Expert matching · One call · $200

The smarter way
to find your
college counselor.

Book your matching call See how it works ↓
$200
One-time call fee
1
Introduction, not a list
30–60
Minutes to get matched
Gallatin Strategy Group · Matching Call
A GSG matching specialist on a video call with a family
Matching Specialist
Kara
Specialist: “Based on what you’ve shared about Emma’s goals, I have one counselor in mind — she specializes in liberal arts and has strong NESCAC placement...”

Experts. Matched to your student.

Featured counselors.

Our independent educational consultants are carefully vetted for expertise, experience, and a deep commitment to student outcomes.

Counselor
View with introduction
Jennifer R.
Independent Educational Consultant
  • Harvard doctorate — plus graduate degrees from Oxford, Cambridge, Stanford & Columbia
  • 20+ years helping students worldwide win admission to the most selective universities
  • Featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NBC's Today Show
Counselor
View with introduction
Michael T.
Independent Educational Consultant
  • Recent Harvard grad; own essay featured in 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays
  • Former senior counselor at two of the country's largest admissions firms before going independent
  • This cycle: students admitted to Harvard, Yale, Wharton & Duke — plus Harvard Law
  • Coached 3 QuestBridge scholars into full four-year scholarships worth $250K+ each
Counselor
View with introduction
Sarah K.
Independent Educational Consultant
  • 20+ years inside USC and UCLA — on the committees that decide who gets in
  • Most consultants guess what officers want — she spent decades as the person in the room
  • Points that insider knowledge directly at helping students get admitted
  • Known for being deeply responsive and communicative throughout the process
Browse all counselors

How GSG works.

01

Tell us about your student

Come ready to talk about
  • Academics — GPA, test scores, extracurriculars
  • Goals — target schools and intended major
  • Timeline — grade level and application date
  • Fit — the working style that suits your student
02

We run the Constellation match

What we weigh
  • Specialty — STEM, business, pre-med, liberal arts, athletics
  • Track record — placements at your target schools
  • Working style — hands-on coaching or big-picture strategy
  • Stage — early planning or senior-year push
03

Meet your counselor

What to look for
  • Your student feels understood
  • Clear next steps
  • If it clicks, you work together directly
  • If not, we re-match at no charge

Why matching matters

Not all students
are the same.

Five students holding a violin, a laptop, a globe, a notebook, and a microscope

OUR PROMISE

If we can't identify counselor matches for your student,
the call is on us.

A real conversation about your student. In the rare case we can't identify a counselor match for your student, we'll refund your call fee. No forms, no hassle.

What families
ask us first.

What is an independent educational consultant?
An IEC guides students through the college search and application process. They work with a small number of families — not the hundreds a school counselor manages — and aren't affiliated with any college.
How much does a college counselor cost?
Fees vary by experience, scope, and your student's specific needs. Independent counselors typically work on retainer, with packages ranging from a few thousand dollars to more comprehensive multi-year engagements.
How much does the matching call cost?
The matching call is $200. That's a one-time fee for the 30–60 minute conversation where we learn about your student and make our recommendation. There are no additional charges from GSG after that.
When should we start?
Earlier is almost always better — many families connect with a counselor in 9th or 10th grade. That said, we work with families at all stages, including those starting in 11th or 12th grade.
What happens on the matching call?
A 30–60 minute conversation, not a sales call. We ask about your student's goals and timeline, then identify the right counselor and make a direct introduction.
What if the match isn't right?
Tell us. We'll revisit at no extra charge. A good match is about working style as much as credentials — we're not done until it feels right.
How is this different from a directory?
A directory lists everyone. We make one specific recommendation based on your student's situation — one considered introduction, not a list to research on your own.

The right counselor
is already in our network.

Book your matching call