About Teri Thompson
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As a professional college consultant, Teri Thompson is affiliated with: She regularly attends national conferences and visits numerous schools each year in order to stay abreast of the rapid changes in the college admissions world.
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I have been assisting families with the college search process since 2008. From the beginning, my focus has been on helping families to identify appropriate schools, with the goal of having a successful college experience (hopefully in four years or less!), culminating with good career options and minimal debt.
My journey into college consulting began with my own college-bound daughter. Looking ahead, I knew that she would go to college, and most likely on to graduate school, but I had no idea where to begin. As someone who is never happier than when I have something to research, I quickly dived into the complex world of college admissions. But the more research I did, the more confusing it all became. Private School or public state school? Research university or liberal arts college? Merit aid or needs-based aid? Which schools would be realistic? As I researched, I discovered that most students put together their own college lists without having all the information they need. Sometimes they would stumble into the perfect school, but that was not the norm. More often than not, I would talk to families who said “If only I had known... then I would have put different schools on the list, or would have applied early, or would have gotten that scholarship, etc.” Hungry to learn more, I began taking courses in UCLA’s graduate level College Counseling program and eventually began working with students. One student led to another and my business grew on a referral basis. Earlier in my career, I spent 12 years as a recruiter in the high tech industry. In that capacity I interviewed hundreds of candidates and saw first-hand what companies are looking for along with the importance of a college education. I clearly remember the disappointment on one candidate's face when she learned that being two quarters shy of having enough credits to graduate with her B.A. meant that she couldn't even apply for a position which suited her perfectly. College is about getting an education, but it is also about career preparation and I incorporate both aspects into my consulting practice. Each student has a different situation and putting together a college list is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. It all depends upon that particular student’s goals and objectives. Some students are aiming for top tier or Ivy League schools. Some are looking for that little gem of a school that they never would have considered, but is a perfect match for them. Still more want to maximize their scholarship opportunities. And a few are athletes, wondering how the athletic recruitment process works. No matter what type of school a student is seeking, from Ivy League to community college, they are all looking for the “right fit” from an academic, social and financial perspective. My job is to help students navigate through the myriad of options, helping to put together an appropriate college list and to make life less stressful along the way. |
My Education
- UCLA College Counseling Courses
- B.A. Business Administration, University of Washington
- Certified Educational Planner, AICEP
Associations
As a professional college consultant, Teri Thompson is affiliated with: She regularly attends national conferences and visits numerous schools each year in order to stay abreast of the rapid changes in the college admissions world.
Meet the team!
Liz S (she/her) is a passionate college counselor, yoga teacher, and college essay coach. Liz has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science & Photography from Allegheny College, a Master of Arts in Education from the Universidad de Alcalá in Madrid, Spain, and a Certificate in College Counseling from the UCLA extension school. Liz has worked in education for more than a decade - as a teacher, academic director, and curriculum writer. Her passion for college counseling began as an Assistant Director of Education at a non-profit organization, where she worked with first-generation high school students on college/scholarship applications, essays, and interviews to make higher education accessible. Liz has successfully coached students from diverse backgrounds to earn acceptance at large research institutions, small liberal arts colleges, and Ivy League schools. She enjoys helping students find their authentic voice to express themselves, using their passions as a springboard to success. When she is not working with students or visiting college campuses, Liz enjoys traveling, yoga, hiking, and going to the beach. She currently resides in Newburyport, MA.
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Alexa is an essay specialist at Thompson College Consulting. She attended Yale University, where she earned a BA in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and worked as a Senior Interviewer in the admissions office, and Brown University, where she received her MFA in Playwriting and taught undergraduate writing courses. Alexa has been working with students on college application essays for nine years and especially enjoys helping students craft quirky, original essays. She is a playwright/screenwriter and lives in Brooklyn, NY.
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Noah is an essay specialist and college consultant. Prior to starting with Thompson College Consulting, he worked as an undergraduate admissions reader for Cornell University. Noah holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of South Florida, where he worked as an English instructor for several years. In his free time, he enjoys writing fiction, traveling, and making fresh pasta.
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Sofia is an application specialist and project manager. She attended Muhlenberg College and graduated Summa Cum Laude with her B.A. in English. Sofia has been with Thompson College Consulting for over six years, and her favorite college application to work on is the Common App! She loves finding interesting new books to read at the library, taking her dog on walks in Seattle’s many parks, and knitting sweaters.
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Toby is the team dog. He is a rescue from Mexico, and has settled well into his life in Seattle. He is a recent graduate of a dog training course. Toby’s main interests include playing fetch, going on walks, and eating treats. He is learning not to bark at the mailman.
