College Admissions Counseling

 Our Approach

Each learner is different, and our college counselors & academic advisors will work together to craft a plan that fits your needs and goals.

What can a counselor do for you?

We offer tailored advice on college research, helping students stand out by understanding what admissions officers seek beyond grades and test scores. For families starting early, we assist with curriculum planning and extracurricular choices to build a strong academic and personal profile. By providing support at every stage, Ivy Bound counselors empower students to maximize their potential and increase their chances of admission to their dream schools.

College Admissions Counselors

  • Heather Toyen

    I have been counseling students since 2003. My college counseling is a mix of in-person work at Avon High School in Connecticut, and independent work with families. I manage individual counseling including organization, time management, course selection, college planning, social situations, emotional support, and post-secondary planning. In addition, I am responsible for and implement 504/IDEA plans.

  • Kristen Starkowski

    I have been advising students as they prepare for the college application process since 2019. I am happy to assist students as they develop a college list, draft and revise the personal statement, write up activities and honors, and plan supplemental essays. I also have extensive experience mentoring middle school and high school students, and I am eager to help my clients discover activities, contests, and other opportunities in their fields of interest. Outside of my work with Ivy Bound, I teach writing and literature at Harvard and MIT.

  • Jesse Tendler

    My objective as an admissions counselor is to utilize my extensive academic training, understanding and mastery of various learning styles, meticulous nature, smile-inducing positivity, and vast experience to assist and support students in reaching their full potential and highest possible level of achievement. My ability to address every stage in the college prep process, my understanding of each applicant’s individuality, my extensive knowledge of the U.S. university system, and my contagious enthusiasm for education make me an ideal admissions coach. I look forward to helping you succeed.

  • Stephanie Skier

    With a record of success and over a decade of teaching experience in the test prep field, Stephanie brings the skills and enthusiasm to maximize your student’s academic and ttesting performance. She began tutoring with IvyBound in her freshman year at Harvard in. She speaks five languages and has conducted research at the Harvard-Yenching Institute, the Harvard Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and Columbia University’s Harriman Institute. Grateful to have learned from some excellent teachers, Stephanie is passionate about education and teaching. She aims to tailor her tutoring to the individual student’s needs, goals, and learning style.

  • Emily Liu

    I am a college senior at the University of Pennsylvania studying economics and political science. I have been tutoring privately since high school, both paid and volunteer. I have experience working with a broad range of students, from elementary school students to Ivy League applicants to students at a juvenile detention center. Currently, I am teaching a weekly ACT Prep course with Ivy Bound.

  • Linford Ranck

    Hello! I am a mentor and scholar passionate about enabling students to meet and exceed their learning goals. My broad education and professional experience allows me to meet the potentially wide-ranging needs of any given student, from test prep to college application writing to language study. My interdisciplinary and student centered approach helps students integrate their studies with the rest of life, while also meeting their learning goals. I find deep satisfaction to witness growth and success.

Our Partners

IIvy Bound partners with several independent counselors and firms.