find your fit, pursue your purpose

Each student is unique.

Your college guidance should be too.

 

customized guidance to maximize your potential for college and beyond

 

I’m Mara! I’d love to help you apply with clarity and confidence!

Now enrolling current juniors!

Offering meetings in-person or via Zoom

Reserve your spot now!

 

“

February 2018

College by Design made me feel less worried about my application and took a lot of stress out of the whole process, giving me direction in my essays and confidence in my writing. With College by Design, you won’t feel uneasy about your application, but rather, feel confident with everything you’ve accomplished in your high school career.

Marshall, accepted to NYU

APPLY WITH CONFIDENCE

The college admissions process is more complicated than ever, but you don’t have to walk this road alone.

 

3026

colleges and universities

In the U.S. alone, there are over 3000 4-year colleges and universities to choose from. Narrowing it down—and not overlooking those hidden gems—can be an overwhelming task. College by Design can help you navigate this sea of opportunities and determine which kinds of schools are right for you.

 

250

potential majors

With over 250 majors out there to choose from, not to mention the unlimited number of careers that could follow, how do you decide which path to pursue? College by Design will help you to better understand how your aptitudes and interests align and how to take the next steps toward a meaningful and rewarding work life.

 
 

1

you

College by Design operates on the fundamental principle that each human being has been uniquely created to fulfill a distinct purpose that no other person could perform in exactly the same way. Our mission is to help you discover that calling and equip you with the tools to pursue that future effectively and confidently, to, through, and beyond college.

 

Your future awaits

Choosing and applying to college is one of the most daunting and influential decisions in a young person’s life. Together, we will walk through a process of self-discovery and reflection to uncover your strengths, clarify your calling, and craft a vision for your future.

Learn More

 

College by Design offers a selection of customized packages as well as an hourly consultation rate.

 

Specializing in

THE PERSONAL STATEMENT

How do I put my soul on paper, and in only 650 words? With 15 years of experience in writing instruction, I can walk you through the personal statement from idea generation to final polish. We’ll start with exercises designed to identify your core values and narratives of growth, travel through several drafts, and arrive at a powerful story of transformation that shares who you are and who you are becoming.

Career and calling exploration

What should I do with my life? Through a combination of state-of-the-art software and individual counseling, we will explore your aptitudes, interests, and sense of calling, leading to a list of potential majors and possible careers.
 

personality and learning style advice

How does my mind work? For those desiring a deeper dive into self-understanding and self-actualization, we can look at various approaches to personality, motivation style, and learning preferences, collecting insights that will allow you to maximize your educational—and life—potential.

 
Untitled-3.jpg