The admissions landscape has become more competitive and unpredictable, and school counselors often have limited time per student. A private college admissions counselor helps students and families navigate the college process with clarity, strategy, and support. This can include building a balanced college list, advising on course selection and extracurricular planning, creating an application timeline, and providing comprehensive essay coaching. Working with a private counselor can reduce stress, prevent costly mistakes, and help students present themselves in a way that is both authentic and compelling, ultimately leading to stronger outcomes.

CollegeGroove works with a wide range of students, from high achievers aiming for selective colleges to students who need help with finding strong options that are a great fit. Some families want comprehensive support throughout high school, while others want targeted help at a specific stage of the process.

The student is the primary focus, but parents are an integral part of the process. As a parent to two college students, I understand that parents are curious and concerned. I always want a parent at the kickoff meeting and at meetings for younger students, but generally, I meet one-on-one with juniors and seniors to build rapport.

I am always available to talk with parents about any concerns they have, and I ask each parent to fill out an intake survey that gives me valuable information that the child may not tell me.

I meet with 8th and 9th graders twice a year, and four times per year for 10th graders. In 11th grade, we generally meet monthly until late June, when we begin to meet weekly to work on the personal statement and college-specific essay supplements.

With rampant grade inflation in American high schools, strong academic records are common among applicants to selective colleges. What distinguishes students is how clearly their strengths and interests come through in their application, and what impact they have had on their school community and beyond.

I help students present themselves in a way that is both authentic and compelling, improving how their application is understood and evaluated.

Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.