Turn college admissions chaos into a clear, confident plan.
One-on-one guidance for high school students and their families, led by a consultant with more than 16 years in college admissions.
Now welcoming new students. We'll call to learn about your student's goals.
Turn college admissions chaos into a clear, confident plan.
Now welcoming new students. We'll call to learn about your student's goals.
One-on-one guidance for high school students and their families, led by a consultant with more than 16 years in college admissions.
5.0 on Google | 19 five-star reviews
Certified educators, 5+ years experience
In-home across DFW and online
Supporting Dallas area families since 2020
As featured in
As featured in
College admissions has more moving parts than ever
Which schools are the right fit? When should the essay start? How do you stand out without losing yourself in the process? For many families, senior year arrives with excitement and a lot of last-minute panic.
Ascent replaces that panic with a strategy built around your student.
Personalized guidance through every part of the application
College list development
A balanced list of schools that fit your student's goals, interests, and academic profile.
Application planning
A clear timeline for every deadline, requirement, and decision point.
Essay guidance
Helping your student find their story and tell it in their own authentic voice.
Interview preparation
Practice and coaching so your student walks in prepared and confident.
Strengths and goals discovery
We start by understanding who your student is, so every piece of the application reflects their best self.
Meet Jennifer Willson, Lead College Consultant
Jennifer has spent more than 16 years helping students make the leap from high school to college. She brings a rare combination of experience as a classroom teacher, science specialist, and school counselor, which shapes her data-driven and deeply caring approach.
As a mother of three teens, Jennifer knows the mix of excitement and last-minute panic these milestones bring. Her goal is to turn that into a clear, strategic plan for every family.
Jennifer's credentials:
- Master's Degree in Counseling
- Texas Certified School Counselor (K-12)
- Texas Certified Teacher (K-8)
- Gifted & Talented Certified (K-12)
- ESL Certified (K-12)
- B.S. in Elementary Education
A clear path from first conversation to submit
Submit an inquiry
Tell us where your student is in high school and what they're aiming for.
Talk with our team
We'll learn your student's goals and your family's priorities, then map out the plan.
Apply with confidence
We guide your student through every application, essay, and interview.
The newest part of a team Dallas families already trust
Ascent is the college admissions division of Sunshine Learning, a Dallas educational team with 19 five-star Google reviews and a group of certified educators who have supported families since 2020. If your student needs academic support or test preparation along the way, our team is right here.
5.0 Google rating
19 five-star reviews
What families say
"Since starting tutoring with Ashley I have seen my daughter's confidence in reading and writing improve so much! She doesn't get frustrated or stumble over words anymore!"
Parent of an early reader
"Sunshine Learning has been phenomenal for my two kids (ages 4 and 6), improving their reading, math, and fine motor skills." Dallas parent of two."
Dallas parent of two
Read all of our 5-star reviews →
Questions families ask
When should we start?
The earlier, the more options your student has. Many families begin during 9th through 11th grade, but we'll meet your student wherever they are.
Is Ascent part of Sunshine Learning?
Yes. Ascent is Sunshine Learning's college admissions consulting division.
Do you help with essays?
Yes. We guide students through brainstorming, drafting, and refining, while keeping every word their own.
How often are Do you offer SAT and ACT prep?sessions?
Yes, through Sunshine Learning's tutoring team as a separate service.
How much does it cost?
Every student's needs are different. We'll walk through options on your call.
Let's map out your student's path.
Every family's situation is different. Share a few details and we'll reach out to talk through the right support.
Here's what happens after you reach out
- Tell us a little about your family. It takes about 2 minutes.
- We'll call you within 2-3 business days. We'll learn what you're hoping to accomplish.
- We'll recommend your best next steps. No pressure and no obligation.
Your information stays private. We never share family details.
