Meet Matt:
I’ve been working with students and their families on the college admissions process for over two decades.
I love helping students and their families make decisions during their college application process – especially when it comes to discovering the right college for them! I don’t believe that there’s just one ‘perfect’ college for each student, and in fact, one of our favorite steps in the college process is broadening a student’s perception about the sheer number of incredible options available to them.
My approach:
at the start of every college cycle, these three principles guide our work:
1. Applying to college is stressful.
The college application process is stressful and intimidating for everyone involved.
That’s true, and we won’t pretend otherwise, but what’s also true is that the path to college is exciting and life-changing for the students and families involved. Over the past decade, we’ve worked with a diverse population, from musical theater talents seeking a spot in B.F.A. programs to student-athletes hoping to continue their athletic career in college, and to those students pursuing all types of specialized academic programs.
2. every student & family is unique.
What we find most critical in this work is understanding the unique needs, wants, and experiences of each student and family that we serve.
To create a thoughtful, honest environment that has the ability to shift a student’s mindset beyond preconceived notions about the college application process, we’ve developed a system of exercises that helps students reflect on their high school experience in a way that unearths a student’s genuine hopes and goals for their next chapter in life. Often, conversations about college can feel wrought with expectations and worries for a student. To ease some of that stress, we make it a point to get to know each student beyond the four corners of their resume and academic transcript.
3. This is an exciting time - let’s celebrate that.
After nearly 20 years working with young adults, we continue to find myself moved by our student’s creativity, resilience, and desire to “do good.”
It’s an honor that through our work as college advisors we are able to be a part of this critical juncture in a student’s and their family’s life. With each student being unique and the college admissions process constantly evolving, this work is always interesting and we grateful for the opportunity to help students tell their story and take a significant step towards independence.