About

Our Approach

Organized and Efficient

While no two students are the exact same, we still have the same goal in mind for all: to find a college where they will thrive! And we mean in every aspect—academically, socially, and financially. We understand the college planning and admissions process and can help you embrace it with confidence, using an organized, efficient system to make this as low stress and fun as possible!

We are 100% virtual to accommodate teens and families' busy schedules!

Stress-free management

We invest in the highest-quality tools to manage the college application process, utilizing best-in-class software to give students and parents access to a college planning dashboard. Within this system, students can keep track of their profile (and compare it to admission stats at any college at the touch of a button), create college lists, and manage application deadlines.

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Meet Tonica

Her experiences as a first-generation college student and high school teacher of seven years are what led Tonica to create Cardinal College Planning to help students and their families in the college selection process. College is one of the largest investments a family will make, so the stress that comes with making the right decision is understandable! She eases the anxiety and makes this process as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved through efficient and effective college planning services.

From tackling the milestones along the way of standardized testing and analyzing financial aid packages to making the final college decision, she guides both students and families on the path to success. She is fueled by her commitment to excellence and goes the extra mile to make sure clients are fully satisfied.

Tonica holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. As a professional Educational Consultant, she believes in maintaining a positive mindset, creating partnerships with a purpose, and always striving for significant outcomes. Contact her today for an initial consultation, and find out more about how she can create a custom college plan to fit your needs.

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So, Why the Cardinal?

Besides being the state bird of Ohio where Tonica grew up, there is a great deal of symbolism associated with cardinals. Tonica couldn’t help but notice how much of it aligned with the college planning process. See for yourself what you think!

Cardinals are positive, enlightening birds, so seeing one in a vision usually means something positive may happen to you. They often represent passion, endurance, and strength because they are persistent creatures who stick around all year, even during brutally cold winters.

This persistence (and red feathers) symbolize the inner fire that burns within people and reminds them to stay strong and be positive when they are going through difficult situations (like writing college essays)!

They also serve as a reminder to be clearer with your intentions- setting a clear and insightful goal for yourself will accomplish everything you are asking for and more.

Seeing a cardinal signifies that the timing is now perfect to start those new projects that you have been contemplating. Big or small, you can tackle them all!

When one road has been split into two, it becomes the crossroad we all come to at some pivotal point in our lives. It is the place where we must make an important, cardinal choice with the needed guidance to do so.

From Our Clients

"Tonica is a sweet person to work with, super fast reply and she helped my son with a few essays, and general advice on college by giving him direction and support. She is very understanding and is a perfect bridge between a worried mom and a forgetful senior."

–Estelle Hoehl, Parent of a class of 2021 student