I help families find colleges where their student will thrive, at a price that works. Calm, clear guidance from the first list to the final decision.
I'm Alisa Groocock, founder of Chrysalis and a parent of two who has lived what I call the “affordability gap”: earning too much to qualify for meaningful financial aid, but not enough to pay full price without real sacrifice.
I spent 20+ years in tech marketing at companies like HP and Cisco, working on messaging and brand positioning – helping companies show what makes them stand out. Now I do the same for students, with a clear plan, steady communication and no missed deadlines.
I've walked the road with my own kids, who knew exactly why their first-choice schools fit them. The students I work with typically start in the fall of junior year, so there's time to build a plan, a real relationship and a list that fits.
Book a free callNeuroscientist Sarah-Jayne Blakemore's Inventing Ourselves changed how I see the teenage years. Her groundbreaking research shows adolescence isn't a delay on the way to adulthood but a distinct stage of real change, creativity, and possibility. My co-active listening training rests on a similar belief: students already know much of what they want and need, and I help them tune in to it. I chose the name Chrysalis to honor that transformation, with students in the driver's seat, making decisions that fit who they're becoming.
I call it the affordability gap. I've lived it as a parent, and it's exactly where I help.
A relaxed conversation with you about your child, your goals and your budget, so we can both see if we're a good match.
I meet with your child (and you) to learn about their interests, strengths and hopes, and to make sure they're excited to work with me.
We build a college list around what matters most to your child and what makes sense for your family, including cost.
One clear plan for essays, applications and deadlines, with your child in the driver's seat and you kept in the loop.
What to focus on in each year of high school, from classes and activities to testing and the college list, all on one page.
Get the roadmap
11th and 12th grade (can start in 10th)
One steady guide through the whole process.
Targeted help, any time
For families who want expert help with one part of the process, without the full package.
Fall program for rising juniors
Four one-on-one monthly sessions that leave your student with a plan before senior-year pressure hits.
Sliding scale · $400–$600
Limited to 3 families each fall.
Ask about Junior JumpstartFlexible and sliding-scale plans available. We'll find the right fit on your free call.
Most families start in 11th grade, and some begin in 10th.
The whole process, from academic planning, activities and testing strategy to the college list, essays, recommendations, applications, interviews and weighing offers. If you only need help with one part, hourly guidance is an option too.
If we're a good match, I'll set up a Family Discovery Call with your child. I want to make sure they're excited to work with me before we begin.
In the fall, we start building the college list, plan for the SAT or ACT, talk through activities, and think about which teachers to ask for recommendations. Applications come later, so there's time to do each step well.
Yes. Cost is part of the list from the start: we use each college's net price calculator to see what your family would likely pay. When offers arrive, I'll help you compare them and appeal for more aid where it makes sense.
I offer flexible plans, including sliding-scale options, so cost isn't a barrier to getting support. We'll find what fits on your free call.
No. I'm based in the Bay Area, but everything I do works over Zoom, so I can work with families anywhere.
A free 20-minute call to talk about your child and determine if we're a good match. Share a few details and I'll be in touch to set up a time.
Prefer email? Write to
alisa@chrysalisadmissions.com
