A Week in My Life as a College Consultant
People often assume that college consulting is all about applications and essays. While those are certainly important, they are only one piece of a much bigger picture. A typical week in my work involves supporting students at every stage of their educational journey, from 9th graders just beginning to think about university plans to graduates preparing for their next chapter. No two weeks are ever the same.
This week, I helped a sophomore create her first resume, which gave us a complete picture of her activities and accomplishments and helped us identify opportunities to deepen her interests, build meaningful experiences, and clarify her academic and career goals over the coming years. I love getting to know my students better through this process and helping them uncover what they genuinely enjoy, what sparks their curiosity, and where they may want to focus their energy in the future.
I also worked with graduating seniors who are preparing for university this fall. Together, we explored housing options in the UK and the Netherlands, compared costs and locations, and continued searching for additional scholarship opportunities. My work doesn't end once a student chooses a university—I continue to support them through the transition, helping them prepare for a successful start to this exciting new chapter.
For my rising seniors applying to U.S. universities, application season is already underway. We have begun brainstorming Common App essays, refining activity descriptions, finalizing last testing plans, and working on application strategies that highlight their unique stories. Beyond applications, I helped several students plan campus visits across Europe and the United States.
Outside of student meetings, you'll find me touring campuses, attending webinars, and connecting with colleagues across the admissions world. As an active member of the Higher Education Consultants Association and the Independent Educational Consultants Association, I have the opportunity to exchange ideas and insights with other consultants and admissions professionals on a daily basis. I am constantly learning, and being part of these professional communities helps me bring the latest information and best practices to the students and families I work with. Staying current is a must!
College consulting is about much more than helping with applications. It's about supporting thoughtful planning and informed decision-making, and helping students build a path that is right for them. That's the work I have the privilege of doing every day.
College Consulting for American Families Living Abroad
If you’re an American family living overseas, planning for college can feel complicated.
Your student may attend an international school, follow a non-U.S. curriculum, and consider universities in several countries at once. At the same time, many families want to keep U.S. universities on the list. That means navigating different systems, timelines, essays, and application platforms depending on the country and university. It’s a lot.
My role is to make that process clearer, calmer, and more thoughtful for both students and parents.
Starting with the Student
Before we build a college list or start applications, I focus on getting to know the student.
What excites them?
What are they curious about?
What kind of academic environment will help them thrive?
The strongest applications come from students who understand themselves and can communicate their interests clearly. My role is to guide that process and help students present an authentic story in their applications.
A Global Perspective
Many of the families I work with live outside the United States or are considering universities in multiple countries. Having lived and worked in Europe for many years, I understand how different school systems and admissions expectations can be.
Students today may be considering universities in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, the Netherlands, or elsewhere—and each system works differently.
I help families make sense of those options so students can focus on finding the environment where they will thrive.
The Benefits of a Small, Personal Practice
College counseling is deeply personal work, and I believe students benefit from working closely with one advisor who truly knows them. I work directly with every student and family to:
Build real relationships with students
Understand each family’s priorities and concerns
Spend the time needed to think carefully about each application strategy
Be available when questions or anxieties inevitably arise
Finding the Right Fit
Of course, getting into college is exciting. But admissions decisions are just one moment in a much longer journey. What matters more is helping students find universities where they will grow, explore, and challenge themselves.
The goal isn’t simply admission—it’s finding the place where a student will truly belong.
Are you an American family living abroad starting the college planning process?
I specialize in working with expatriate families around the world to navigate U.S. and international university admissions. Schedule a free intro session, and I’d be happy to talk about how I work with students and families and answer your questions.
Learn more about my U.S. Expat College Counseling Services here
Featured in Ask Grand Carol's latest blog post
Learn more about how I can help your family in Ask Grandcarol's latest blog post. We had a wonderful discussion about my work with students and the benefits of hiring a college consultant.