Let’s start with the basics—where are you originally from, and what brought you to this area? How long have you been living here?
I am from Franklin Lakes, New Jersey and graduated from Ramapo High School. I attended Rutgers University where I majored in English and Communications, and I also met my husband there. I have a Masters in Education from The Bank Street College of Education in NYC. My husband’s job brought us to this area after we lived in Houston, Texas for 4 years. We have lived in Bridgewater since 2007.
Tell us about your family! How many kiddos do you have, and what ages/stages are they in?
I have two sons. My oldest just graduated from Immaculata High School in Somerville and will be attending University of Richmond in the Fall. My younger son just finished his freshman year at Pingry in Basking Ridge. We spend our weekends at hockey rinks and lacrosse fields all over the state.
Tell us a little about yourself! Who is Nicole outside of Write Your Way In?
I am an incredibly active person! Aside from my career in education (more on that below), and parenting two boys who are heavily involved in hockey and lacrosse, I like to engage in things that bring me purpose and satisfaction. College admissions coaching is one of those activities. Now that my children really do not need mom around as much, I am looking to expand my client base. I am also a runner and Peloton enthusiast, co-captain of my women’s kickball team, and an avid reader. I enjoy time in my garden and with my friends. My husband and I also enjoy going to see live bands locally. And of course…nothing is better than a day at the Jersey Shore!
What was your professional background before launching your practice, and how did that experience lead you into college admissions counseling?
I have been in education for 26 years and have worked with students, both in and out of the classroom, in grades 3-12. About 10 years ago, as part of my teaching job, I was asked to help our seniors with their college essays. I was given about 10 seniors to work with, and I realized that I really enjoyed the process and the opportunity to work one-on-one with them. I started to work with students in the local area shortly thereafter, and my practice has grown since then to include all aspects of the college application process. In my first season, I started with just 2 students, and each year I have added more and more. This season I hope to hit 30!
For parents who may not be familiar, what exactly does a private college counselor do, and how can families benefit from working with one?
A private college counselor can meet the needs of families anywhere in the process. A private counselor can help with any or all of the following:
-Creating or narrowing down a college list
-Navigating the Common Application, including how to organize activities and accolades properly
-Working with students on composing a Common Application essay that makes them stand out while also maintaining their own voice
-Helping families stick to deadlines
-Understanding the best approach for applying to certain colleges (Early Decision, Early Action, Direct Admission to a program, general admission etc.)
-Helping students “mine” information off college websites to help them with their applications
-Supporting students through supplemental essays – which often take more time and effort than the Common Application essay itself!
-Helping students write letters of continued interest if they are deferred or waitlisted
-Finding and applying for scholarships
-And really….just listening! A lot of what I do is listen and reflect to help each student feel understood and to reach their goals.
The college application process can feel overwhelming for both students and parents. What are some of the biggest mistakes you see families make when navigating the process on their own?
One of the first mistakes I see students and parents making is waiting too long to start the process, making the overall process even more stressful. Another mistake I often see is students and families not applying to a balanced list of schools. One of the first things I do with a client is to find out who they are, what their interests are, what and where they want to study, and what their planned career path is. From there, we work together to ensure that their writing and their overall application meets their goals, and approach each step methodically and following a timeline. Another common issue is the process can become an emotionally charged time for families and navigating that can be a challenge. I often start assisting students once their parents realize that hiring an objective third party is more productive than the frustration of trying to do it yourself. A college counselor can lessen the potential for stress and conflict between parents and children.
When should families ideally start thinking about college counseling? Is there a “perfect” time to begin the process?
I think it is best to ease into the process. For example, if you’re headed on a vacation early on in high school, and there is a college nearby – go see it, even if it is somewhere you will never apply. It is good to see what different campuses look like and begin to get a sense of where you may be comfortable. When your child begins high school, have them create a running document of things they do – activities, events, service, clubs etc. It will give them both a sense of accomplishment and something to draw from when it is time to apply. There is not really a “perfect time,” however by the middle of junior year students should be creating their college lists, thinking about schools they want to visit, and doing their research. By the time the summer before senior year hits, you want to be ready to get going. I also tell all my students that they should have their Common Application essay ready to go before they begin senior year.
As a mom yourself, how do you help parents manage the stress and emotions that often come with the college admissions journey?
The first thing I do is listen. Sometimes, parents just need to get the stress and emotions out and articulate what is really happening for them. Then, once I am working closely with a student, I assure the parents of all the things they will not have to worry about. They will not need to stay on their child to adhere to deadlines or complete essays, that will be my job.
What’s one piece of advice you wish every high school student knew before they started applying to colleges?
I have always told my students, “you will end up exactly where you’re supposed to be.” I know this may sound simple or even cliche, but if we all kept this in mind about life, it would lower the anxiety. I would also tell them it is never too early to start making a resume, this is really helpful not just for college applications, but for life. Finally, I would say do not wait until the last minute. Get that essay done before the start of senior year, prioritize your “to do” list, create a schedule for yourself, and keep a spreadsheet. This will all help you stay on track and be more relaxed.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our community of parents?
Enjoy the process! Enjoy taking the time to look at schools with your child, and talking to them about where they want to go to college and why. Enjoy the long car rides to visit schools and exploring the campus together. You will likely begin to see your child in a way you did not anticipate, or learn something about them you did not already know. This time is fleeting, so engage in it with them before it is gone.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Play card games or watch something together (usually sports), go out to dinner, vacations on Hilton Head Island, SC
2 – Favorite coffee spot? Priscilla’s Pantry
3 – Favorite lunch place? Pluckemin Inn
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? We don’t do this LOL
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Vinnie’s in Raritan or Martinsville Tavern
6 – Favorite boutique? Just Jersey in Morristown
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Either Tapastre in Somerville, or just hitting the bar at Tommy’s in Bridgewater
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? Don’t usually buy bagels
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Prima Pizza in Somerville, although in Morristown it is definitely Coniglio’s
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Gabriel’s Fountain, Martinsville
This interview was done in partnership with Write Your Way In! Be sure to follow Nicole on social media below and reach out to her at 908-745-1528 or email at [email protected] with all your college application questions:
