The 10 Best College Admissions Consultants (2025)

With college admissions more competitive than ever across business, STEM, humanities, and the arts, students and families are feeling the pressure. Whether you're aiming for Ivy League universities, top public universities, STEM schools, or selective liberal arts colleges, the process is complex, unpredictable, and often overwhelming.

Between crafting a standout narrative, navigating extracurricular strategy, and writing essays that resonate, there’s a lot to consider. That’s where working with a college admissions consultant can be a game-changer. Expert guidance isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore, it’s an important strategic edge in one of the most important application processes of your life – especially at the highest level. Here’s what several recent coachees have said about working with their consultants:

We’ve handpicked this list based on admissions experience, student outcomes, coaching style, and depth of expertise across essay strategy, school selection, and holistic application planning. Whether you're a first-gen student, aiming for a top program, or just want to take some of the stress out of the process, there’s a coach here for you.

Top 10 College Admissions Consultants

Here are 10 of the best college coaches in the country, each with a proven track record of helping students get into top schools. From former college admissions officers to Harvard, Stanford grads turned professional college admissions counselors, experts in academic tutoring, these experts bring a rare mix of insider insight, strategic clarity, and compassionate guidance for all parts of your college admissions journey.

They’ve coached hundreds of students through every stage of the process – from building a balanced school list to crafting powerful essays and securing merit aid.

Devery D.

Former Harvard Admissions Officer & Berkeley Application Reader | 500+ Students Coached | 15+ Years of Experience | First-Gen Advocate

Devery D. is a coach with rare, multi-angle experience: she’s a former Harvard University admissions officer, former UC Berkeley application reader, and has spent time at the non-profit level working with Students from College Track, SEO Scholars, and the IDEA Charter Schools. Over the past 15+ years, she’s helped hundreds of students navigate the entire college admissions process, reviewed over 25,000 essays, and helped students be admitted to nearly all the Top 100 US colleges.

Devery has a deep understanding of what selective colleges are really looking for, paired with the empathy of someone who’s been through it herself. A first-generation college student who graduated from Harvard, she knows how overwhelming the admissions process can be, especially for students and families who aren’t sure where to start. She helps students reflect meaningfully on their goals, build balanced college lists, and submit applications that are both authentic and strategic.

Her coaching style is thoughtful, warm, and clear-eyed. She cuts through the admissions noise and rankings hype to help students focus on fit: Where will you thrive? What story do you want to tell? And how do we position your application to show that? Wherever you’re applying – Ivies, UC’s, or otherwise – Devery’s insight and assistance will help you secure that acceptance letter.

Ideal for: First-gen and underrepresented students, families seeking to take the stress out of the application process with expert assistance, students applying to top 100 colleges or building balanced lists

Book a free intro call with Devery →

Kirsten S.

Former Princeton Admissions Officer | 400+ Students Coached | Columbia & LSE Grad | 20+ Years of Storytelling/Writing Experience

Kirsten S. is a narrative-driven college admissions consultant who blends Ivy League admissions insight with two decades of storytelling expertise. As a former admissions officer at Princeton University, she read thousands of essays, resumes, and recommendation letters, developing a sharp intuition for which applications stood out and why. She brings that same discerning eye to each of her coaching clients, helping them uncover and communicate their most compelling story.

With 400+ high school students coached and an academic background that includes Columbia University and the London School of Economics, Kirsten is particularly strong at helping students craft stand-out narratives. She draws on her 10+ years as a professional journalist – as well as experience leading brand and content strategy across startups, nonprofits, and finance – to help her clients craft strategic, authentic, compelling stories.

Kirsten’s coaching style is thoughtful, warm, and empowering. She’s a certified Life Story Coach and sees every application as a personal manifesto:a chance to articulate not just where you’ve been, but who you are and what you value. Whether you're aiming for Ivy League schools or simply trying to clarify your path, she’ll guide you to shape an authentic, distinctive narrative that resonates with admissions officers.

Ideal for: Students applying to highly selective colleges, strong writers seeking narrative polish, anyone who wants to tell a clear and powerful story

Book a free intro call with Kirsten →

Skyler A.

Former UChicago Booth & Northwestern Admissions Director | 500+ Students Coached | 10+ Years Experience | College Access Advocate

Skyler A. brings over a decade of admissions experience to his work as a coach, with a rare dual perspective from both undergraduate and graduate admissions. He has served as Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Northwestern University, where he also earned his master’s in Higher Education Administration with a focus on admissions policy.

Skyler has helped hundreds of students gain admission to some of the most competitive programs in the world, including Yale, MIT, UC Berkeley, Columbia, and Carnegie Mellon. He’s especially skilled at helping students position themselves for success across both STEM and liberal arts fields, drawing on deep institutional knowledge and a personalized coaching style that centers each student’s goals.

As the founder of a board member of a college access nonprofit, Skyler is deeply committed to educational equity. He works closely with first-generation and low-income students to build personalized admissions strategies that are both empowering and effective.

His coaching style is warm, strategic, and grounded in real admissions insight. Whether you're aiming for a top 20, an Ivy League school, or smaller private schools, Skyler will help you workshop your story so you submit applications that reflect your best self.

Ideal for: Students aiming for selective STEM or business programs, underdog applicants, those looking for strategic, equity-informed guidance, those seeking to take the stress out of application strategy

Book a free intro call with Skyler →

Nathalie G.

Former Harvard Admissions Officer | 5,500+ Applications Reviewed | Hundreds of Students Coached | Harvard BA & M.Ed.

Nathalie G. is a deeply experienced coach with a rare combination of insider tips, education leadership, and coaching expertise. As a former Harvard admissions officer, she reviewed over 5,500 college applications and served on the admissions committee for four incoming classes. She’s also worked across industry-leading companies and emerging education/AI startups, and higher education and college access nonprofits like Harvard College, UC Berkeley and College Track.

Nathalie has coached hundreds of students, who she has helped get admitted to schools ranging from the Ivy League to New Ivies to flagship public universities with max scholarships in majors as diverse as German studies, computer science, BS/MD, nursing, and aerospace engineering. Beyond just crafting strong applications, Nathalie helps students develop a deeper sense of self and purpose. Her admissions guidance is grounded in growth and authenticity, empowering students to not just “get in,” but to thrive.

She holds a BA and M.Ed. from Harvard, an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler, and a Certificate in Executive Leadership Coaching from Georgetown. Her approach blends strategic college planning with authentic storytelling, helping students reflect, reframe, and pursue their goals with clarity.

Ideal for: Students applying to Ivies or top publics, those exploring diverse majors or scholarship strategies, families seeking values-aligned guidance

Book a free intro call with Nathalie →

Kimberley L.

Former Director of Admissions at Northwestern & Stanford Assistant Director of Admissions | Managing Director, Kellogg’s Executive Education | 20+ Years of Experience in Admissions

Kimberley L. is one of the most institutionally seasoned coaches on Leland, bringing nearly 20 years of experience from some of the world’s top universities. She served as an Admissions Director at Northwestern University, where she led the review process of 50,000+ first-year applications, trained application readers, and made final decisions for hiring the team responsible for 6,500 first-year applications annually. She also evaluated roughly 1800+ undergraduate applications annually from Europe, Central Asia, Russia, India, and part of California at Stanford University. These experiences have given her a rare and well-rounded understanding of some of the most selective admissions processes in the world, and she brings that experience to bear in her college admissions coaching.

Kimberley has helped students earn offers from schools like UPenn, Caltech, and UC Berkeley. Her coaching is rigorous yet deeply student-centered. She’s passionate about helping students uncover what makes them unique and crafting applications that reflect their strengths and full potential. Her approach combines personalized 1:1 calls, workshops, and detailed application reviews designed to remove the guesswork and maximize impact.

Academically, Kimberley holds degrees from Wellesley College (BA, Classics), two master’s from Oxford (Education & Research Methodologies), and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management. She’s also held executive leadership roles post-admissions, including as Managing Director at Kellogg and Director of Learning & Development at the Chicago Entrepreneurial Center.

Her coaching style is structured, empowering, and clarity-driven. If you want a coach who’s read thousands of applications and helped shape how admissions decisions are made, Kimberley is a game-changing partner.

Ideal for: Students applying to top US or UK universities, international/transfer applicants, families looking for high-trust expert guidance

Book a free intro call with Kimberley →

Isamar V.

Former Stanford Admissions Officer | Harvard & Oxford Grad | Global Expert in U.S. College Admissions

Isamar V. is an elite admissions coach with nine years of experience, a global perspective, and deep institutional expertise. As a former Assistant Director of Admission at Stanford, she personally reviewed more than 7,000 undergraduate applications across the US, Canada, Latin America, the UK, and Ireland. She also served as a Harvard alumni interviewer and recruitment intern, so she has behind-the-scenes insight into the selection process of two of the world’s most competitive universities.

For 3 years, she advised students from the US and around the world for a top global college admissions consulting company. 75% of her students were admitted to Yale, Brown, Stanford, Columbia, NYU, Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, UCLA, UC San Diego, UVA, Georgia Tech, Grinnell, Babson, UIUC, Drexel, University of Washington, Boston University, and other highly selective universities. Her clients have also had success at Harvard, Emory, Pomona, UC Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, Penn, and others, showcasing the breadth Isamar’s admissions expertise. Many of her students get into elite colleges, and many also apply or attend colleges outside the Top 20. She’s committed to helping students discover universities that are a good match for their goals, regardless of the ranking.

Isamar holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.Ed. in International Education Policy from Harvard, and an MBA from Oxford. As a first-gen college student from an immigrant family, she knows how daunting the process can be, and how transformational the right support can be. Whether she’s working with international applicants, first-gen students, or US-based families, Isamar blends empathy and precision to help students submit standout applications. Her coaching is strategic, empathetic, and empowering. She helps students discover not just what schools they want to apply to, but who they want to become in the process.

Ideal for: International and first-gen students, applicants to elite U.S. colleges, those seeking holistic strategy and personal growth

Book a free intro call with Isamar →

Daniel G.

Stanford MBA | Pomona College Alum | 100+ Students Supported | 98% Success in Top College Admissions

Daniel G. is a mission-driven admissions coach with a track record of helping students from underrepresented backgrounds gain acceptance to the most competitive colleges in the country. A first-generation college student, LEDA Scholar, and Stanford MBA, Daniel blends personal experience with professional strategy to help students turn their life stories into powerful, winning applications.

Daniel has advised more than 100 students, directly coaching 50 through LEDA’s (Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America) college admissions counselors program. 98% of his students have gained admission to a "most competitive" college (as identified by Barron’s) and nearly 70% were admitted to at least one Ivy League school, MIT, or Stanford. His students have earned acceptances to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Duke, UC Berkeley, Pomona, and more.

Currently a strategy consultant at Deloitte, Daniel brings the same sharp thinking and structure to his admissions work. He’s especially effective with students navigating complex personal stories, nontraditional paths, or the nuances of elite admissions. His coaching style is candid, strategic, and values-aligned, anchored by his own experiences as a gay, Chicano, first-gen student from the Deep South.

Ideal for: First-gen, BIPOC, or LGBTQ+ applicants; students aiming for Ivy League schools; those who want help and connection in telling a differentiated, high-impact story

Book a free intro call with Daniel →

Shane C.

Harvard MBA & Northwestern Triple-Degree Grad | Ex-McKinsey | Engineering + Business Admissions Expert

Shane C. is a rare blend of engineer, strategist, and storyteller, bringing elite academic credentials and real-world experience to every admissions conversation. A Harvard Business School graduate and Northwestern triple-degree holder (BS & MS in Mechanical Engineering, BM in Music Performance), Shane has helped his students get accepted to schools like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Princeton.

As a first-generation immigrant, Shane understands how overwhelming the admissions process can be, especially without a mentor. That’s why his coaching is focused not just on getting into the best schools, but also on helping students find clarity and confidence in their journey. Whether you're aiming for a competitive STEM program or a business-focused path, he’s an expert at helping applicants tell multidimensional stories that stand out.

Shane’s background spans engineering, consulting at McKinsey, startup investing, and classical music, giving him a broad lens for evaluating applications and connecting with students from all interests and walks of life. His coaching style is warm, high-energy, and full of actionable insight. He doesn’t just help you apply, he helps you figure out who you are and how to show up powerfully in your college application process.

Ideal for: Students applying to engineering or business programs, first-gen or immigrant students, multidimensional applicants interested in many things

Book a free intro call with Shane →

Roman S.

Stanford BS/MS | Deferred JD/MBA at Harvard | Ex-Meta & BlackRock | Founder & Tech Entrepreneur | 50+ Client Success at Top Schools

Roman S. is a coach with deep cross-sector experience and an elite academic pedigree. A Stanford graduate (BS & MS in Management Science & Engineering) and a deferred admit to both Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School, Roman brings sharp strategic thinking to every application he reviews. His students have earned acceptances to Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, Brown, UCLA, Amherst, and more across undergraduate, law, and business programs.

Roman’s coaching is uniquely positioned at the intersection of tech, entrepreneurship, and social impact. He’s the founder of two companies: Burton Algorithms (AI + software engineering) and Breakthrough Ventures (a startup incubator for underrepresented founders). He has also worked at Meta and BlackRock. That breadth allows him to assist students with diverse interests tell multidimensional, mission-driven stories that resonate with competitive schools.

As a Black founder and first-gen wealth-builder, Roman is deeply committed to creating access and opportunity for minority and underrepresented applicants. His coaching is clear, strategic, and authentic. Whether you’re applying to college, law school, or an MBA program, Roman will help you articulate your goals, build a differentiated application, and position yourself for long-term success.

Ideal for: STEM or business-focused applicants, underrepresented students, JD/MBA aspirants, and founders or future leaders looking to make an impact

Book a free intro call with Roman →

Danielle M.

Harvard Law & Columbia Grad | 100+ Students Coached | 8+ Years in Admissions Consulting | Scholarship Negotiation & Essay Strategy Expert

Danielle M. is a standout college admissions consultant who’s helped over a hundred students gain admission to some of the most competitive schools in the country, including Harvard, Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, and Rice. With degrees from both Columbia University and Harvard Law School, Danielle has firsthand insight into what admissions committees are really looking for.

Over the last nine years, she’s worked for some of the world’s top admissions consulting firms, reviewing thousands of essays and helping students secure millions in scholarships. Her expertise spans the full admissions journey: from building school lists and landing internships to refining personal statements and negotiating aid packages. As a first-generation law student who taught herself the entire college admissions process , Danielle has a unique empathy for students figuring it out as they go, and a passion for helping them thrive.

Her coaching style is precise, motivating, and deeply personalized. With a professional editing background and experience across Ivy League journals and publishing houses, she knows how to craft narratives that stand out. Whether you’re aiming for Ivy League undergrad or prepping for top law schools, Danielle will help you tell your story with clarity and confidence, positioning you for success in admissions, and beyond.

Ideal for: High-achieving students aiming for T20 schools, essay-focused applicants, students seeking scholarships or pre-law support

Book a free intro call with Danielle →

How to Find the Right College Admissions Consultant for Your Goals

Choosing the right coach can be just as important as choosing your college list. The best college counselors don’t just help you hit deadlines; they help you discover your story, sharpen your strategy, and stand out in one of the most competitive admissions cycles ever.

Start by thinking about what kind of support you need. Are you looking for college essay writing help that brings out your voice? Strategic guidance on school selection and financial aid? Insider tips from a former Ivy League admissions officer? The right college admissions consultant will meet you where you are and bring clarity to a process that often feels murky.

What to Look for in a Top College Admissions Consultant

When choosing an admissions consultant, prioritize expertise, fit, and results. Here’s what matters most:

• Admissions Expertise: Look for a college admissions consultant with former adcom experience, top-tier academic advising credentials (Ivy League, Stanford, etc.), or a background in education, advising, or selective admissions strategy.
• Strategic Fit: The best college admissions consultant will understand and engage with what you are interested in academically, your target school type (Ivies, STEM, liberal arts, etc.), and personal context, whether you’re a STEM standout, aspiring artist, first-gen applicant, etc.
• Proven Outcomes: Strong coaches have a documented history of helping high school students gain admission to highly selective schools, often backed by verified reviews, acceptance stats, or scholarship success stories.
• Application Specialization: Some college counselors bring niche strengths, like college essay help, BS/MD admissions, athletic recruiting, or merit aid negotiation. Match their focus to your needs.

Every student’s path is different, and a great coach will help you find yours, turning stress into strategy, and potential into results.

Ready to Find the Right College Admissions Consulting Services for You?

Getting into a top college today is one of the most competitive and high-stakes challenges students face. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. The right college admissions consultant can help you clarify your story, avoid common missteps, and craft an application that truly stands out.

The college coaches on this list each bring something unique to the table, from Ivy League admissions experience to expert college essay help. All of them have a track record of helping high school students win scholarships and gain admission to their dream schools. No matter your background or goals, there’s a coach here who can guide you with confidence and clarity.

Ready to start? Book a free intro call to get matched to a coach by a Leland advisor. Still deciding? Browse college coach profiles and read reviews to find the right fit for your journey.

If you still haven’t taken the ACT or SAT, check out coaches for those too for custom test prep coaching. By working 1:1 with an expert, you’ll be much more likely to hit the top test scores required for competitive and elite universities.

Read:

• How to Crack the "Why This School?" College Essay: 5 Tips for Success
• How to Pick the Best College for You
• What Looks Good on College Applications? 6 Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
• How to Build the Best Extracurriculars for College
• How to End a College Essay (With Examples)
• How to Write an Amazing Common App Essay — with Examples 

College Admissions Consulting – FAQs

What does a college admissions coach do?

• A college admissions consultant helps students navigate the complex and competitive college application process. A coach can help you with a specific portion of your application, or guide you through a broad range of elements, including strategy, school selection, essay guidance, application review, and interview prep. The best consultants don’t just edit essays, they coach you to tell your story, highlight your strengths, and stand out authentically to admissions officers.

When should I start working with a college coach?

• Ideally, students should start working with a college coach as early as 10th or 11th grade, especially for building a school list, planning extracurricular activities, or starting early essay drafts. But many coaches also assist seniors on tight timelines, conducting full application reviews and last-minute help completing or polishing essays.

How much does a college admissions consultant cost?

• College coach rates vary widely – from $50 to over $300 per hour depending on their experience, credentials, and success rate. Some offer full application packages, while others work hourly. On Leland, you can browse a broad range of coach profiles, compare prices, and book free intro calls to find someone in your budget.

Is it worth hiring a college coach?

• For many students, yes, especially if you’re applying to competitive schools, hoping to win scholarships, or need expert guidance on essays and strategy. A great coach can help you avoid costly mistakes, make confident decisions, and increase your chances of admission to your school of choice.

What should I look for in a college coach?

• Look for someone who matches your goals, background, and communication style. Former admissions officers, Ivy League grads, and coaches with strong essay skills or proven acceptance records are great starting points. You’ll also want someone who “gets” you and can bring out your authentic voice.

Do college coaches write essays for students?

• No, and they shouldn’t. Ethical college admissions consultants guide, brainstorm, edit, and offer strategic feedback, but they never write essays for students. The goal is to help you tell your story clearly, compellingly, and in your own voice.

Can a college coach help with financial aid or scholarships?

• Yes. Many top college coaches also with scholarship strategy, merit aid applications, and financial aid insights – some even have backgrounds as former financial aid officers. If financial aid is integral to your college goals, look for a college coach who specializes in reducing costs and finding low-cost college options to make paying for college as low-lift as possible.

How do I choose the right college coach for me?

• Start by identifying what support you need: essay help, strategy, application review, etc. Then browse coach profiles, look at backgrounds, read reviews, and book a free intro call. Fit matters – look for someone who communicates in a way that works for you. They need to understand your goals as deeply as they understand the entire process to your top choice schools.

What are the benefits of working with a college admissions consultant?

• There are many benefits to working with a college admissions consultant, especially in today’s highly competitive landscape. One of the biggest benefits is having an expert guide to help you clarify your story, build a smart application strategy, and avoid costly mistakes. Another key benefit is personalized college essay help, which ensures your voice stands out and aligns with what admissions officers are actually looking for. Additional benefits include stronger time management, reduced stress, and increased confidence throughout the process whether you're applying to Ivies, UCs, or top public universities.

Can a college admissions coach help with NCAA or student-athlete recruiting?

• Yes, many college admissions consultants specialize in helping student-athletes navigate the NCAA recruiting and admissions process. Applying as an athlete comes with unique timelines, eligibility requirements, and communications with coaches and admissions offices. Check out Mack to get started. A coach can help you:
  • Build a balanced list of schools based on both academics and athletics
  • Coordinate outreach to NCAA coaches and manage recruitment communications
  • Understand eligibility center requirements and timelines
  • Strategize how to present your athletic background in essays and applications
  • Align your admissions profile with institutional priorities (especially at D1/D3 schools)

Are there free resources available for college application help? (college essay help, live events, etc.)

• Yes. Leland offers a range of free, high-quality resources to support students throughout the college admissions process. These resources are designed to make expert guidance more accessible to all students, regardless of budget or background. Whether you’re just starting or putting finishing touches on your application, there’s free support available to help you succeed. These include:
  • Live events and webinars: Leland hosts free workshops led by top college admissions consultants and former admissions officers. Live events topics range from college essay help and Common App strategy to applications, financial aid, and Q&As with Ivy League coaches. See upcoming events →
  • Blog articles and guides: Leland’s content library includes expert-written articles on essays, school selection, deadlines, scholarships, and more – updated regularly to reflect what students actually need. Browse college admissions library →

How can I support my child through the college admissions process?

• Supporting your child through college applications can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A great first step is helping them stay organized, encouraging open conversations about goals and priorities, and reducing unnecessary pressure.

Expert guidance on essays, school selection, and overall strategy can reduce stress for both you and your child. Parents can step back from the stress of the technical aspects and focus on being a supportive partner, knowing their child is getting accurate, strategic advice.

Leland offers free intro calls with coaches, free live events for parents and students, and personalized coach selection support so you can find the right expert to help your child succeed while keeping the process as low-stress as possible.