frequently asked questions

College Counseling
What is College Counseling?

The college counseling program walks students through every step of the college application process. With over 2,000 four-year Colleges and Universities to choose from, planning and preparing for college can be a daunting process. We ensure that every detail is taken care of and every option is explored. The college counseling program at Future Focused gives students the advantage they need as they face the intensely competitive admissions process.

How does it work?

We start with an incredibly thorough initial two-hour consultation with the student and one or both of the parents. In this initial session, weíll give you a deeper understanding of what colleges are looking for and create an individualized plan that meets your studentís needs.

Will this program help athletes specifically?

YES! We work with student-athletes to help them find the colleges that meet both their academic and athletic needs. We ensure that athletes are doing what they need to do in order to get noticed by college coaches. The unofficial recruiting process begins quite early in high school; we make sure student-athletes are as well-prepared as possible to compete for scholarships and secure spots at the colleges of their choice.

General Questions
What is the difference between Future Focused and typical tutoring centers?

While other tutoring centers provide services for students of all ages, Future Focused offers services exclusively for teenage students. This focus enables us to provide a relaxed and positive environment that caters to the unique needs of adolescents. Future Focused takes a more comprehensive approach to academic improvement by offering college counseling and SAT / ACT prep in addition to tutoring. In all of our innovative academic programs, we not only provide top-quality instruction but we also help students plan for the future and see the big picture behind their hard work.

 

How do we get started?

All programs begin with an initial phone assessment in which the studentís individual needs are evaluated and the appropriate program is discussed. Whether your student is at the top of the class or struggling to maintain a passing grade point average, Future Focused has a program that will help. Call today to speak with someone who can assist you in finding the best program for your student.

What programs does Future Focused offer?

Future Focused offers three unique services: tutoring, college counseling, and SAT prep. For students who need additional help in a specific subject, check out our tutoring program. Our college counseling program is perfect for students and families who would like to ensure that they prepare effectively for the college admissions process and receive the best possible guidance in the all-important decision of selecting the right college. And, for students who need to ensure that they are as well prepared as possible for the SAT and/or ACT, our SAT/ACT prep programs offer expert instruction catered to each student’s specific needs.

What ages do you work with?

Future Focused works with students ranging in age from 7th-12th grade.

What are your hours?

Monday thru Thursday: 1pm to 8pm. The tutoring is all done at our office at a time that is most convenient for you and your student.

Where are you located?

Future Focused is located in San Juan Capistrano, less than one mile from the 5 freeway on Rancho Viejo Road,  just south of Marbella Market.

SAT Prep
What kind of SAT / ACT Prep do you offer?

We offer SAT and ACT prep in two formats: Individual (1:1) and Small Group (fewer than five students). The SAT Prep programs are eight weeks long and include 24 hours of instruction and twelve hours of diagnostic testing. The ACT prep programs are six weeks long and include 18 hours of instruction and 8 hours of diagnostic testing.

In addition, students can opt to prep for both tests with us. In this combination program, students prepare for the SAT first, and then add 4 weeks of ACT prep, prior to the ACT.

What sets you apart from other SAT prep companies?

SAT Preparation provides students with the strategies, short-cuts, and test-taking skills they need to maximize their test scores. At Future Focused, we take it to the next level. Not only do we have the most cutting-edge curriculum, our tutors are are true SAT experts!  They all received ridiculously high SAT scores when they took it originally, and then have been trained extensively.  Not only do they know the SAT material backwards and forwards, they are able to relay it to the students in a way they understand.  In short, students will actually enjoy their SAT Prep program here. Our expertise and relatable style give students the encouragement, confidence and motivation they need to succeed.

 

We are also here for parents. We are available to answer your questions, give you feedback on your student’s progress, and guide you through the maze of college admissions tests.

Tutoring
Who are your tutors?

Our tutors are college students, graduate students, medical students and /or certified teachers.  They are all extremely knowledgeable in the subjects in which they tutor.  In addition, our tutors have all had previous experience tutoring students and are able to work with them in a positive, encouraging manner.  Both students and parents repeatedly tell us how at ease they feel asking questions during their tutoring sessions.

Is satisfaction guaranteed?

Yes, your satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed.   We are committed to providing the absolute best service possible in every single session.  If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with a session, we will refund your session and place your student with a better match.  This policy, in combination with the quality of our tutors, has lead to overwhelming customer satisfaction.  Our tutoring service has grown through word of mouth; this is testimony to the extremely high level of service we provide.

How do I sign my student up?

Call us!  As with all of our programs, we begin with an initial phone assessment in which we discuss the specific needs of your student.  We then schedule a time that works for you.  For the initial session, we ask the parent to accompany the student in order to sign our tutoring policy and pay the invoice.