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College Advisor

When college is on the horizon, you need an objective voice of reason, someone to unlock the mysteries of the college process.

What I do

All too often, college admissions offices see students as numbers.
Let’s make sure they see you for you.

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College List

Together we’ll develop a balanced list of reaches, targets and likelies that fit you. That way, you’ll be ready for anything.
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Essays

Combining your voice with my expertise, I’ll help you tell your story in a way that sets you apart from the crowd.
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Resume

Developing a strong resume will be the foundation for your activities list and your future internships.

How I Help

Guide

The college process is complicated and overwhelming. I explain it all, breaking it down into manageable steps.

Map Out A Plan

Together we map out a custom plan for you, including strategies and a timetable tailored to your individual needs.

Reduce Stress

You’ll have an objective voice of reason on speed dial. Whatever the worry, whatever the question, I’ve got you covered.

Stay On Track

I keep you moving forward, one step at a time.

Strategic Thinking

I provide insight and strategies that help you stand out from the crowd.

Maintain Family Harmony

I play the bad cop so you don’t have to.

About me

Jody Skiest

Founder & Principal

As an experienced college advisor, I help students tell their stories so colleges can see who they really are. Nowadays, schools look beyond grades and test scores so they can build a class of unique individuals, each adding something distinct to their college community. My job is to help students show their authentic selves.

When my daughter was in high school, the college process took over our lives. Before long I learned the biggest secret of all: there is no magic formula for getting into college. Rather, there is a tipping point between those who distinguish themselves and stand out from the crowd and those who don’t.

So how did I get here? In a prior life I was a lawyer – but it was never who I really was. I’ve always been a creative problem-solver and a strategic thinker. The kind of person people go to for advice. I’d get questions like, “Should I send my child to public school or private?” or “How do I help my son/daughter find a summer internship?”

Looking back, the transition from lawyer to college advisor was seamless. It was completely natural because I’m finally doing what I love: helping students find the schools that are right for them. Together we pinpoint their goals and develop a strategy to achieve them. For me, an added bonus is all the families I meet along the way.

Work with me
one-on-one.

COLLABORATIVE
Communication is key. As I learn about you, I’ll help you discover all the unique qualities and skills you don’t even notice.

CANDID
I wouldn’t be helping if we didn’t keep things real, so I’ll always give it to you straight. When it comes to your success, nothing less will do.

ACCESSIBLE
It’s hard to be patient when your future is at stake. That’s why you’ll hear back from me quickly (during normal waking hours, that is).

EXPERT
Combining my expertise with a knack for helping you highlight your unique talents makes an intimidating process a lot less stressful.

Additional Services

And a little more…

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Athletes

Navigating athletic recruitment is a complex process. To be successful you need to be informed — to understand all the hoops you need to jump through. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

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Arts

For students with special talents in art, dance, music, film or theater, submitting an arts portfolio is key. It’s your golden opportunity to share your creativity and passion in a way that’s not possible in other parts of the application.

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Transfers

Some students don’t find their perfect college on the first try. To transfer, you need to know how the process differs from when you first applied as a freshman. I help you understand what colleges will be looking for now.

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Internships & Jobs

Landing a summer internship is no cakewalk. Same goes for that first job after graduation. I’ll share my inside secrets that get results, including how to write a killer resume, search for opportunities and land interviews.

Proven Results

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First Choice

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Top 3 Choices

From my clients

Straight from students and parents like you.

5 stars

“YOU KEPT US SANE”

I can’t thank you enough for your many hours, days, and months of wise counsel. You kept us sane, focused, on track and in the right headspace. You were a direct, honest, frank, encouraging, and realistic advisor and friend.

-Parent

5 stars

“THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART”

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me through the college process. I owe so much of my success to you and your hours of work and dedication.

-Student

5 stars

“I’M GIVING YOUR NAME TO ALL MY FRIENDS!”

You unraveled the logistics of the process and demystified the many secrets of the Common App. You set us in the right direction, and I’m giving your name to all my friends!

-Parent

5 stars

“YOU CHANGED MY FUTURE”

Thank you so much for all your help and guidance. I can honestly say without exaggeration that I wouldn’t have gotten into the colleges I did without your help. You literally changed my future, and for that I am wholeheartedly thankful.

-Student

Let’s talk!

It all starts with a phone call.

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Boston, Massachusetts

Call Me