The Anti-Overwhelm Approach to College Applications
1:1 College Counseling to Find Your Best-Fit Schools
From first draft to final decision, going to college is supposed to be fun! But getting in? That’s a whole different ball game.
As a California-based college admissions consultant, I help students and families navigate every step, from essay brainstorming to application timelines to final college decisions.
You already know you want to go to college, but I help you better understand yourself so you know where you want to go and how to get there.
University of California
💻
Cal States
✏️
California Private Colleges
😎
West Coast Colleges
🌴
University of California 💻 Cal States ✏️ California Private Colleges 😎 West Coast Colleges 🌴
“I knew I wanted to go to a good college, but I was lost on how to get there.
I struggled to figure out what to do with my extracurriculars when beginning my junior year of high school. What surprised me most about Nicole was her ability to both call me out and support me at the same time: When I kept saying, ‘I don’t care,’ she gently guided me into changing the way I think about college. Nicole understood me and helped me apply to places she knew I would love, even if I was not so sure!”
Jack R., Class of 2025
College Counseling and Support for Every Step (and Detour)
No two students take the same path to college. That’s why I never use a one-size-fits-all approach.
As a college admissions consultant, I make sure you (and your family) are prepared with a custom plan that supports your dreams, whether you’re applying for the first time or transferring schools.
Here’s a quick look at how we can work together:
High School Students
You’re ready to start thinking about college for the first time, which means there are a lot of new moving parts happening right now…and you’re ready to get serious about applying.
I offer 1:1 college matchmaking support that fits into your timeline, learning style, and priorities to help you better understand your options so you find your dream school and have a strategy for getting in!
Regardless of whether you’re early in the game or staring down an approaching fall deadline, I meet you where you’re at and guide you to the finish line!
Transfer Students With New Goals
Starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. But let’s face it: You’ve changed, and your goals have, too.
No matter your reasons for transferring schools, I’ll work with you to find your best collegiate match now.
It’s time to find your collegiate home!
College 2.0 Grad School Counseling
When students start talking about GREs and research proposals, I kindly tap out.
But I’ve worked in this space long enough to know who’s great at it!
If you’re exploring grad programs and want specific support, I’ll happily refer you to fellow professionals who specialize in your next chapter.
Meet Your College Matchmaker
I’m Nicole Pilar, the college admissions consultant you have on speed-dial for when spreadsheets start to blur and essay prompts feel like a riddle you can’t crack (even when your whole fam is brainstorming around the kitchen table)!
With over a decade of experience, from Fulbright Scholar to Collegewise Counselor of the Year, I bring Cool Aunt Energy with zero judgment to a process that’s often as overwhelming as trusting Ticketmaster for your favorite concert.
I built Your College Matchmaker around one core belief: when students know themselves, they make better decisions about their future.
While your job is doing what it takes to get there, my job is to tell you how (and cheer you on every step of the way!).
Not Sure What To Do? That’s My Job.
Your first step is easier than it feels: you fill out a quick form, we jump on a call to see if our stars align, then we’ll get to building your personalized college game plan.