Jacob Stewart
Studied at Southern Connecticut State University
Works at Stewart Educational Consulting
I offer flexible virtual meeting times, including select evening and weekend availability, to accommodate students’ academic schedules and families across different time zones. Please reach out if you don’t see a time that works for you, I’m happy to explore additional availability when possible.
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
About Jacob
I’m a college admissions strategist and school counselor with nearly a decade of experience helping students turn their interests, experiences, and ambitions into thoughtful plans for college and beyond. Before founding Stewart Educational Consulting, I served as Head Educational Strategist at a national college admissions consulting firm, where I led and coached a team of strategists while advising students and families navigating highly selective admissions. Throughout my career, I have supported hundreds of students, reviewed hundreds of applications annually, and contributed to outcomes including Ivy League acceptances and Top 20 universities. My approach combines strategic admissions expertise with a foundation in counseling. I help students strengthen their academic and extracurricular positioning, develop balanced college lists, manage the application process, and create personal statements and supplemental essays that genuinely reflect who they are. I believe the best coaching provides more than a polished application. It gives students clarity, accountability, and the confidence to take ownership of their story. My goal is to make an often-overwhelming process feel organized, purposeful, and manageable for both students and their families.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I’ve seen how transformative the right guidance can be during an important and uncertain stage of a student’s life. College admissions can make students feel as though they need to fit a particular mold. I enjoy helping them step back from that pressure, recognize what makes them distinctive, and communicate their experiences with confidence and authenticity. Often, students have already developed the substance of a compelling story; they simply need someone who knows how to ask the right questions and help them see the connections. My background in school counseling shapes every part of my coaching. I care about the person behind the application, not just the outcome. I want students to leave the process with a stronger application, but also with greater self-awareness, better decision-making skills, and genuine excitement about what comes next.
Work Experience
Founder & Principal Strategist
Stewart Educational Consulting
July 2026 - Present
Stewart Educational Consulting is an independent college admissions consulting practice dedicated to providing personalized, strategic guidance to students and families throughout the college application process. Services include: • College admissions strategy • College list development • Personal statement & supplemental essay coaching • Application planning & timelines • Interview preparation • Early Decision/Early Action strategy • Academic & extracurricular positioning Every student has a unique story. My goal is to help students present their strongest, most authentic applications while reducing stress and building confidence throughout the admissions journey. Admissions, Higher Education and +7 skills
Educational Coach
Zenith Prep Academy
January 2026 - July 2026
Promoted three times in less than three years from Admissions Counselor to Head Educational Strategist based on leadership, performance, client outcomes, and organizational impact. • Lead educational strategy operations supporting approximately 30 Educational Strategists and Managing Strategists across the organization. • Personally manage a portfolio of up to 140 students and families while advising on highly selective admissions cases and competitive STEM applicants. • Oversee counseling frameworks, admissions methodologies, quality assurance standards, and advisor development initiatives. • Lead hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and professional development efforts for counseling staff. • Support admissions outcomes across Top 20 universities, flagship public institutions, and highly selective academic programs.
Managing Experience Strategist
Zenith Prep Academy
July 2025 - January 2026
• Managed and mentored a team of six Educational Strategists while maintaining an active student and family caseload. • Conducted performance reviews, quality assurance initiatives, staff training, and professional development coaching. • Reviewed admissions strategies, application materials, essays, and student plans to ensure quality and consistency across teams. • Collaborated with leadership to improve counseling processes and student success outcomes.
Educational Coach
Zenith Prep Academy
April 2024 - July 2025
• Managed a portfolio of approximately 90–100 students and families, primarily supporting high school students through the college admissions process. • Developed individualized admissions roadmaps incorporating academics, extracurricular activities, leadership development, research opportunities, internships, and summer programs. • Guided students through every stage of the admissions process, including the Common Application, supplemental essays, activity lists, resumes, and scholarship applications. • Reviewed and advised on more than 600 college applications annually across a wide range of institutions and selectivity levels. • Supported admissions outcomes resulting in Top 20, flagship public, and highly selective university acceptances.
College and Career Readiness Counselor
Highville Charter School
July 2021 - April 2023
• Counseled approximately 500 students on academic, social-emotional, college, and career readiness topics. • Guided students through college exploration, application processes, graduation planning, and postsecondary decision-making. • Implemented college and career readiness initiatives while strengthening family engagement and student support systems.
School Counseling Intern
Derby High School, Derby, UK
September 2020 - June 2021
• Provided academic advising, postsecondary planning support, and college application guidance for high school students.
Career Coach and Facilitator
Stratford High School
August 2016 - June 2019
• Advised approximately 300 students annually regarding career exploration, educational planning, and workforce readiness. • Organized career fairs, workshops, employer partnerships, and community outreach initiatives.
Education
Southern Connecticut State University
Master of Science, Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
University of Scranton
Bachelor of Science, Counseling Psychology
Minor: Psychology