When Ellie Gamache started looking at colleges, she and her father had different ideas for what they wanted in a school.

Gamache said her father went to a bigger school, and he wanted her to do the same. But the younger Gamache wasn't sold on the idea of big-campus living.

With the help of College Edge, a Padanaram-based business that helps high school students prepare for their post-high school education, Gamache was able to identify a smaller school in Endicott College as the best fit for her needs.

“It’s what she wants, not what he wants,” said Elizabeth Murphy of College Edge, which provides students with help from applying to choosing schools and everything else in between.

“We try to sort of fill this gap and provide that outside-of-the-house, not your parent’s advice,” said Murphy. “We provide a trusted adult who can handle questions and guide them to figuring out where they want to go and who they want to be.”

Murphy, who started in the business after she herself left college about eight years ago, moved into the 338 Elm Street location about a year ago. She said that she and employee Blair Tracy generally work with students from all over the area starting junior year up until they’ve committed, and sometimes beyond that. A big part of the job is processing personal information and figuring out what’s best for each student.

“We deal with all ends of the spectrum in terms of academics, athletics, etc.,” said Murphy. “Everybody’s different. The general issues are all the same, but everybody’s mix of what’s concerning for them is very different.”

“This whole process made everything so much easier,” said Gamache of her sessions at College Edge. “There were a lot less fights in my house.”

“I finally found a school that offers both majors if I decide to switch,” she added.

For Emily Quinn, a major concern was athletics as she plans to keep playing lacrosse. Juggling contact with recruiters and coaches with the application process, she sought the help of College Edge to help her get organized.

“I’m sort of a big procrastinator, but I had to have everything done in the summer (of junior year),” said Quinn, who chose Emerson College. “(Getting help) was the best decision ever. She guided me through the process, and helped me step-by-step in order to reach a decision.”

Quinn said with Murphy’s help, she was able to weigh the pros and cons of each school and help differentiate one from another.

Whether it’s the first time for a family sending a student to college or not, Murphy said different individuals have different needs, and another set of eyes and ears can be beneficial.

“There are different aspects from the family perspective whether it’s the fist time or the fifth,” said Murphy.

“I could never have done it with just my parents,” added Gamache.

College Edge will hold student workshops from July through August for students looking for assistance with the application process. For more information, visitwww.collegeedgeprogram.com.