Public School counselors have a tough job.

The student caseload at public high schools in California averages more than 400 kids per counselor. You deal with everything from the student who is not showing up at all to class valedictorians. And we know school budgets are not loaded with money for professional development to deal with all those different scenarios! 

I have the luxury of specializing in one aspect of your job.
I am a college expert.

I spend time visiting colleges, learning about their financial aid programs, how much debt students accumulate, average starting salaries of graduates, admitted student profiles, personality, special programs, and any other fact I can get my hands on to help students. 

Like you, I am trying to increase the number of students who attend college and, just as important, graduate from college. I work with everyone from the first-gen student to the kid who grew up knowing college was the plan (this usually includes parents too). I know the admission process from the inside out and help families understand what decisions they need to make and when. I match students to the RIGHT college for their academic, social, and economic profile.

I am eager to help you and the students you work with.

I give free talks on anything college-related. My favorite is an overview of what families can do each year of high school to make the process less stressful. I also speak on types of colleges and degrees, how to choose a college, applications and essays, arranging college visits, etc. I have 20+ years of higher education experience, a master’s in student development, and am a former admission officer. Please use my expertise to make your life easier.

I am available to share my expertise anytime. Please call me for more details. Working together we can definitely help more kids thrive!

My name is Holly McCord Duncan and I am a college expert.

I am a former admission officer, have a Master’s in college student development, and more than 20 years of higher education experience.  Let me put your worries to rest. Schedule your free consultation in the form below, and let me show you how to reduce your stress.

I can find the right school where your kid will THRIVE, not just survive.

Check out these topics to learn more!

These Are LOTS of My Favorite Things!

This is an ever-evolving list and is almost entirely outside links. This results from curiosity, nerdiness, and a bit of obsession (ok, maybe more than a tad!) I receive no compensation or benefits from any of these sites and make no guarantees of their content. My official disclaimer in this litigious society is that you…

I Go Through the Application Process Annually – Here Is What I Wish Families Knew.

For parents starting the process of college searching here is some perspective from a former college admission officer and current independent college counselor. You go through this process once or twice for most people. I go through it annually. Stellar Students and Highly Rejective SchoolsYou may have that student who has straight As in highly…

College Workshops – New dates added!

(Imagine an image of Phineus and Ferb here, I didn’t want to get sued by Disney!) Financial Aid 101, The Less Stressful Journey To College, Strengths Finder Assessment, How to Build A College List, How To Write Essays! Understanding Financial Aid is the foundation of the college financial aid world. I provide tools to help…