College Admissions Counseling for a Stronger College Application
HelloCollege is more than just a team of expert college admissions consultants. We are your personal guides. Our college admissions counseling and personalized mentoring help us partner with your family, understand your student's strengths and college goals, and build a strategy for the colleges and applications ahead.
That's because, at HelloCollege, we truly care.
Our Approach
Team-Based Support
Your student has a dedicated college counselor, backed by essay coaches, tutors and specialists who work together throughout the admissions process.
All-in-One College Planning
Your family can use flexible plan hours across college counseling, essay coaching, tutoring and test preparation, along with our applicant platform, educational curriculum and college-planning resources.
Personalized Strategy
Every student’s plan is different. Using our S.A.F.E. methodology, your counselor considers college fit, admission prospects and your student’s individual goals, then adjusts the strategy as priorities change.
Whole-Student Guidance
We look beyond the application itself. Academic strengths, interests, personality and executive-functioning skills all help shape college choices and preparation that fit your student.
Family Involvement
Parents stay part of the process, with open communication around college choices, affordability and important application decisions, so your family understands what is happening and what comes next.
Honest, Practical Guidance
Our data-informed evaluations help your family understand admission prospects, identify best-fit opportunities and decide where to focus time and effort. And when questions come up, your HelloCollege team is there to respond.
The HelloCollege PLAYBOOK
For 5,700+ students
Our seven-step college admissions Playbook takes students from early discovery and academic planning through college selection, applications, financial aid and the final college decision.
Discovery & Strategy
We review your student's strengths, interests and academic record, then identify gaps and set priorities for the time available before applications.
Academic & Testing Strategy
We consider course choices and testing plans alongside possible majors and target colleges. Tutors can step in when your student needs academic or SAT/ACT preparation support.
StandOut Factor Development
Students may explore research, internships, leadership and other meaningful activities, then work on explaining what they contributed and learned.
College List & Fit Analysis
We use our S.A.F.E. methodology to compare college fit and affordability alongside admission prospects, helping build a balanced list.
Applications & Essays
Your counselor guides application timing and strategy. Your essay coach helps your student develop and revise their own writing for each college’s prompts.
Paying for College
Families explore scholarships, work through financial aid applications and compare award offers. When appropriate, they can also consider an aid appeal.
Final Decision
We compare academic opportunities, campus life and actual attendance costs against your student’s goals before the final decision.
HelloCollege’s Team-Based Approach
Your college counselor leads your student’s admissions strategy, while tutors, essay coaches and financial specialists step in for testing, academics, essays and financial aid.
College Counselor
Guides your student’s college admissions strategy, including college-list development, application planning and review.
Tutor
Provides SAT/ACT preparation, subject tutoring and executive-functioning coaching when your student needs academic help.
Essay Coach
Works with your student on college application and scholarship essays, from developing ideas through editing and revision.
Financial Specialist
Helps your family research scholarships, understand financial aid and compare the financial side of college decisions.
What HelloCollege Students Say Our Counseling Helped Them Do
Our Class of 2026 exit survey asked students about their college planning experience.
felt more confident applying to college
297 of 298 respondents.said HelloCollege made the process less stressful
290 of 296 respondents.said HelloCollege helped them avoid a costly mistake
269 of 286 respondents.said HelloCollege helped them build a strategic college list
291 of 293 respondents.207 of 273 respondents.
Figures reflect applicable responses to each survey question.
Reviews about Our College Admissions Counseling Services
Dr. Raymond Gonzales is by far the best thing I have done as a parent for my daughter Taylor Young. We are so grateful Raymond was paired with Taylor. He was a guiding light for my daughter, creating the way for her to push past limitations, STARTING a Psychology Club, taking classes from Harvard over the summer, she thrived and achieved SO MUCH under his care. Taylor is going to Dayton, almost completely paid for as well;) Raymond thank YOU for making my life as a mom easier!!
Sara Goggin Young
Parent of Taylor
Lyons Township High School
University of Dayton
From our very first consultation, Hello College made us feel at home with their approach and their ability to help us! I would highly recommend them to anyone that is applying to a service academy or any other highly competitive institution. They build an entire profile specifically for you, so that you don’t miss any deadlines. They also spend time really getting to know you, so they can help you represent yourself genuinely. Because of them our son received appointments to both of the service academies he applied to. He is about to live his dream! Thank you Hello College! And special thanks to the two people who walked the entire process out with us: Counselor Amanda Yoder and Essay Coach Brooke Kent! Thank you for all of your diligence and care and for celebrating with us when we got the news!!
Catherine Rumfelt
Parent of Dirk
Fairfield High School
United States Naval Academy
I have had Gina T. and Amanda Y. as my counselors throughout my college application process and they have been immensely helpful. From the beginning, both Amanda and Gina have been nothing short of understanding and supportive towards me and guiding me through the extensive application process. Specifically, Amanda has been incredibly flexible and responsive when it came to any questions and concerns I had- she was always able to answer questions in a way that worked for me, as well as working with me rather than against me to build the best application that correlates to who I am as a college applicant. She kept me on a schedule that I was able to follow- as well as giving me access to the notes and spreadsheets we had created together so that I was able to reference anything we talked about at anytime. Gina has been incredibly supportive in my essay comprehension journey as writing the essays is one of the most stressful parts of the application process. She worked with me to create outlines and develop ideas that strengthened who I was as an applicant. She was very responsive and dedicated when it came to my essays. All of her feedback and comments felt personal and positive as she really cares about how you build an essay that reflects you and your best abilities. Hello College has been a great experience and I highly recommend this program when looking to enhance your college application.
Lizzie Donovan
Student
Shorecrest High School
San Diego State University
Hello College is a top tier college preparatory program; and would recommend them. My twins (class of 2025) have successfully achieved acceptance into their respective universities – thanks to this program and our ace counselor, Allison. She has kept them focused, motivated and engaged in what can be a cumbersome, confusing process. In addition to Allison’s guidance, each of them had an amazing college essay coach to help them find their voice in that all important essay. Parents, my one bit of advice is to start with Hello College by the winter of your student’s Junior HS year if not sooner – as they have a lot of test prep services as well. Hello College is the real deal and a valuable investment to make.
Pamela Von Lehmden
Parent of Piper & Georgia
Naperville Central High School
Butler University & The University of Iowa
I had an incredible experience with HelloCollege’s college counseling program. Specifically, Don Keller was a huge help throughout the entire process. Not only did he help keep me on track while applying to 15 different schools, but he was always available to help with any and all of my requests. Don Keller set up multiple mock interviews so that I could be prepared to compete for scholarships at the University of Texas and at the University of Virginia. I was incredibly impressed with his responsiveness and attention to my situation. Don was involved every step of the way. Whether it was reading essays, giving advice on college selection, or simply being interested and attentive about my personal life, I always felt confident that I could hop on a phone call with him and talk out my situation. Ultimately, with the help of Don Keller and the entire HelloCollege program, I was granted a full-ride scholarship to attend the University of Texas’s McCombs School of Business. I could not be more thrilled with this result, and HelloCollege was an integral part of this achievement.
Michael O’Connor
Student
Saint Viator High School
University of Texas - Austin
We worked with Amanda and her insights, assistance, guidance, and helpfulness were priceless. I would 100% recommend her and HelloCollege.
Her positive attitude, encouragement, and overall presence helped my student get through some huge hurtles. We both learned so much about the college application process (so different now), FASFA, and scholarships. With Amanda’s guidance my student was accepted into every school she applied to! No, we didn’t aim for Ivy League schools but 7 out of 7 acceptance letters across our state UC and CSU system was huge for a student who was scared and worried about this entire process. HelloCollege helped give her better direction and they really helped her drive, determination, and perseverance shine through her essay’s, and the review and edit program they have was amazing.
Thank you Amanda!!
Erin Berndsen
Parent
What is the HelloCollege S.A.F.E. Methodology?
Finding the right college is about more than rankings or name recognition. It comes down to fit. HelloCollege developed the S.A.F.E. College Fit Methodology as a structured, research-driven way to compare four parts of that fit: Social, Academic, Financial and Employment. Together, those four pillars help families weigh aspiration, alignment, affordability and outcomes.
SOCIAL
With more than 6,000 colleges to consider, social fit matters. We look at the kind of campus environment where your student is likely to feel comfortable, connected and able to settle in.
ACADEMIC
We look for a strong academic fit: a college where your student can be challenged without being set up to struggle, with the programs and level of support that suit them.
FINANCIAL
We help families understand college costs, scholarships and financial aid so they can compare what each option may actually cost and where aid could make a difference.
EMPLOYMENT
We also consider how a college and major connect to your student’s career goals and the opportunities they may want after graduation.
Together, the four S.A.F.E. factors help your counselor compare social and academic fit, likely college costs and how well each option lines up with your student’s longer-term goals.
“HelloCollege is a college admissions game-changer; like having your personal dream team for college success.”
Original Shark on ABC's Shark Tank
HelloCollege Plans
Our plans are flexible, with hours that can be used wherever students need support most. Every plan includes one-on-one guidance with a dedicated college counselor and a dedicated essay coach. Higher-hour plans give students more time with the team for testing, essays, academics and other needs.
Essential Plans
30, 40, or 50 HOURS
Best for: Seniors, transfer students and gap-year students who need focused support through the application process.
- Dedicated college counseling
- Personalized essay coaching
- Financial aid and scholarship guidance
- Test prep resources
- Expert-led workshops and online planning tools
MOST POPULAR
Advanced Plans
60, 80, or 100 HOURS
Best for: Juniors, underclassmen and highly selective applicants who have more time to prepare and want more frequent guidance.
- Advanced application strategy
- More extensive essay support
- Test preparation
- Major and career exploration
- StandOut Factor development
- Extracurricular planning
Premier Plans
150 or 200 HOURS
Best for: Ivy+, BS/MD and international applicants, as well as students who need extensive, high-touch support.
- Highest meeting frequency
- Deeper passion-project development
- Intensive application and essay support
- Interview preparation
- ACT/SAT and academic tutoring
- Executive functioning coaching
Meet our Expert College Admissions Counselors
Kevin Krebs
Founder and Managing Director
- Experience: 30 years guiding students through college admissions and planning
- Students Served: 5,000
- Credentials: BA & MS, Northwestern University • NACAC Member
Allison Dahleen
VP of Client Services
- Experience: 10+ years supporting 500+ students and families through the college admissions process
- Student Served: 500+
- Credentials: NACAC Member
Arman Davtyan
Director of Counseling
- Experience: 25 years in enrollment management, student services, and higher education leadership
- Admissions Experience: 15 years, including Admission Officer at Occidental College and Chief Enrollment Officer at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
- Students Served: 1,000+
- Credentials: M.A., Counseling & Personnel Services, University of Maryland • Ed.D., Ed Leadership, UCLA • NACAC • GMAC
Kim Shipman
Counseling Manager & College Counselor
- Experience: 12 years in college counseling
- High School Counseling: 7 years
- Higher Ed Experience: 6 years in career services at Rice, Duke, Barton College
- Credentials: NACAC • MBTI Certified • Strong Interest Inventory Certified
Chris Wilson
Application Strategist
Tracey Bradnan
Application Strategist
Austin Hughes
College Counselor
- Experience: 12 years in college admissions counseling
- High School Counseling: 8 years
- Students Served: 500+
- Credentials: B.A., English & Creative Writing, University of Iowa • M.Phil., Japanese Studies, University of Oxford (Rhodes Scholar)
Mary Hulme
College Counselor
- Experience: 13 years, including work with international students in Canada, China, and Vietnam
- High School Counseling: 13 years
- Students Served: 700+
- Credentials: M.Ed., School and Community Counseling, DePaul University, B.F.A., Graphic Design, University of Illinois at Chicago, Ontario College of Teachers
Angelique Singh
College Counselor
- Experience: 12 years in college counseling and education
- High School Counseling: 8 years
- Admissions Experience: 8 years
- Students Served: 1,000+
- Credentials: B.A., CSU Los Angeles • M.Ed., USC • Ed.D., USC • NACAC Member
Kevin Paul
College Counselor
- Experience: 15+ years in college admissions and advising
- Admissions Experience: Former admissions officer; Assistant Director of Recruitment & Admissions at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
- Credentials: B.A., UNC Chapel Hill • J.D./LL.M., Duke University School of Law • College Advising Certificate, Teachers College, Columbia University
Michael Broderick
College Counselor
- Experience: 20 years in college counseling
- Admissions Experience: 4 years Director of Admissions & Financial Aid at Saint Stanislaus College
- Credentials: Former Director of Admissions & Financial Aid • Former Assistant Director of Admissions • Former NCAA Athlete
Jose Ireta
College Counselor
- Experience: 25 years in college counseling
- High School Counseling: 25 years
- Students Served: 1,000+
- Credentials: M.A., Educational Administration, California Lutheran University, M.S., Counseling & Guidance, California Lutheran University, Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
Nicole Decuir
College Counselor
- High School Counseling: 20+ years as a school counselor and educator
- College Advising: 10 years
- Students Served: 1,000+
- Credentials: B.A., Psychology, Spelman College, M.A., Counseling, Prairie View A&M University, State Certified School Counselor, State Certified Special Education Teacher, ASCA Member, NACAC Member
Brian Vasquez
College Counselor
- Experience: 5 years in college admissions consulting and education
- High School Counseling: 4 years
- Students Served: 100+
- Credentials: B.A., History, UCLA, M.A., Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Columbia University
Darren Meyers
College Counselor
- Experience: 15 years
- High School Counseling: 10 years
- Students Served: 350+
- Credentials: B.S.M.E., Northwestern University, M.A., Secondary Science Education, Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A., Counseling, Manhattan College (now Manhattan University), Permanent Certified Physics Teacher (7-12), New York State, Associate Member of IECA, NACAC Member, Level 2 Certified Alpine Instructor, PSIA
Bennett Burnes
College Counselor
- Experience: 8 years in college admissions and counseling
- High School Counseling: 4 years
- Admissions Experience: 4 years, including Duke University Admissions and Duke alumni interviewing
- Students Served: 200+
- Credentials: B.A., Biology and Public Policy, Duke University
Tonishea Jackson
College Counselor
- Experience: 20+ years in higher education admissions and enrollment management
- Admissions Experience: 20+ years, including Assistant Director and Counselor at Illinois Institute of Technology, Director of Admissions at DePaul, Purdue, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, and UIC Law, Dean of Enrollment Management at City Colleges of Chicago, and Associate Dean at University of Chicago
- Credentials: MPA, Illinois Institute of Technology, EdS, National Louis University, EdD, National Louis University, NACAC, IACAC, NAGAP, AACRAO, AMA, Conscious Ambassador of Trauma-Informed Care, NYFAA
Don Keller
College Counselor
- Experience: 30 years in admissions counseling
- High School Counseling: 10 years
- Admissions Experience: 8 years as an Application Reader for UC Berkeley and Northeastern
- Credentials: Former FL Licensed School Counselor • NACAC Member
Stephanie Wolek
College Counselor
- Experience: 17 years, with a focus on working with STEM students
- High School Counseling: 10 years
- Students Served: 500+
- Credentials: B.S., Biology, Marist University, Master of Marine Affairs, University of Washington, NACAC Member
Serena Feniger
College Counselor
- Experience: 6 years
- High School Counseling: 6 years
- Students Served: 100+
- Credentials: B.A., Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies, Yale University
Raymond Gonzales
College Counselor
- Experience: 11 years in college counseling
- Credentials: Licensed Social Worker • Common App Advisory Council • NACAC Member
Adam Salazar
College Counselor
- Experience: 8 years in admissions advising and essay coaching
- Admissions Experience: 8 years as Admissions Rep • Admissions Advisor • Committee Reader • Graduate Admissions Advisor (UCF)
Claire Kirchoff
College Counselor
- Experience: 10+ years in college counseling
- High School Counseling: 7 years
- Credentials: Licensed School Counselor • NACAC • Fulbright Scholar • Jefferson Scholar
Kristen Stephenson
College Counselor
Experience: 20 years in college consulting, essay coaching, academic tutoring, and school counseling
High School Counseling: 10 years as a comprehensive counselor at charter and private schools
Credentials: Licensed School Counselor • Licensed English Teacher Grades 6–12 • M.A. Counseling • NACAC Member • MBTI Certified
Chelsea Zimmerman
College Counselor
- Experience: 11 years in high school and college counseling
- Credentials: Licensed School Counselor, Georgia • M.S. Ed. in Counseling & Counselor Education, IUPUI • Graduate Certificate in Education Law, Indiana University • Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Indiana University
Miracle Husband
College Counselor
- Experience: 16 years in college advising
- High School Counseling: 6 years
- Admissions Experience: 3 years at UC Berkeley
- Credentials: NACAC • NASPA • IECA Institute
Amanda Yoder
College Counselor
- Experience: 15 years in college counseling
- High School Counseling: 12 years
- Credentials: Virginia Licensed School Counselor (PK–12) • NACAC Member • Points For Patriots Mentor
Leslie Riccio
College Counselor
- Experience: 20 years in college counseling
- High School Counseling: 15 years
- Credentials: Licensed School Counselor (FL & VA) • Licensed Administrator • NACAC
Gina Twardosz
College Counselor & Essay Coach
- Experience: 7 years in college counseling and student advising
- Admissions Experience: 3 years
- Credentials: BFA, Saint Mary’s College • MFA, Columbia College Chicago
Elizabeth Wiet
College Counselor & Essay Coach
- Teaching Experience: 5 years as an English instructor at Yale University
- Credentials: BA, Dartmouth College • PhD, MA, and MPhil, Yale University
Check Out Our College Admissions Counseling Platform In Action
HelloCollege’s online platform helps keep things on track. Check your child’s progress, schedule a meeting, and access resources at any time.
Looking For Free College Admissions Counseling Resources?
HelloCollege offers free live workshops, planning tools, articles, videos and downloadable checklists for students and families working through college admissions, testing, college selection, applications and financial aid.
Workshops
- Live sessions
- Open Q&A with the experts
- Freshman through senior year content
- Free to attend
Downloads
- College Planning Timeline
- College Fit Guide
- College Visit Checklist
- College Research Workbook
- Scholarship Directory
Blog
- High School Class Rank, Explained
- What is an Advanced Placement (AP) Class?
- Is Babysitting an Extracurricular Activity?
Videos
- Grade Level Specific Content
- Essay Writing Series
- Helpful Admissions Tips
- More about HelloCollege
Schedule a 45-Minute Consultation with a HelloCollege College Admissions Expert
During a 45-minute consultation, your family can talk through where your student is in the admissions process, what decisions are coming next and where HelloCollege could help.
Let us help you with:
- Selecting the right courses and activities
- Prepping for standardized tests
- Choosing the right college and major
- Writing compelling essays
- Completing applications
- Applying for scholarships and financial aid
College Admissions Counseling FAQs
College admissions counseling helps students and families make decisions throughout the college planning and application process. A counselor can help with college selection, application strategy, essays, testing decisions and financial-aid planning. At HelloCollege, that guidance is built around the student’s goals, strengths and college fit.
High school counselors provide academic and college guidance within their broader responsibilities. Private college admissions counseling can provide additional time and individual attention for college selection, applications and related decisions, complementing the support available at school.
The cost depends on your selected plan and the support your student needs. Visit Plans & Pricing for current options, or book a consultation to discuss your family’s situation.
HelloCollege works with students as early as eighth grade or freshman year. Starting earlier leaves more time to explore interests, strengthen preparation and make choices without rushing. Students closer to application season can focus on college lists, essays and deadlines.
Your counselor helps set priorities and build an application timeline. The HelloCollege applicant platform then gives your student and family one place to see tasks, deadlines and progress.
Yes. Your counselor helps connect your student’s interests and strengths to academic programs. Experiences such as internships or job shadowing can help them investigate a field before deciding what to study.
Your counselor reviews your student’s academics and activities in relation to their target colleges, identifies preparation priorities and helps them present their experiences clearly. Tutors and essay coaches can step in when academic, testing or writing support is needed.
Yes. Essay coaches help students develop ideas, answer prompts and revise their own drafts. Feedback focuses on story, structure and clarity while preserving the student’s voice.
Yes. Career exploration can inform major and college choices. Counselors can help students investigate fields through programs, internships, job shadowing and conversations with professionals.
For many families, the benefit is having more time for individual planning, help with important decisions and someone keeping the application process organized. Private counseling can complement the support available through school and give students more time to work through college choices and applications.
No. A college admissions counselor cannot guarantee admission to any college. Colleges make their own admissions decisions. HelloCollege can help your student prepare well, build a balanced college list, make informed decisions and submit applications that reflect who they are.
Find out who will actually work with your student, what experience that person brings and how often you will communicate. It also helps to understand what services are included before you choose a counselor or plan.
No. Whether private counseling fits a family depends on its needs, available school support and budget. Compare the cost with the services your student would actually use, and clarify those needs before selecting a plan.
Yes. Counselors help students consider course choices and testing timelines. Academic tutors support challenging coursework, while SAT and ACT tutors provide targeted test preparation.
HelloCollege uses its S.A.F.E. College Fit Methodology alongside a student’s academic profile, goals and admission prospects to build a balanced college list. S.A.F.E. considers Social, Academic, Financial and Employment fit.
Yes. Financial specialists help families navigate financial-aid applications, investigate scholarships and compare award offers. They can also help assess whether an aid appeal is appropriate.
A session depends on what your student needs at that point. They might review academic progress, research colleges, work through application timing or prepare for an interview. The session ends with agreed next steps for the student and counselor.
Yes. HelloCollege is based in Oak Brook, Illinois, and serves students and families nationwide through virtual counseling.