Building Your College List

The right college list doesn't happen by Googling "best colleges for [major]" and picking the ones you've heard of. It takes real research — and it should start junior year, so you have time to visit, dig into requirements, and actually figure out what you're looking for before senior year hits.

I'll start with 20–25 schools worth exploring, then help you narrow to a realistic, strategic list of 7–10 to apply to. That means schools that are a genuine fit: academically, socially, financially, and — for arts students — artistically. (Important note: just because a school has a dance program doesn't mean it has great ballet training. The details matter enormously, and I know where to look.)

And yes — this applies whether you're pursuing Musical Theatre or Mechanical Engineering. I've helped students find their fit in physics, neuroscience, early childhood education, English, Visual Arts, food science, and plenty of other fields. The process is the same: get to know the student, find the schools that match who they actually are.

Arts Auditions & Portfolio Preparation

This is where 30+ years of arts admissions experience really shows up. I've worked alongside Broadway professionals, current members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and faculty at some of the country's top visual arts programs. I know what strong auditions and portfolios look like at the college level — because I've seen thousands of them.

I can connect you with teachers, coaches, and mentors who can get you (or your portfolio) ready for what's ahead. And I can tell you honestly what the programs you're applying to are actually looking for — because "audition requirements" on a website and what actually gets students admitted are not always the same thing.

Application Strategy & Completion

Applying to college isn't just filling out forms — it's managing deadlines, making smart strategic decisions, and making sure the whole package actually reflects who you are. I'll help you build a plan, stay on track, and avoid the mistakes that are easy to make when you're doing this for the first time.

Think of it this way: you're driving the bus. I'm the GPS. I'll help you avoid the wrong turns, flag what's coming up ahead, and make sure you arrive on time — with an application that lets your particular brand of awesome come through, clearly and authentically.

College Visits

A college visit is only as valuable as the questions you ask and the things you know to look for.

I visit campuses regularly and can help you build a smart visit itinerary — the right schools, the right time of year, and the right questions to bring with you. You want to leave a campus knowing something, not just having taken the official tour.

Financial Aid, Scholarships & FAFSA/CSS Help

Getting into college is one thing. Paying for it is another conversation entirely — and it's one that's a lot easier to have with someone who's been on the other side of the financial aid award process.

I'll walk you through every offer you receive so you understand exactly what the college is asking your family to pay (there's a difference between what they say and what they mean, and I'll translate). I'll also help you with award negotiation — something families often don't realize they can do, and something that is always worth trying when the school allows it.

On the front end, I can help you navigate the FAFSA and CSS Profile, from understanding which assets colleges look at to how student income factors in. It's more manageable than it looks. I promise.

And when it comes to scholarships, the best ones are the ones that come directly from the college. I'll help you figure out which schools award based on merit, which ones only award based on need, and what that means for building a list that's actually financially realistic.

Support for Families (Yes, Parents — This Includes You)

This is a big moment. Your kid is heading to college, and the process can be genuinely stressful for both students and families — sometimes for different reasons. I've worked with hundreds of families in every kind of situation, and I can tell you: it really does work out.

My job is to find a path that feels like a win for everyone: a school that the student is excited about, that the family can realistically afford, and that sets the student up for what comes next. I'll help you figure out what that looks like for your family — and get you there without losing your minds in the process.