About

Meet Marianne Hill

College admissions is about much more than applications, essays, and deadlines. It is a time when students are discovering who they are, what matters to them, and how they want to step into the world.

I’m Marianne Hill, an educational consultant and college counselor with two decades of experience helping students and families navigate this important transition. I bring deep knowledge of the admissions process, but just as importantly, I bring patience, perspective, and a genuine belief in every student’s ability to grow.

My goal is not to push students toward the most prestigious name. It is to help each student find an environment where they will be supported, challenged, and able to thrive.

Why I do this work

As a mother of four, I know firsthand how transformative it is to watch young people discover who they are. That experience deepened my belief that every student has strengths worth uncovering—even when they can't see them yet.

I love working with high school students because this stage holds so much possibility. With thoughtful questions and the right support, students move from feeling overwhelmed to recognizing the experiences and qualities that make them uniquely capable.

The process can also strain the parent-student relationship. Having another trusted adult involved gives students room to take ownership while giving parents confidence that the details are handled. Raising children up—whether at home or through this work—is what drives me.

Education, credentials, and professional affiliations

  • Master of Science in Education, Dominican University of California

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of California, Davis

  • Certificate in College Counseling with Distinction, UCLA

  • Student Athlete Advisor Credential

  • NACAC Counselor Guide to Advising the Student Athlete

  • NCDA Facilitating Career Development Training Program

  • WOW Certified Essay Coach

  • Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • Member, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)

  • Member, Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC)

Accredited with the experience required to support your college planning journey

  • — Parent, Class of 2026

    "Marianne was an incredible guide throughout our daughter's college application journey, helping her navigate applications to more than 17 schools with confidence and care. Beyond keeping the process organized, Marianne truly helped our daughter find her voice in her essays and present her authentic self. In the end, she was accepted to the school that feels like the perfect fit, and we couldn't be more grateful for Marianne's support, insight, and encouragement along the way."

  • — Parent, Class of 2026

    "Working with Marianne gave our family strategic guidance, peace of mind, and a trusted accountability partner during a very emotional and high-pressure process. What stood out most was her ability to help our child refine her authentic story and build confidence while also preserving a healthy family dynamic throughout the college application journey."

  • — Parent, Class of 2026

    "Marianne was such a gift to our family during the college application process. She was a calm and steady presence for my daughter, my husband, and me. We felt at ease with Marianne and trusted her advice completely. While I'm happy that the college application process is behind us, I'm sad my conversations with Marianne have come to an end. She truly is the best."

  • — Parent, Class of 2026

    "Marianne was an incredibly supportive presence throughout my daughter's college application process. From the very beginning, she was approachable and warm, which immediately eased the stress my daughter was feeling about applying. She truly listened to my daughter and followed her lead in terms of the types of schools she wanted to explore, while offering gentle and important guidance along the way. So often, college counselors can add stress to an already overwhelming process, but Marianne did the opposite — she made my daughter feel supported and capable. At the same time, she maintained a strict timeline and held my daughter to high expectations, which kept the process moving forward and ultimately led to my daughter being accepted to her top choice school."

  • — Student, Class of 2026

    "Working with Marianne made the college process feel a lot less stressful and more manageable. I always felt comfortable being honest and asking questions, and I appreciated how supportive and organized everything was. It really helped me stay on track and feel confident in my decisions. I would definitely recommend working with Marianne to anyone going through the process."

  • — L.M. Class of 2022

    “Marianne is an amazing coach. Her guidance and assistance have been a great help to me throughout the whole college process as a first-generation college student. She truly cared and supported me every step of the way to make me a competitive applicant. Words can’t express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the help she has given me and for making the college application process so smooth.”

  • — Parent of two student ‘22, ‘24 AM

    “When it comes time to find a college for your child, anyone can tell you what colleges are looking for, rattle off stats and options, and help you with essays, budgets. The process is not just about a handful of facts. Marianne stands in a league of her own, because she truly gets to know your child and family. It is her deep passion to ensure the choices being made, and the pathways being considered are authentic and best for the whole child in order to set them up for continued success and growth.”

  • — T.B. Class of 2022

    “Marianne's invaluable guidance and support in navigating college preparation, coupled with personalized strategies, ensured clarity and direction in my pursuit of academic and personal growth. Her proactive approach fostered consistent communication and constructive feedback, empowering me to make informed decisions for my educational journey.”

Supporting the whole student

My background includes extensive experience supporting students with learning differences and specialized training in counseling neurodiverse students. I believe learning differently is never a barrier to meaningful growth or a fulfilling future.

Whether a student needs help building confidence, finding the right academic environment, exploring possible majors, navigating athletic recruitment, or simply getting over the next hurdle, I meet them with respect and curiosity. The goal is to give students the tools and agency to move forward in a way that feels authentic to them.

Why families choose Hill Educational Consulting

  • 20+ Years Experience
  • Small Caseloads
  • Student first guidance
  • Calm & Supportive Approach
  • Accountability with actionable steps
  • Celebrates the wins
  • Neurodiverse Support
  • Current Knowledge
  • Right-Fit Focus
  • IECA / HECA / WACAC
  • In-Person + Virtual

Let’s help your student find their path

The college process should help students understand themselves—not lose themselves in a sea of rankings, expectations, and deadlines.

If you are looking for a calm, knowledgeable partner who will listen closely, provide honest guidance, and keep the process moving forward, I would be honored to work with your family.

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