Why High-Achieving Orange County Students Need an Independent College Consultant
Top-performing high school students frequently apply to the most selective colleges and universities in the country. With strong academic records, competitive test scores, and impressive extracurricular involvement, these students are clearly capable of success. Even highly accomplished applicants still find the college admissions process confusing, stressful, and overwhelming. The obstacle is rarely talent or motivation—it’s the absence of personalized, experienced guidance.
Students applying for competitive majors like engineering, computer science, biology, pre med interests and portfolio based programs like architecture, digital design and visual arts often require an extra layer of expertise to assist students towards their goals.
Many families are unaware of how constrained college counseling services can be within local high schools. Counselors typically manage large caseloads and focus heavily on academic scheduling and administrative responsibilities. As a result, students often receive limited support with essential aspects of the admissions process, including building a balanced and well-considered college list, developing a well-structured application narrative, preparing for interviews, tracking deadlines, and writing thoughtful, authentic essays. Guidance around financial aid, scholarships, and individualized essay development can be quite limited at the public high schools in California. Independent college consultants fill this essential gap. By offering mentorship and strategic insight, private admissions consultants help students navigate a competitive applicant pool with confidence.
Greenhaus College Consulting was founded on this commitment to personalized support. For more than 14 years, our counselors—accomplished educators and admissions professional have guided students to successful outcomes at top colleges and universities nationwide. Because we intentionally limit the number of students we serve each year, our counselors can work closely with each student, offering personal guidance tailored to their interests, strengths, and goals.
Our approach goes beyond checking boxes. We help students gain a clear understanding of what colleges are seeking while also showing them how to authentically communicate their own story. By careful planning, detailed feedback, and planned application support, students. We empower students to present themselves with clarity and self-assurance.
High-achieving students deserve more than generic advice or rushed meetings—they deserve thoughtful, individualized support that allows them to put their best foot forward.
Greenhaus College Consulting provides families with strategy, clarity, and peace of mind throughout the admissions journey. We proudly support students and families throughout Southern California, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo, Huntington Beach, Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Lake Forest, Coto de Caza, and Dana Point.
Orange County High Schools We Serve
- Aliso Niguel High School
- El Toro High School
- Mission Viejo High School
- Portolo High School
- Northwood High School
- University High School
- Orange County School of the Arts
- Arnold O. Beckman High School
- Woodbridge High School
- Oxford Academy
- Troy High School
- Irvine High School
- Los Alamitos High School
- Garden Grove High School
- San Juan Hills High School
- Valencia High School
- Tesoro High School
- Capistrano High School
- Westminster High School
- Corona Del Mar High School
- Capistrano Valley High School
- Laguna Beach High School
- San Clemente High School
- Marina High School
- John F. Kennedy High School
- Huntington Beach High School
- Edison High School
- Cypress High School
- Trabuco Hills High School
- Pacifica High School
- Fountain Valley High School
- Sage Hill School
- St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
- Fairmont Preparatory Academy
Orange County Volunteer Resources
Museums & Educational Organizations
Discovery Cube Orange County Teen Volunteer Program Teen volunteers help with exhibits and programs (ages ~15–18); check for current application openings.
Orange County Young Curators (OCMA):
◦ The Experience: A 10-month program for high school juniors and seniors. You work with museum staff and professional artists to develop, curate, and install an exhibition from scratch.
◦ Contact: ocma.art/learn/teens (Email: langsonteens@uci.edu)
Moulton Museum (Laguna Hills/Aliso Viejo):
◦ Roles: Docent (tour guide), Museum Educator, or Collection Researcher. They accept volunteers aged 16+ (with parental permission). This is great for students who want to learn how to catalog and handle artifacts.
◦ Contact: moultonmuseum.org/volunteer
Performing Arts & Music
These roles are ideal for students who love theater, dance, or music and want to support the infrastructure of major venues.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Costa Mesa):
◦ Studio D Volunteers: Assist in dance and music classes for students of all abilities, including those with cognitive or physical disabilities.
◦ Volunteer Ushers: Assist patrons and see world-class performances for free.
◦ Contact: scfta.org/volunteer
Philharmonic Society of Orange County:
◦ The Experience: They have a dedicated “Student Volunteer” group for high schoolers to help with youth music education programs and community events.
◦ Contact: philharmonicsociety.org
🤝 Social Services & Government Volunteers
County of Orange Teen Volunteer Work Experience Program – Teens 16–19 can support office work and clerical tasks at Social Services Agency locations (summer session with flexible schedules). https://www.ssa.ocgov.com/how-do-i/give-or-volunteer/volunteer/teen-volunteer-workexperience-
program
Human Services & Other County Programs – Orange County offers various volunteer listings, including short-term and recurring opportunities for teens and young adults (check official OC volunteer pages).
STEM OPPORTUNITIES
OC STEM INITIATIVE
https://volunteers.oneoc.org/search
Science Heads : https://scienceheads.org/volunteer/
Anaheim YMCA
https://www.anaheimymca.org/stem/
Steam for All
https://www.steamforall.org/ Chapters in University High in Irvine, Sage Hill in Newport Beach, Legacy Magnet Academy, Tustin, Troy High School in Fullerton, Clark Magnet High School in Glendale, Tesoro High School in Los Flores, Portola High School in Irvine, Arnold Beckman High School in Tustin, Traduce Hills High School in Mission Viejo.
STEM Outreach & Mentoring
Orange County Science & Engineering Fair Outreach
- Student Ambassadors Program: High school students who have participated in the fair can volunteer to mentor younger students, help at events, and assist with outreach workshops.
- “Ask a Scientist/Engineer” sessions: Help lead or assist with informal Q&A and project guidance for younger students working on science and engineering fair projects.
- Coding Workshops: High school volunteers teach Python basics and help middle schoolers with coding skills.
Beach/Environmental
Surfrider Foundation (North & South OC)
Surfrider is one of the most recognized names in coastal conservation and offers formal community service hour tracking.
- North OC (Huntington/Newport): Holds cleanups on most Saturdays. Email Cleanups@NorthOC.Surfrider.org specifically for service hour verification.
- South OC (Dana Point/San Clemente): Usually 2-3 hours on Saturdays. Check their calendar for specific beach locations like Doheny or San Clemente State Beach.
Newport Bay Conservancy & Ocean Institute
- Ocean Institute (Dana Point): Holds two-hour Community Beach Cleanups (9 AM–11AM) at Baby Beach.
◦ Note: Volunteers 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. - Upper Newport Bay: Hosts “Community Days” at the Back Bay Science Center and the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center.