Bennett Burns

College Counselor

Duke University alum and experienced college admissions counselor with a background in Duke Admissions and as a Duke alumni interviewer. Bennett helps students discover what genuinely excites them, build meaningful experiences around their interests, and approach the college process with confidence, purpose, and ownership.

What Families Are Saying About Working With Bennett

Trusted Guide of Students Who've Been Accepted to:

  • Brown University
  • Columbia University
  • Cornell University
  • Dartmouth College
  • Duke University
  • Harvard University
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Princeton University
  • Stanford University
  • United States Air Force Academy
  • United States Military Academy (West Point)
  • University of Chicago
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Yale University
  • Amherst College
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Claremont McKenna College
  • Emory University
  • Georgetown University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Middlebury College
  • New York University
  • Northeastern University
  • Northwestern University
  • Notre Dame University
  • Tufts University

Profile

With a background in Biology and Public Policy from Duke University, Bennett brings a strong understanding of highly selective admissions and a student-centered approach to college counseling. His experience includes working in Duke University Admissions, serving as a Duke alumni interviewer, and guiding students and families through every stage of the college admissions process.

Bennett believes the strongest applications start with students understanding what genuinely excites them. Rather than encouraging students to build a résumé around what they think colleges want to see, he helps them explore their interests, identify meaningful opportunities, and develop experiences that authentically reflect who they are. This approach not only helps students stand out in the admissions process, but also gives them a clearer sense of what they want from their college experience.

He also understands that applying to college can quickly become stressful for both students and families. Bennett works to make the process feel more manageable and even exciting, providing students with clear direction while encouraging them to take ownership of their decisions and future. His goal is for students to leave each meeting feeling more confident, motivated, and excited about what comes next.

Ultimately, Bennett sees college counseling as much more than building a strong application. It is an opportunity for students to discover what matters to them, recognize what makes them unique, and find colleges where they can truly thrive.

More about Bennett

Location

Santa Barbara, CA

Areas of Added Expertise

  • Catholic Colleges & Universities
  • High School Research Programs & Publication
  • International & Immigrant Families
  • LGBTQ+ Students
  • Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Spanish-Speaking Families
  • Student Athletes
  • Students with IEP/504 Plans
  • Students with Learning Differences
  • Transfer Students

Bennett's Education and Certifications

  • NACAC
Students Helped
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Years of Experience
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Average Rating
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Trusted Guidance Partner of Students Who’ve Been Accepted to:

Featured Publications by Bennett

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