—where does it really begin? Get good grades, ace the standardized tests, talk to guidance counselors and teachers….and then what? Grades and test scores can tell you what schools you CAN get into, but not what schools you SHOULD apply to. A good high-school guidance counselor can walk you through application deadlines and discuss school rankings. They likely attended college. But did they spend their career working at a college? How much do they know about the behind-the-scenes workings of academic institutions in Europe or the US? Beyond numbers on a pamphlet, how familiar are they with the universities you are interested in? Are they really in position to match a student’s interests with a school, department, and professors that will optimize their scholarly journey?

My service is motivated by frustration. When I began my own scholarly journey, I chose my undergraduate college because their basketball jerseys looked cool. Really! When I went to graduate school, I chose whichever school had the highest ranking according to US News. Did these schools have professors whose research matched my career interests? Did my application coincide with the institution’s aims? I had no idea! Now that I’m a tenured full professor, I see the same mistake in hundreds of applicants each year: bright, motivated, and well-meaning students who have little idea what my institution or my department offer. That same frustration at the mismatch between my journey and academic institution that I felt as a student is perpetuated by each successive class of students. The result is wasted time and money, missed opportunities, and resentment about higher education. I want to do my part to prevent that.

With twenty years as a college professor, five published books, and research presented and translated across the globe, I offer students and families a level of academic insight and mentorship unmatched in the college admissions consulting field. Unlike many consultants and guidance counselors, my service is shaped by firsthand experience in university admissions, faculty selection, and academic leadership at top institutions in both the U.S. and Europe. I bring a scholar’s rigor, a global perspective, and a deep understanding of what selective colleges truly value in applicants. I recognize that each student’s journey is unique, and I am dedicated to helping them uncover their individual strengths, passions, and stories in a way that resonates authentically with admissions committees. I provide personalized, strategic support that goes beyond standard advice—helping students craft compelling essays, build meaningful extracurricular profiles, select colleges aligned with their goals, and navigate complex application processes with confidence. My goal is to empower students not only to gain admission to their dream schools but also to prepare them for success in higher education and beyond, fostering a lifelong love of learning and intellectual growth. Through this holistic approach, I strive to make the college admissions journey a transformative and inspiring experience for every student I work with.