College Consulting Services

Personalized guidance for every step of the college journey

Personalized guidance for every step of the college journey

In a world filled with rankings, social media, and outside opinions, students need space to hear their own voice. Hill Educational Consulting works one-on-one with students to understand who they are, what matters to them, and where they will thrive.

With two decades of experience in education and college counseling, we help students and families navigate academic planning, the college search, applications, and important decisions with clarity and confidence. Our approach is calm, thoughtful, and highly personalized—because the right college journey begins with the student, not the college list.

Three ways to begin college planning

My approach is built on genuine connection — taking the time to learn about you and your family to understand your needs, and earn your trust.

Option 1

The Comprehensive Package

Our flagship offering for families seeking complete guidance from early planning through the transition to college.

The Comprehensive Package is a personalized, start-to-finish experience designed around your student’s strengths, interests, goals, and learning style. We provide the structure, strategy, and steady support students need to move forward without unnecessary stress or pressure.

This package is well suited for:

  • Students beginning the process early

  • Students applying to a broad range of colleges with multiple application requirements

  • Students who benefit from additional structure, accountability, and deadline support

  • Families looking for a trusted guide throughout the entire process


Support may include:

  • Academic planning and course selection

  • Guided self-discovery and interest assessment

  • Extracurricular planning and development of meaningful impact

  • College research, priorities, and list strategy

  • Standardized testing strategy

  • Application organization and deadline management

  • Personal statement, UC PIQ, and supplemental essay guidance

  • College visit and demonstrated-interest planning

  • A financial-aid overview

  • Admission decision support and preparation for the transition to college

Every engagement begins with an in-depth exploratory process so we can understand the student and family, clarify priorities, and build a plan that feels both ambitious and realistic.

Option 2

Senior Consulting Package

Focused, full-service guidance for students beginning the process later.

The Senior Consulting Package is designed for late-starting juniors and seniors who need to move through the college application process on a compressed timeline. It includes the essential elements of the Comprehensive Package, with focused support for finalizing a college list, organizing applications, developing essays, and meeting critical deadlines.

Because this work requires concentrated attention, the Senior Consulting Package is offered only when time and space allow.

Option 3

Hourly Consulting

Flexible support for students and families with specific needs.

Hourly consulting is available for students who have already begun the process or who need targeted guidance rather than a full-service package. Support can be used for a defined project, a particular stage of the process, or a custom combination of needs.
Hourly consulting may include:

  • Academic, extracurricular, or summer planning

  • Career and major exploration

  • College-list development or refinement

  • Essay brainstorming, writing, and revision

  • Application review

  • Student-athlete recruitment strategy

  • College decision and financial-aid guidance

  • — 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."

  • — 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."

  • — 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."

  • — 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.”

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 Find The Right Path Together

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 knowledgeable partner who will listen closely, provide honest guidance, and keep the process moving forward, I would be honored to work with your family.