Spark Your College Story

Your path to collegiate admissions starts right here.

College Advising in Connecticut

Our Spark

High school students are beginning their greatest story arc yet… and we’re here to be the catalyst.

From freshman to senior year, students will be swept into an exciting, four-year journey that will bring academic challenges, self-discovery quests and endless opportunities for growth. 

We’ll help our students ignite a strong start to their story, keep them on track and guide them on a rewarding path that will kick-start their career, dreams and potential.

An Individualized & Holistic Approach is Our Spark

We believe in the power of the whole journey. From the students’ individual identities, goals and unique life experiences, to the classes and extracurriculars they choose, and the tests and essays they complete. It's all part of the collective college story that produces that spark or wow factor.

With every session, we bring our insider knowledge of the college admissions process, professional teaching background and personal care, while our students bring the magic. Together we can build a custom path that feels right for everyone, and produces results.

Start Early. Stress Less.

Browse our college admissions support packages and college coaching services to find the best path.

  • The Initial Spark

    For students beginning their college journey and planning process.

    Learn More

  • The Midpoint Motivation

    For students at the halfway point ready to apply for colleges.

    Learn More

  • The Full Journey*

    For students seeking a guide to help them through the entire process.

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* Recommended

We also help with college essays & test prep!

Meet the Founder and Teacher: Steve Yavner, PhD

My students call me Dr. Steve, and you can too! 

I’m a professional educator, former journalist, and multi-degree holder, on a mission to help my students spark their standout story, find academic success, get into their top colleges, step into their potential and unlock a rewarding career path. 

I’ll be the catalyst and guide in the college admissions journey, championing every milestone.

  • Invaluable Help

    I used the essays I wrote with Dr. Steve on all of my college applications. I was accepted into West Point, Air Force and I received a 4-year Air Force ROTC Scholarship. I can’t thank him enough for his invaluable help in this long process!

    Andrew, Student

  • Wonderful Teacher

    I’m very impressed with my daughter’s jump in scores since taking Steve’s class. He is such a wonderful teacher!

    Kristy, Parent

  • Amazing

    I think the course structure was great, and Steve was AMAZING! He was interactive and kept students engaged throughout its entirety.

    Rene, PSAT Course Program Director

  • He's The Best!

    Dr. Steve is the best SAT tutor and got us through junior year! We can't thank him enough!

    Katie & Cami, Students

  • Makes SATs Fun

    I picked up my students from Dr. Steve's SAT class, and wanted to share how much they appreciate his style of teaching, and his dad jokes. Thanks for making this fun for them!

    Natalia, Parent

  • Super Talented

    Steve's dedication and super talents are the big reason why our son was accepted to college! We are eternally grateful and plan to have our daughter work with Steve next year for SAT prep.

    Cami, Parent

  • Over The Moon

    We are just over the moon and can't thank Steve enough. He was so instrumental throughout the entire college admissions process, and we are forever indebted to him!

    Todd, Parent

  • A True Gift

    Our family appreciates working with Dr. Steve so much! Our daughter understands what a gift it is to have your time and benefits tremendously from your sessions.

    Jenny, Parent

  • Great Relationship

    We're so happy with the relationship Dr. Steve has built with our son! It has helped him to feel comfortable getting his college essay where it needs to be.

    Leah, Parent

  • Stress Reducer

    Dr. Steve's guidance throughout the testing and application process minimized everyone's stress level!

    Darien Parent

An investment in more than just college preparation.

Insider Knowledge

Lifelong Organizational Skills

Genuine, 1:1 Support & Care

Energetic, Passionate Sessions

@sparkyourcollegestory

🫠 Feeling overwhelmed by the college admissions process? We’ve been through it time and again, and understand the pressures and intricacies that come with it! We’re here to make the journey more manageable for everyone — parents
We are Educators. Counselors. Storytellers. Parents. Humans. And we care deeply about our students. Our mission is to help spark our students’ academic success with a personalized plan, and instill in them the confidence, skills and self-awar
👋 Hi, I’m Steve Yavner, Founder of Spark Your College Story. My students call me “Dr. Steve,” and you can too!  I’m a professional educator 👨‍🏫 , former journalist 🗞️, and multi-degree holder 🎓 on a mission to
✨ W E L C O M E to Spark Your College Story High school students are beginning their greatest story arc yet… and we’re here to be the catalyst 🚀 From freshman to senior year, students will be swept into an exciting, four-year journe