"As a college professor, I have inside knowledge of how universities work, what competitive universities look for in the students they admit, and how to boost holistic student success. I have a PhD and two Masters degrees. As the author of six published books and dozens of published essays, I can also offer expert writing advice. I became interested in the subject of college admissions when my son was a senior in high school. As I helped him research his options and increase his chances of admission into highly selective universities, I realized that there is a daunting amount of information that most students don't have. I am enthusiastic about passing along the knowledge and experience I have gained to other students and their families! I can offer comprehensive college admissions consulting or provide targeted assistance in college essay writing and development.

I have been a university classroom educator for 20 years and have mentored countless students. I have also spent time as an 8th grade teacher and environmental educator. I love meeting students where they are at and helping them excel! I am especially eager to work with high school students setting of on their college application and essay writing journey. I am prepared to present information about how to write an essay that gets them noticed and many other aspects of the college admissions process, such as building a holistic extracurricular profile; navigating AP and dual-enrollment credit; selecting appropriate reach, target, and safety schools; writing and organizing strong supplemental essays; navigating early decision, early action, and regular decision deadlines; SAT and ACT testing (including when to apply test-optional); differences between the Common App, Coalition App, and University of California App; and Financial Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS (College Board) Profile. Most importantly, I am eager to listen, answer their questions in targeted manner, and work with students to make their application/essay the best it can be." less...