01 / DISCOVERFind your college fit
Explore colleges through academics, campus life, location, and cost. Build a balanced list around what matters to you.
Explore your grade’s planBig futures start with small steps
Your future.
Your fit.
Your long game.
College advising for students and families, from ninth grade through decision day. Let’s turn the big questions into a clear plan, one thoughtful step at a time.
For students with all interests, whether or not you play a sport.
Your next chapter
A little direction. A lot of possibility.
A plan that
feels like you.
- 01ExploreDiscover what matters to you.
- 02PrepareBuild habits. Find your direction.
- 03ApplyTell your story with confidence.
- 04ChooseMake your next move with clarity.
Progress over pressure
Built for
your future.
your future.
More clarity✳Less guesswork✳A plan that fits✳Your next chapter
THE LONG GAME APPROACH
A college list starts
with a person.
What excites you? Where do you feel at home? What does your family need from a college experience?
Those questions come first. Our approach brings your interests, academic goals, campus preferences, and financial priorities into one conversation. Because a good plan should make room for who you are and who you’re becoming.
01 Know yourself02 Explore your options03 Move with purpose
SUPPORT FOR THE WHOLE JOURNEY
Big questions.
Practical next steps.
From the first “where do I start?” to the final decision, bring structure to the moments that matter.
01 / DISCOVER
02 / ORGANIZEMake a clear game plan
Turn courses, activities, testing decisions, and application tasks into manageable steps and a timeline you can follow.
Explore your grade’s plan
03 / TELL YOUR STORYApply with confidence
Reflect on your experiences, organize application requirements, and develop essays that sound like you.
Email TroyYOUR STARTING POINT
Where are you
in your journey?
You don’t need to figure everything out today. Pick your grade for a few useful things to focus on next.
A starting point, not a deadline calendar. Your goals and circumstances shape the plan. Always confirm requirements and dates with each college.
JUNIOR YEAR
Turn curiosity into a college list.
Explore your options and give your application season a head start.
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LET’S MAKE IT MANAGEABLE
One conversation.
A clearer direction.
Advising works best when students have a voice and families know what comes next.
Email your questions
Share your grade, priorities, and any upcoming decisions. This gives Troy a starting point for discussing the session that fits your needs.
Prepare for your session
Once a session is arranged, complete its questionnaire and share the relevant documents so Troy can review your priorities before you meet.
Leave with next steps
Use your session to work through the question together. Your written takeaway captures the plan and three to five specific next steps.
ABOUT TROY
Meet
Troy Childress
Founder, The Long Game College Advising
My career has been built around service, preparation, and helping others move forward. I served in the United States Air Force for eight years as a firefighter and have spent 20 years working with students.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Communications, a Master of Arts in Leadership, and a Master of Arts in School Counseling. I have also coached football, baseball, and softball, and currently coach golf.
My military service, school counseling background, and coaching experience shape how I support students: with clear goals, thoughtful preparation, and encouragement through challenges. On the field, on the course, and in college planning, I believe progress comes from consistent effort and learning along the way.
At The Long Game College Advising, I help students and families break college planning into manageable steps while keeping each student’s interests, strengths, and goals at the center. My goal is to help students take ownership of their next chapter and give families a supportive partner throughout the process.
Your future. Your fit. Your long game.
A LITTLE More clarity
Good questions.
Honest answers.
College planning is personal.
It’s okay to have questions.
Can we meet virtually or in person?
Both virtual and in person sessions are available. Email Troy to discuss the meeting option and location that work for your family.
When should we start college planning?
You can start with exploration and good habits in ninth or tenth grade. Junior year is a useful time to research colleges and plan for applications. If you’re already a senior, start with your upcoming deadlines and most urgent tasks.
What does “college fit” mean?
Fit brings together academic interests, learning environment, campus culture, location, and your family’s budget. It means looking beyond a college’s name to understand whether the experience supports your goals.
Do students need to know their major?
No. Being curious is enough to begin. Exploring favorite subjects, activities, and possible careers can help you identify colleges with room to discover new interests.
How are parents and caregivers involved?
Family priorities matter, especially around cost, location, and support. The approach keeps the student’s voice at the center while creating room for family questions and shared planning.
Can advising guarantee admission?
No. Colleges make their own admission decisions. Advising can help students research thoughtfully, stay organized, and present their own experiences clearly, but it cannot promise a particular outcome.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Let’s talk about
your long game.
Bring your questions. Your ideas. Even your “I’m not sure yet.” That’s a good place to start.
Schedule an introductory conversation
Tell Troy a little about yourself and what’s on your mind. You’ll arrange a time together by email.
KEEP IN TOUCH
From The Long Game
College planning tips, reminders, and a little encouragement along the way. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
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