Consulting Services
Here are a few important things to know about my philosophy and work.
I work exclusively with students who attend public schools or schools without designated college guidance departments. Having worked in school settings for most of my career, my respect for the the student-school relationship is paramount. My consultation does not replace the college admission guidance students receive at their high school; rather it complements this guidance with personalized support.
My practice is grounded in personal responsibility, communication, honesty, mutual respect, and integrity. I ask prospective clients to review a contract that outlines payment structure, as well as client and counselor expectations and limitations. My work is designed to be a student-driven process, with parents playing a supportive (but supporting!) role.
I provide the level of support each family is seeking. Some students and families need only a few touchpoints during their college search and application experience; others are looking for a more consistent, sustained partnership. For this reason, I do not offer consultation packages; billing is at an hourly rate consistent with the industry standard. I typically begin working with students in the winter or spring of 11th grade, the fall 12th grade, or the summer between.
If I’m not the best person to help you, I’ll try to refer you to someone who is. I have experience working with a diverse range of students and the unique circumstances impacting their college search. That said, there are some scenarios that fall outside my range of expertise. If this is the case, I’ll let you know that I’m not the best match, and will do my best to refer to you a trusted colleague.
I don’t believe that happiness and success are tied to ranking or acceptance rate. Many students whom I’ve counseled have applied and been admitted to highly selective institutions, though my counsel is not limited to a particular selectivity category or student profile. Students I’ve counseled at my previous schools have matriculated to over 150 distinct 4-year institutions across a range of selectivity.
Most meetings with me are virtual, though some in-person meetings may be arranged for clients living in the proximity of Portland, Maine. I feel lucky to have forged strong bonds with students over Zoom!
If all of this sounds good to you, please use the “Consultation Request” button below to find a time to chat!
“Julia’s exceptional services as an experienced college counselor was critical to the success of my application process. Her well-organized structure and niche insight provided the ideal guidance in crafting essays. Julia truly understands the ins and outs of the process, and was able to help me with care and compassion.”
-Rohin (Student, Maryland)
"Julia was so understanding, compassionate and supportive throughout the whole process. She worked with me on a reasonable schedule to hit all of my deadlines and gave helpful feedback on all of my materials. Julia made a very stressful process much less so with her kindness and support"
-Siena (Student, Pennsylvania)
Let’s talk
When entering into a student-counselor partnership, it is critical for everyone involved (student, parent/family support member, and counselor) to feel there’s a strong match. I invite each family to set up a complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation to get a sense of my personality and style, and to see if I’m the best person to support your process.