Parents say navigating the college application process for the first time is like building a puzzle they don't know how to build.

  • They don't know what the finished puzzle looks like
  • They don't know what pieces they need or where to find them
  • They don't have one place to manage and track all the pieces
  • They are hesitant to spend $ on a college consultant

Now they do.

The Tools a Parent Needs

  • The Handbook to Solve the College Puzzle

    Read our handbook in one afternoon to understand the 15 pieces of the puzzle. The modular design lets you tackle any piece at any time, whether your student is a sophomore, junior or senior. Links to nearly 50 websites and online tools provide easy, instant access to the resources you need.

    Preview the Handbook ->

  • The Web App to Build Your College Puzzle

    You now have one place to track everything from colleges to SAT scores to scholarships, etc. Just enter data in the spreadsheet to unlock the automation of a real-time Dashboard (shown above), aTask Agent to-do list, and your family's own Google College calendar with Gmail and text message reminders.

    Preview the Web App (PDF) ->

Some Details

  • About the Handbook

    • We will update the Handbook when key changes impact the college application process whether those changes are new Congressional policies, reorganization of the Dept of Education, or annual updates to FAFSA , student loans, etc.

    • A link to access the Handbook will be sent to the email address you provide at checkout a few minutes after you order.

    • Enjoy 24/7 online viewing access (downloads and printing are turned off to ensure you always see the latest updates). Note: Purchasing the Handbook grants access to 1 user. Upgrading to the Bundle grants access to 2 parent/guardians + 1 student.


  • About the Web App

    • Our app supports 1 student and 2 parent / guardians. All 3 must have a Google Gmail account (free) or a personal Google Workspace account. To unlock the full automation we will need permissions to access your Google Sheets, Gmail and Calendar.

    • A link to your web app will be sent to the email address provided at checkout a few minutes after you order.

    • Note: The app will not run on a school-issued laptop due to IT security policies enacted by schools / districts. If you attempt to use a corporate Google Workspace account, your company's IT department will likely deny permissions to run our automation.

Common Questions

Is this a college search engine?

No. College Scorecard, Naviance and US News Best Colleges are great tools to identify prospective colleges. Enter those colleges in our web app and have one place to manage the most important pieces for each college.

Do we use this to submit college applications?

No. Students will still use Common App, Scoir, ApplyTexas, etc. to submit their applications. Our app enables parents to easily track deadlines and outcomes of each application, plus financial aid deadlines and details of each school's financial aid package.

Does this replace a college consultant?

If you cannot afford a consultant, our handbook and web app give you the tools you need for a fraction of the cost. If you hire a consultant, we let you to share a view-only copy of your college puzzle with them to enable real-time collaboration.

When should I start the college process with my student?

Now. The value is in the planning, not the plan.

You Owe It to Yourself and Your Child

How much is your time and peace-of-mind worth?

How do you put a value on the life-long memories of your child's senior year?

For about 1% of the cost of one year of college you'll:

  • Save dozens of hours searching, sorting and digesting an endless stream of online college content
  • End the struggle of trying to remember and keep track of everything
  • Replace the anxiety of uncertainty with the feeling of empowerment knowing exactly what to do
  • Avoid the mistake of hiring any consultant because you don't know how to start and feel behind
  • Reclaim the joy of your child's senior year that is often lost facing such a daunting process

And on that final college move-in day, when you fight back the tears and hug your child in their dorm room one last time, you'll have the peace of mind knowing you did the best job you could do, helping them with the most important decision of their young life.

The Universe Rewards Action

Don't wait till summer to start your college planning. The Start Smart 2026 event is on now.

The next 26 16 6 customers will save $100 and get the Web App Free!

Buy the Bundle and use discount code Smart26 at checkout

  • Buy Handbook Access

    Get 24 / 7 access to our
    190-page Handbook to
    Solve the College Puzzle

    $299
    One-time charge
    No monthly subscription

    Buy the Handbook

  • Buy the Web App

    Get the Web App to
    Build Your College Puzzle with
    Google security and automation

    $179
    One-time charge
    No monthly subscription


    Buy the Web App

  • Buy the Bundle

    Get 24 / 7 access to our Handbook, get the Build Your College Puzzle Web App and save $$$

    $399

    One-time charge
    No monthly subscription

    Buy the Bundle