Hello, I'm Jim!

This experience tapped into skills I had honed over decades in the business world. With a Computer Science and Marketing degree from Boston College, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School, I built a career in management consulting and high-tech sales and marketing, and eventually launched and sold my own voiceover services business. Throughout that time, I was a strategic thinker, a strong writer, and a data-driven decision-maker. Now, I bring those same competencies to the world of college admissions.

 

My process starts with a comprehensive intake interview centered around her/his quirks, goals, challenges, and most importantly, passions (more on this later). This self-exploration never stops until the final college decision is made.  

 

Our Three Priorities

 

Data Mining. Finding the right college match today requires navigating a flood of data: test scores, admit rates, early action vs. regular decision strategies. Quantitative data will allow us to assess the likelihood of getting into any given college, but just importantly, considering qualitative data as well will enable us to look beyond college rankings and drive towards the right fit between student and college. As a former tech executive and entrepreneur, I know how to extract insights from numbers — and how to translate those insights into action. 

 

Persuasive Story Telling. Good applications tell stories — they persuade and position. As always, we start with your student’s passions – who they are and what they love. Here’s where competitive students can go beyond GPAs and SATs to separate themselves. When your students write about their passions, they write authentically and with a sense of joy, resulting in a creative and memorable Personal Statement that really catches and holds the attention of a college admissions officer. My background in writing for business — from investor decks to marketing plans — gives me the ability to help students communicate who they are in both compelling and strategic ways. 

 

Your Kid's Passions. I believe this work is about more than the mechanics of college list generation and application submission. Every student is different, and my approach is deeply personalized, so that together we can find the colleges that align best with their academic, social, and personal priorities. In my girls’ journey, they really lit up when they discovered something about a college that sparked things that they were passionate about along any of these dimensions. Exploring your student’s passions should be really fun, and an opportunity for parents and students to embark on an exciting voyage, deepening their bond in the process.

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Speaking of passions...

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I have a particular love for the performing arts — including musical theatre, acting, and music — and a strong appreciation for students pursuing creative paths. One of my daughters explored BFA programs and ultimately chose a program that blended musical theatre with business, so I understand the intricacies of evaluating artistic programs and how to balance performance ambitions with academic goals.

 

I also have a passion for business and technology. Given my consulting and high-tech business background, I speak the language of both and can effectively serve as a bridge between your student’s emerging interests and specific college programs, with a critical eye towards your student’s early career path.   We will also delve into the impacts of AI for both college and career, and how to prepare now for a life landscape that’ll look radically different four years from now.

 

I’ve also coached softball and basketball, and I connect easily with student-athletes and students who love team dynamics.

 

In short: I help students think clearly, write honestly, plan strategically, and apply confidently. I bring business rigor, creative thinking, and heart to the work — and I’d be honored to be part of your child’s journey.