A LITTLE ABOUT ME

I am passionate about helping students find their best-fit schools and craft the strongest possible college applications.

My success in helping students navigate the college admissions process stems from building strong relationships based on trust and a genuine belief in every student’s potential.

I work closely with families to create a supportive environment where students can explore their options, develop their strengths, and confidently apply to colleges where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally.

I’ve always loved the energy and excitement of higher education. For me, guiding students to find their perfect college match is more than my second career – it’s a calling that combines my strategic business mindset with my deep passion for higher education. While I built a successful career in digital marketing and web design, helping my own children navigate their college journeys reconnected me with my true purpose. Years earlier, while earning my MBA, I had discovered the transformative power of higher education through my work in university administration and teaching at a community college. Coaching my children through their applications not only rekindled that passion but revealed how my diverse background created an ideal foundation for helping students navigate this pivotal journey.

Drawing on my business expertise, I developed a strategic approach to managing the complex college application process. My love of learning, passion for research, and experience in copywriting naturally led me to help family and friends with their children’s college applications. These rewarding experiences inspired me to make the permanent pivot to Independent Educational Consulting in early 2024.

My approach centers on encouragement, empathy, and accountability as I guide students step-by-step through the admissions process. By breaking down the journey into manageable steps, I help reduce overwhelm and stress for both students and their families while ensuring they feel supported and empowered throughout the process.

I provide comprehensive, individualized guidance across every aspect of the college application journey. This includes selecting appropriate high school courses, identifying meaningful extracurricular activities that align with students’ interests and strengths, and crafting compelling essays that authentically represent their unique stories and achievements. My role serves two essential purposes: helping students optimize every part of their application to stand out at their target schools, while also managing the process in a way that reduces stress and preserves family relationships during this important time.

EMMANUELLE MUNSEN

Educational Background,
Professional Credentials
& Affiliations

In addition to holding an MBA from the Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University and a Bachelor of Science from Jacksonville University, I am a graduate of IECA’s Summer Training Institute in Educational Consulting and am currently pursuing a graduate certificate in College Counseling from UCLA. I am also a WOW Essay Certified Coach and have completed additional training in guiding students through the essay writing process through UCLA and College Essay Experts. Additionally, I serve as a volunteer college coach for ScholarMatch, a non-profit organization that assists first-generation and lower-income students with college applications.

Professional development and staying current with admission trends are central to my practice. I maintain active memberships in leading professional organizations, including IECA (Independent Educational Consultant Association), HECA (Higher Education Counseling Association), and SACAC (Southern Association for College Admission Counseling). I regularly tour college campuses to gather firsthand knowledge of schools and attend professional conferences and workshops to stay informed about the latest developments in college admissions.

Emmanuelle is a member of the Southern Association for College Admission Consulting.

Why Hire an Independent Independent College Counselor?

School Counselors Are Incredible—But They’re Outnumbered

Nationally, public school counselors have an average caseload of 385 students, with caseloads reaching up to 667 students in some states. While high school counselors work tirelessly and care deeply about their students, they are often stretched too thin. With so many responsibilities and limited time, even the most dedicated counselors can’t provide the personalized support every student deserves.

College Planning Takes Time—But Time Is Limited in Schools

According to a survey by the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC), students in public schools receive an average of just 38 minutes of personal college counseling over their four years of high school. Counselors care deeply and work hard, but with limited time and large caseloads, it’s challenging to provide the consistent, in-depth guidance needed to navigate today’s competitive college admissions landscape.

Just 4 in 10 Students Report Receiving ANY College Advising

With 60% of students missing out on college advising, families often seek additional support to ensure their student receives the personalized attention they need. Independent counselors complement the work of school counselors, helping bridge the gap and providing peace of mind during the college admissions process.

Independent college counselors bridge the gap by bringing quality college counseling to students and their families.

School counselors do extraordinary work with the resources they have, but no one can do it all. Independent college counselors bring expert guidance and individualized support to families, filling the gaps and empowering students to confidently navigate the college admissions process.