College admissions is increasingly complex, and many families benefit from getting expert guidance. Too often these days, admissions is seen as a game, with the prize being the most prestigious school possible. My goal is different. I believe students need to focus on schools that are truly a good fit–academically, socially, philosophically, and financially. The objective is not just to get admitted to college, but to choose a college where you will thrive and be on the path for success in adult life.

Although the college admissions system has flaws, it offers tremendous growth opportunities that benefit students long beyond admissions. Applying for college is one of the first big steps from teen to adult life. It is a time for exploring interests, gaining self-awareness, and developing confidence. Working together, we’ll manage details and deadlines while keeping an eye on the big picture. 

College admissions is increasingly complex, and many families benefit from getting expert guidance. Too often these days, admissions is seen as a game, with the prize being the most prestigious school possible. My goal is different. I believe students need to focus on schools that are truly a good fit–academically, socially, philosophically, and financially. The objective is not just to get admitted to college, but to choose a college where you will thrive and be on the path for success in adult life.

Although the college admissions system has flaws, it offers tremendous growth opportunities that benefit students long beyond admissions. Applying for college is one of the first big steps from teen to adult life. It is a time for exploring interests, gaining self-awareness, and developing confidence. Working together, we’ll manage details and deadlines while keeping an eye on the big picture. 

“After shepherding our family through several college application challenges (freshman-year applications, early-decision choices, gap year considerations, and a transfer application), we are wishing we had another child who could work with Barbara. She has been such a steady source of good advice, candid assessments and strategy as our extremely different kids grappled with their challenges and options.

As parents, we couldn’t ask for a better captain for Team College – Barbara’s broad and deep understanding of both the process and the many and varied ways to chart a path through it made us feel both confident and (relatively) calm. More, Barbara’s facility with kids of all different types, high school records, goals, and writing abilities has meant that our kids, too, have made their way through these challenges with a strong sense that they were getting solid, dependable counsel.

Every family to whom we’ve recommended Barbara has been happy and relieved to be able to work with her, and their kids, often presented with a choice of college counselors, have chosen her every time. Our kids have had great results in their college process, and our path through it has been easier because we had Barbara illuminating it every step of the way.”

-Peter, parent

“After shepherding our family through several college application challenges (freshman-year applications, early-decision choices, gap year considerations, and a transfer application), we are wishing we had another child who could work with Barbara. She has been such a steady source of good advice, candid assessments and strategy as our extremely different kids grappled with their challenges and options.

As parents, we couldn’t ask for a better captain for Team College – Barbara’s broad and deep understanding of both the process and the many and varied ways to chart a path through it made us feel both confident and (relatively) calm. More, Barbara’s facility with kids of all different types, high school records, goals, and writing abilities has meant that our kids, too, have made their way through these challenges with a strong sense that they were getting solid, dependable counsel.

Every family to whom we’ve recommended Barbara has been happy and relieved to be able to work with her, and their kids, often presented with a choice of college counselors, have chosen her every time. Our kids have had great results in their college process, and our path through it has been easier because we had Barbara illuminating it every step of the way.”

-Peter, parent