What makes Dr. JW Stewart with Rally Advising a good neighbor?

College admissions can be a daunting process for both students and parents alike. This complexity is why professionals like Dr. JW Stewart of Rally Advising have found their calling in guiding families through this crucial life transition. In a recent conversation on The Good Neighbor Podcast, Dr. Stewart shared valuable insights about the college admissions landscape and how his personal journey shaped his mission to help others.

Dr. Stewart's entry into college advising stems from his own difficult experiences. Coming from an economically disadvantaged background, he lacked proper guidance during his high school to college transition. Without assistance from counselors or mentors, he missed numerous academic and financial opportunities that could have significantly altered his educational path. This personal struggle eventually became the foundation of his professional mission—to ensure other students wouldn't face the same challenges he did. As an educator who has taught at both high school and college levels in the Frisco and Prosper areas, Dr. Stewart recognized a pattern of students needing proper guidance and decided to fill this crucial gap.

Perhaps one of the most eye-opening aspects of Dr. Stewart's interview was his discussion about the misconceptions surrounding college admissions. He emphasized that there are "probably more myths than facts" in his industry, and a significant part of his job involves dispelling these misconceptions. One recent development that many families aren't aware of is that some admissions offices now use artificial intelligence to filter applications—a practice unheard of just a few years ago. Dr. Stewart also addresses the problematic nature of social media advice that promises "one easy trick" or "five easy steps" to get into dream colleges. The reality, as he points out, is that the process requires substantial hard work and sometimes, "a lot of good old-fashioned luck."

What sets Rally Advising apart is Dr. Stewart's commitment to personalized service at reasonable rates. He noted that many college consultants don't publish their fees, with some charging as much as $10,000 for a year's worth of services. By contrast, Rally Advising maintains transparency about costs while providing individualized attention to understand each student's goals and aspirations for their college experience. Beyond his paid services, Dr. Stewart honors his background by offering pro bono college consulting to economically disadvantaged students or those facing other challenges, often receiving referrals through his church community in Frisco.

Dr. Stewart's own educational journey includes the struggle of dropping out of college after a year and a half, working, returning to school, and taking six years to complete his bachelor's degree. This experience gave him a unique perspective on higher education—appreciating its benefits and value while remaining cautious about its promises. Now holding multiple degrees, his personal journey from struggling student to college advisor allows him to connect authentically with students who may be unsure about their educational path. For families seeking guidance through the complex college admissions process, Rally Advising offers a beacon of experience-based insight and support that can make all the difference in a student's future.

To learn more about Rally Advising  go to: 

https://www.rallyadvising.com/

Rally Advising 

940-278-9807