Comprehensive College Admission and Financial Aid Counseling

Working with experienced counselors, CDI Scholars create portfolios that include their college applications, a compelling personal statement plus additional written supplements, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ("FAFSA"), and the CSS/Financial Aid Profile. CDI Counselors visit colleges with Scholars and conduct individual and family meetings to help Scholars make informed college choices.  CDI advocates for Scholars at their chosen colleges and helps families apply for, interpret, and negotiate financial aid packages.

• Individual and Family Meetings
• Choosing the Right College
• Tailored Application and Essay Workshops
• College Visits
• College Advocacy/Advocacy Calls
• Financial Aid Package Interpretation

Customized Tutoring, Test Preparation and Study Skills Support

Our test preparation approach is based on a three-part system: Customized Test Planning, Targeted Skill Building, and Test Strategy. Support extends from foundational help with elementary and intermediate Reading, Grammar, and Math to Advanced Placement (AP) classes and academic support through college. Specific areas of academic support cover the following:

• Standardized Tests: SAT, Subject Tests, and ACT
• Math (Pre-Algebra through AP Calculus BC)
• Biology and Chemistry (fundamental through AP levels)
• English Literature (through AP level), Writing Workshops, Guided Reading, Speed Reading Strategies
• World and American History (Honors and AP levels)

Structured Follow-Up Support Through College Graduation

Once successfully enrolled in the college of their choice, CDI Scholars continue to receive guidance and follow-up to overcome the academic, social, and personal obstacles that all students encounter during college. CDI Counselors maintain regular contact with all CDI Scholars and communicate with a designated on-campus mentor to track the progress of each student.

• Weekly Communication/Check-ins
• Financial Assistance
• Family Counseling and Referrals
• Crisis Management
• Curriculum Planning/Advising
• Personal, Academic and Career Coaching

Peer Leadership and Training Opportunities

CDI college Scholars build leadership skills and participate in community service activities.  Working as peer mentors with younger students, our college Scholars benefit from a curriculum that includes personal effectiveness training, presentation and interview skills, goal-setting, decision-making, and communication skills. We also offer support for job/internship placement, résumé writing, and networking events for CDI Parents.

• Peer Mentoring Program
• Job/Internship Placement
• Résumé Writing Assistance
• Networking Events for CDI Parents

Fun, Outlook-Broadening Cultural Excursions

CDI Scholars work hard and have fun! We believe that learning happens everywhere, not just inside the classroom. As a group, CDI Scholars regularly venture out to explore cultural activities. We visit museums, see plays, and attend concerts. Other excursions include outdoor adventure trips and community service projects.

• Habitat for Humanity
• Phantom of the Opera
• New York City Ballet
• Shakespeare in the Park
• The Strathmore Music Festival
• Hiking in Great Falls, VA
• Rock Creek Park Invasive Species Removal