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.