Eighth or ninth grade is the best time to start thinking about college admissions. If you’re curious before then, I’m happy to work with you. If your child is older, be reassured: there are still lots of chances to give him or her the best shot. Let’s work together to make the most of them.

I use a deep understanding of colleges’ incentives and behavior to equip your child to put forward the most competitive application with the least wasted time and effort. What I don’t do is manage the rest of the application process, like making sure forms are turned in on time.

I offer transparent and a la carte pricing, unlike many college admissions advisors. A good place to start is three hours, for one-on-one consulting. If you want to book more time after that, we can.

I present a clear-eyed and candid view of the admissions landscape, which is illuminating for parents and older students but can be too direct for younger students. Most tenth graders and up benefit from attending with their parents.

You know your child best, of course!

I rely primarily on data and documents produced in litigation, academic papers, and firsthand accounts by former admission officers. I don’t rely on hunches, received wisdom, or what colleges claim to do.

I pay more attention. Many school counselors at public schools have such large caseloads that they can’t give your child individualized attention. The average student-to-counselor ratio is now nearly 500-to-1 — almost double the ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association.

Yes! I’m happy to meet via Zoom with all American citizens applying to American colleges. The admissions game is a little different for foreign applicants.

Nobody can make that guarantee without committing a crime. I provide the advice that will enable your child to optimize his or her chances, avoid wasted effort, and minimize stress.

Absolutely.

If you cancel more than 24 hours before your one-on-one appointment, you can re-book it for free. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the appointment will cost the full amount.