Working With Students Process My IDEAL process is about helping you identify and harness your unique “superpowers” and craft action plans that will bring your academic and career goals to fruition. We don’t fit you into a mold, but find the mold that fits you. Results 97% of students who have gone through the IDEAL program have graduated in 3-4 years AND have jobs when they leave college. This is because of the foundation we build through our work together. Virtual Virtual options allow me to work with students from all over the country. They're also convenient for families who struggle to fit extra appointments into busy schedules. Speaking Engagements Seminars Designed to help other IEC’s, Counselors and Teachers to help their students in practical, holistic ways, I deliver talks on breaking barriers and creating new modalities around helping students leverage their strengths and achieve greater success outside of school. Creativity Talks These talks are designed to turn our perception of creativity upside down and understand the ways that creative thinking can unlock innovation and development in every field of study from arts to medicine to science and beyond. Conferences My talks at national conferences provide useful tools for educators and students alike to approach education through a lens of creativity and individuality. These conferences are about getting art-smart and putting the A back in S.T.E.M so you can move full steam ahead. Partnering Consultants Arts I provide consultations specific to arts careers whether it’s fine arts, performing arts or design. I partner with other consultants to answer their clients’ niche questions about portfolios, art-specific college admissions and career planning. Assessments Many consultants know how to help a student apply for college, but few have the assessments necessary to guide a student to the college that’s right for them. I partner with other consultants to provide the assessment piece so they start their clients on the right track. Virtual With the help of technology I have the privilege of partnering with students and other consultants all over the country. Head to the contact page to inquire about working virtually together. Discover The Possibilities Struggling with the overwhelming task of finding and applying to the right college programs? Then you’ve come to the right place. THE BIG PICTURE GO WITH A GUIDE MEET CHRIS

GET READY TO LAUNCH

The Big Picture Applying for college shouldn’t be about fitting yourself into a mold, but about finding the mold that matches you. It’s how I help my students see the incredible potential they already have and the paths that allow their talents to shine. GET STARTED You Don't Need To Do It Alone Applying for college can feel like setting off on a gigantic quest without a roadmap, but it doesn’t have to. Once you discover the IDEAL process for educational planning and career mapping, you will be able to see a clear, attainable path to your best-matched education and career opportunities. LEARN MORE Hello! I'm
Chris Holzwarth I work with students who are ready to explore college paths and career opportunities that blend their aptitudes, personalities and talents.

As someone who committed my youth and early adulthood to an entirely different passion—classical ballet—and then had to find new passions and purpose that matched my talents and aptitudes when my dancing career came to a close, I understand firsthand the importance of cultivating a professional path that brings our personalities and our talents into harmony.

My mission with Beyond the Applause is to help students discover, design and create their paths for college with a plan for launching their careers holistically and pragmatically. It’s how I empower a new generation of talented young people to set and achieve dreams and live lives with passion, purpose and creativity. Get Ready
To Launch Beyond the celebration and applause when you get your college acceptance letter, our work together ensures that you will enjoy and thrive in the experience that waits for you through college and beyond. EXPLORE YOUR FUTURE Map Your IDEAL Future IDENTIFY Everyone has a hidden super power and identifying yours will help pinpoint the strengths & talents that will shape your future. DEVELOP Your custom game plan will outline the activities, summer programs and testing needed for your short list of schools. ACCEPT Considering all the pros and cons of each school that accepts you will help make a tough decision a bit easier. EXPLORE Campus tours, researching college life and internships in your desired field help you make sure you pick the right school for you. Ready
To Launch? GET STARTED
 
Madison Davidson Creative Coach Chris has a unique ability to pinpoint your strongest assets and help you figure out a way to leverage them. You can tell she has been in this business a long time. Her knowledge of schools, testing programs and college acceptance strategies is unprecedented and whatever she doesn’t know off the top of her head, she knows how to find out. Paul Segalla Parent The college admission and application process has changed considerably since my days and Chris’ guidance was critical in choosing the right school for our daughter, Emily. Chris made me a firm believer in the importance of the proper student-college fit. I cannot think of a better investment than utilizing her services. We couldn’t have done it without her help, knowledge and insight. Sahar Roodehchi Tufts University Student I am so thankful that I had Beyond the Applause as a guiding resource when looking at and applying to colleges. I’m at Tufts University now and I don’t know if I would have ever even heard of this school, let alone apply, if Chris had not encouraged me. Because of her recommendation, I found a college that was my perfect fit. Things happen for a reason and connecting with Chris was an important part of my journey that has led to where I am now. Chuck Allen Parent Our family has five children that are all planning to go to college and Chris has been a caring source of wisdom and guidance for three so far. She provides a real sense of relief and confidence from early preparation through college acceptance — and even beyond.

We consider Beyond the Applause an absolutely necessary step in the college preparatory process. The sooner you begin working with Chris, the better you will feel about your child’s future. Aria Khosravi Cinematographer The path beyond HS is not always clear and the same for all students. Going to college right after HS did not match my vision for my immediate future. I met with Chris Sophomore year. My choice was clear but not easy for my parents to digest at first. I am a storyteller who had my own business in Atlanta and wanted to focus all my time on my craft. Chris helped me understand my priorities and we worked on a plan together that has brought me to where I am today, building a future as a successful cinematographer gaining valuable practical and professional experience. My work with Chris helped me choose what works for me today and my parents understand the importance of doing what I love. Brittany Ritcher NYU Graduate & Entrepreneur When I was applying for college, I found myself completely engulfed in the stress and worry of needing to get accepted into a top-tier school. But when working with Chris, she allowed me to step back, and realize which schools were the best fit specifically for me. I didn't realize until much later how this would shape my entire college experience for the better, but I'm so glad I had her guidance! Selin Odman UGA Honors Program, Class of 2017 As the only child of immigrant parents, my family and I didn’t know where to begin my college-search process. Working with Chris was such a rewarding experience. The confidence and skills I gained while working with Chris have stayed with me. She took the time to build a relationship with me, understand my personality, goals, and achievements to find the perfect and affordable fit for me.