Kelly Tanabe knows the uncertainties students face when applying for college. It was Tanabe's personal roadblocks that prompted the Harvard University graduate to set up a company in Los Altos with her husband, Gen, in 1997 to assist students nationwide with their college preparations.
Tanabe said the toughest thing for her when she started Harvard was moving 3,000 miles across the country.
"It was pretty overwhelming," she said. "I called home the first week there and begged my mother to call a local school so I could get transferred."
Located at 4546 B10 El Camino Real, Suite 281, 101 Publishing distributes quarterly newsletters, a "how to" book and set up a Web site that contain information on everything from interviewing strategies and essay-writing techniques to everyday tips such as how to survive dorm life. All of the materials are written by students for students, Tanabe said. The husband-wife team also offers scholarships through their company.
Tanabe described 101 Publishing as a self-help center where students can access and study information at their own pace from home or school.
She said students with little knowledge of the college-application process to those with a sophisticated knowledge obtain information from the center.
Tanabe said college admissions have gone through huge changes since most students' parents have applied. "It's much more competitive," she said.
Studies show that about 3 million students apply to college each year. In 1962, the average public college tuition cost about $185. That cost has risen to more than $10,000.
Tanabe said parents are spending $3,000 to $5,000 for applications, counselors and test preparation courses before their children even step onto a campus.
Tanabe said earning a 3.6 grade point average used to be enough to get into a top college, but that's changed. Students inquire how else they can get an edge on their competition, Tanabe said. Students are concerned if participating in a play, the student council or a community organization are enough, she said.
"Our main goal is to help students get into and pay for the college of their dreams. We came up with the idea when we were applying to college and realized we had so many questions. There wasn't much infor