engagement
• A strong understanding of how college admissions evaluates a four-year high school profile
• A plan to avoid the most common early high school mistakes that limit options later
• Course selection guidance that keeps advanced opportunities open throughout high school
• The confidence to make intentional decisions from the very start of high school

About Your Instructor

 

Early College Strategy Lab is led by Zachary Einerson, Ph.D. — founder of Avidmission and a college admissions strategist with over 20 years of experience in higher education. Dr. Einerson holds two graduate degrees and a Ph.D. from the University of St Andrews, where he also served as a consultant on the admissions process.

He has personally guided 800+ students through the college admissions process, with acceptances to schools including Georgetown, UCLA, USC, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, Brown, UChicago, UMiami, and many others.

Every student in Early College Prep receives direct, named feedback from Dr. Einerson throughout both sessions — specific guidance built around their individual profile, goals, and current trajectory.

 

“Our experience has been outstanding. They helped our son explore his options, refine his extracurricular activities, and identify summer programs to strengthen his applications. Their professionalism and commitment were evident in every interaction.”
— Parent of Avidmission Student

 

“Zac was college counselor for both my daughters. He took the time to know each of them individually — their strengths, their weaknesses — and saw the best in them. He taught them life skills throughout their college journey. I highly recommend Zac for anyone who needs help with this process. He will make your life so much easier.”
— Parent of two Avidmission Students

What’s Included

 

• 4 hours of live, expert-led early college prep program instruction and guided work across two Sundays
• Small-group format strictly capped at 10 students — every student receives direct, personalized feedback
• Real examples of successful high school profiles and extracurricular strategies
• Structured exercises designed to produce a clear plan, not just information
• Direct access to Dr. Einerson throughout each session for questions and real-time guidance

Bonus Support

 

To ensure your student leaves with more than just insight — but an actual plan:

• Academic & Extracurricular Planning Framework — $150 value
• Activities Positioning Template — $100 value
• Parent Strategy Guide to align expectations and next steps — $150 value
• Personalized 1:1 Strategy Review Session with Dr. Einerson post-program (60 minutes) — $300 value

This is the same level of strategic thinking typically reserved for private, high-touch college counseling — available now, years before most families think to start.

 

Cohort Dates

 

November 2026

Session 1: Sunday, November 8
Session 2: Sunday, November 15
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Pacific

January 2027

Session 1: Sunday, January 24
1Session 2: Sunday, January 31
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Pacific

Confidence Guarantee

If your student does not leave this early college prep program with a clear, actionable academic and extracurricular strategy, we will continue working with them at no additional cost until they do. We back every cohort — including our inaugural August session — with a full Confidence Guarantee.

The earlier they start, the stronger they arrive.

 

Looking for something else?
Explore all Avidmission Academy programs.