We understand that the college admissions process can be competitive, overwhelming, and stressful. Our mission is to guide students with honesty, encouragement, and a personalized approach, ensuring they feel confident during this transformative chapter of growth and discovery. We believe that every student is unique, and there is a right-fit college for everyone—we are committed to helping them find it.
As college admissions become increasingly complex and strategic, we recognize the challenges students and families face today. We understand the big business that college admissions has become, and because of this deep understanding, we excel at guiding students through the process. We prioritize the individual needs and aspirations of each student. Our role extends beyond applications—we serve as mentors and coaches, helping students clarify their goals, navigate the process with less stress, and ultimately make empowered decisions about their future.
While working with us, our goals are to:
Simplify the college admissions process to reduce stress and uncertainty.
Guide students nationwide with personalized mentorship and coaching.
Help students discover and pursue their life ambitions, not just their college goals.
Encourage academic and personal growth, inspiring students to reach their highest potential.
With a supportive and strategic approach, we ensure that every student finds the college that fits them best—academically, socially, and personally.
Our Services
Through personalized guidance at every stage of the process, we ensure each student makes informed decisions that align with both their academic and personal goals. Our Comprehensive Packages guide students through every step of the college admissions process. Aspire counselors remain actively involved until a final decision is made. We offer support through Zoom meetings and phone and email assistance, to make the journey as smooth and successful as possible.
We support students throughout the essay-writing process, from brainstorming compelling topics to refining multiple drafts. Our goal is to help students craft authentic, well-written personal statements and individual school supplements that reflect their unique voices and experiences.
Hourly services are available as needed, offering targeted support for specific aspects of the admissions process. This option is ideal for those who require guidance on particular areas but do not need comprehensive, full-scale support.
Self-Assessment
We help students explore a wide range of academic opportunities while gaining a deeper understanding of how their interests align with different fields of study. This self-assessment process provides valuable insight into potential majors and career paths, ensuring informed decision-making throughout the college search.
Course Selection
Careful planning of high school coursework is essential for college readiness. We provide guidance on course selection to ensure students are academically challenged while maintaining a balanced and realistic schedule that aligns with their long-term goals.
Standardized Testing
With the landscape of test-optional and test-free admissions policies evolving, we help students determine whether taking the SAT or ACT is beneficial for their application. Together, we develop a personalized testing plan, including when to take tests and how to prepare effectively.
Extracurricular & Summer Activities
Colleges value students who pursue their passions outside the classroom. We help students evaluate and identify meaningful extracurricular activities and summer programs that enhance their applications.
Building a College List
We develop a customized list of colleges based on the student’s academic background, interests, and aspirations. This list includes a range of institutions categorized by selectivity, ensuring students have a balanced mix of schools to research and visit.
Activities Résumé
A well-structured résumé highlights a student’s academic, athletic, community service, leadership, work, and personal achievements. We assist in creating a polished and compelling résumé that showcases strengths and contributions in a clear and organized manner.
Interview & Campus Visit Preparation
For students who may have admissions interviews, we conduct mock interviews followed by constructive feedback to refine their responses and presentation. We also provide guidance on making the most of campus visits, including what to look for and questions to ask during tours and information sessions.
Essay Brainstorming & Editing
Our goal is to help students craft an authentic, well-written personal statement and individual school supplements that reflect their unique voices and experiences.
Application Strategy & Review
Strategic planning is crucial when deciding between Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision options. We guide students in making these choices while ensuring each application is complete, polished, and thoughtfully presented.
Victoria Nichols Natale
Victoria brings over 20 years of experience as an independent college counselor, guiding students through the increasingly complex admissions process with confidence and clarity. Prior to her work in counseling, she spent 15 years in college admissions, including a key role at Boston University, where she managed the selection process.
Throughout her career, Victoria has collaborated closely with public and independent school counselors, parents, and students, offering expert guidance and strategic insight. A respected voice in the field, she has spoken on numerous panels and is frequently invited to high school programs to help families navigate the college search process. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College in Norton, MA, and a Master of Education from Boston University.
Sara Katzenberg Libby
Sara brings over 18 years of experience in competitive college admissions, including 15 years at Boston University. Throughout her career, she has gained valuable insight into the evolving landscape of higher education through her participation in nationwide recruitment initiatives and her coordination of the selection process in the metro Boston region. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of the selective admissions process and the factors that shape college decisions.
As a dedicated college planner for more than a decade, Sara is committed to helping students and families navigate the complexities of the college search and application process. She provides informed, up-to-date guidance, utilizing her professional connections and staying current on admissions trends and policies. She takes a personalized approach, helping students uncover their strengths, interests, and goals while offering thoughtful support at every stage. Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts from Connecticut College.
Success Stories from Students & Families
I am honored to support Sara Libby, who played a crucial role in guiding both of my sons through the college application process. Her expertise, dedication, and encouragement made the journey manageable and even exciting. From college selection to final submissions, Sara provided insightful advice, personalized strategies, and unwavering support. Thanks to her guidance, both of my sons gained admission to their first-choice colleges with confidence.
What sets Sara apart is her genuine care for students. She takes the time to understand each individual, offering thoughtful feedback to ensure every application reflects their unique voice. Her patience, warmth, and professionalism left a lasting impact on our family, and I highly recommend her to any student or parent navigating this milestone.
We have worked with Sara over the last two years planning and executing our son’s college evaluation/application process and could not be more pleased with the experience. Sara is highly organized, possesses vast knowledge of the admissions landscape, detailed knowledge of school specific criteria and a keen understanding of proper match. Of all her strengths, we most valued Sara’s high EQ and ability to connect and gain the trust of our teenage son. We believe that skill above all others led to a smooth and successful process. We will use Sara for our other 2 children and highly recommend her to anyone looking for assistance navigating the college admissions process.
It is a pleasure to write and share my positive experience with Vicki Natale, who assisted my twin daughters with college planning.
Vicki’s wealth of knowledge regarding the overall admissions process, including individual college profiles, resume development, college essay writing and application deadlines, assures that an otherwise daunting process is not only manageable, but enjoyable. Vicki combines up-to-date research with good old fashioned hard work and time management to help each student reach their full potential.
Vicki is the consummate professional; articulate, gracious, trustworthy, discreet and respectful of family privacy. She is flexible with scheduling and always accessible through email, never bothered by the countless questions of her anxious students. Vicki’s calming demeanor and gentle presence is yet another one of her gifts. My daughters found each meeting with her to be inspiring and productive.
We are all grateful to Vicki and feel fortunate to have had her as the consultant who helped us achieve admission to our first-choice colleges!
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