Why should I use a college consultant?

The days of relying solely on a high school guidance counselor are over. The college admissions process can be confusing, complicated, and frustrating…but it doesn’t have to be.

Admissions Advocates believes this can be a positive experience of self-growth and empowerment.  The individualized attention we provide allows students to find the best-suited college or post-high school program for them. Part of our philosophy is to act as facilitators in creating open dialogue between student and parent throughout the college application process. We listen to the needs, interests, and  goals of the entire family.

We help take the anxiety out of applying to college. Unlike high school guidance counselors who are overworked with large caseloads, we are wholly committed to and focused on your child.

What credentials do you have?

Ali Newman and Anne Marie Comaratta have over twenty years of combined experience working with teenaged students.

Ali is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), the New York State Association of College Admissions Counselors (NYSACAC), the American School Counselors’ Association (ASCA), the New York State School Counselors’ Association (NYSSCA), and the Western New York Suburban Counselors’ Consortium. She has a certification in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program’s Counseling Level 1 and will be a presenter at this year’s NYSACAC conference at Niagara University.

Anne Marie is New York State certified in English 7-12, and she received her National Board of Professional Teaching Standards credential in November 2008. She is one of only 1000 National Board-certified teachers in New York State.

They hold degrees from Columbia, University of Michigan, UB, and University of Notre Dame.

For more information on Ali and Anne Marie’s credentials, click the About Us link.

When is the most ideal time to start working with a college consultant?

In order to get the most out of high school and be prepared for the reality of the world of college admissions, we recommend that students have an initial consultation at the beginning of high school.  This will allow us to discuss the importance of course selection and review the criteria for college admissions.   However, we can start working with students during any point in their high school career.

See our Workshops page for more details.

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