Cooyar College Counseling

Guidance, Strategy, and Support for Every Step of the Journey

Navigating the college admissions process can be overwhelming, for students and their families alike. With so much at stake, academically, emotionally, and financially, it’s easy to feel unsure of where to start or how to make the right decisions. I’m here to guide you through every phase of the journey with personalized support and a compassionate approach.

My goal is not only to help students find colleges that are a great fit academically, socially, and emotionally, but also to help preserve the parent-child relationship during what can often be a stressful time. I believe in demystifying the admissions process, breaking it down into clear, manageable steps so families can move forward with confidence, clarity, and a sense of empowerment.

I work closely with each student to help them showcase their unique strengths, experiences, and potential, ensuring their application tells an authentic and compelling story that stands out. Families appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing no detail is overlooked and the confidence that comes from a process designed to deliver a strong return on investment, both in college outcomes and long-term success.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are deep in the application process, I provide a structured, supportive path forward. I work with students as early as middle school to help them thoughtfully roadmap their path through high school or as late as the beginning of senior year. It's never too early to start.

How I Support Students and Families

• Educational planning and course selection to maximize competitiveness
• Strategies to help applications stand out in a crowded pool
• Positioning strategies for different types of applicants (STEM, arts, business, pre-med, etc.)
• Strategic guidance on Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision plans
• Guidance on extracurricular activities that highlight your strengths and passions
• Identifying gaps in your profile and suggestions for how to strengthen it over time
• Guidance on meaningful summer programs, internships, research opportunities, or jobs
• Strategies to make the most of summer experiences for resume-building and personal growth
• Helping students build a strong, compelling resume or activities list
• Coaching students on how to request strong letters of recommendation
• Curated application support that authentically reflects who you are
• Creating balanced and thoughtful college lists
• Advising on SAT/ACT test timing and whether to test at all in the test-optional landscape
• Brainstorming, writing, and editing for:
  • Common App Personal Statement
  • UC Personal Insight Questions
  • “Why Us” and other supplemental essays
• Interview preparation
• Application timeline management to reduce stress and stay on track

What Sets Me Apart

I bring a combination of insight, experience, and strategy to college counseling because I know how much is on the line for students and their families. As a parent who’s been through this journey with my own daughter, I understand firsthand the emotions, decisions, and challenges families face. I work with students in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as throughout the United States.

I have worked as an application reader for one of the top 50 selective private research universities in the U.S., I’ve seen firsthand what admissions officers are looking for and what makes an application truly stand out. I use that insider perspective to help students position themselves thoughtfully and authentically throughout the process.

I also draw on a professional background in marketing for four Fortune 500 companies, which allows me to bring a strategic storytelling lens to the application process. I help students articulate their strengths, experiences, and goals in a way that resonates, ensuring they’re putting their best foot forward and standing out in a competitive applicant pool.

In addition, I hold a UC Berkeley College Admissions and Career Planning Certification, and I stay current through ongoing professional development. This means my guidance is not only compassionate and personalized, but also informed by the most up-to-date trends and changes in the admissions landscape.

Above all, I’m here to provide clarity, reduce stress, and help you feel confident that every step of the journey is purposeful and that your student is supported, seen, and set up for success.