
Lisa Giarra is a professional and experienced college counselor currently serving as the director of Menlo School in California.
Lisa Giarra is a professional and experienced college counselor currently serving as the director of Menlo School in California.
My tailored services are designed to empower you, ensuring that every step of your college journey is guided by personalized support and results in an experience you’ll cherish.
Navigate the college admissions process with authenticity and common sense, unlocking your true potential.
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Unlock your potential with our streamlined approach to achieving your academic and personal goals.
Select from the comprehensive counseling packages or opt for hourly consultations tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Our flexible options ensure personalized support every step of the way.
Schedule a consultation at your convenience to discuss your goals, preferences, and how our counseling services can best support you on your academic journey.
Enjoy personalized coaching sessions from the comfort of your own space through Zoom, where I wil provide you with the guidance and propel you towards your academic and personal success.
Pay only after the free consultation when you are ready to start your college admissions journey.
Hear from students and parents about their transformative experiences with my counseling services.
“Lisa’s professional and approachable manner transformed what is typically a stressful college process into a manageable and positive experience. Her involvement was crucial in smoothly navigating this vital stage of our children’s academic journey.“
“She is prompt in her communication and always has an upbeat demeanor. She doesn’t let things “slip through the cracks”
“Honestly, she is truly excellent at her job: professional, kind, empathetic and encouraging. We are so fortunate.”
“I really appreciate how direct she is. Instead of giving us fuzzy responses, she has given us her honest opinions on what might work and what might not.”
“Truly “sees” my child. I feel that she deeply wants my son to end up at a place that will make him happy. “
“I’d say Lisa is a delight to work with and is a highly-valued advisor to our family. I can’t say nough good things about her... our relationship there is a very important part of the goodwill we feel towards the school.”
“Not only was Lisa able to understand each of her students’ individual needs and interests, but she was incredible at guiding students to make decisions based on what they really value by guiding deeper self-reflection. Sometimes I felt like Lisa knew me better than I knew myself.“
“I think she is exceptional. Best person I have seen in this critical job anywhere.”
“She is amazing at responding to email queries, and gets back right away (often early in the morning and even at night).”
“Lisa is incredibly welcoming and personable.”
Ideally, you should begin during your sophomore year of high school. This includes researching colleges, taking standardized tests (like the SAT or ACT), and engaging in extracurricular activities that bring you joy. Some students and families will prefer to start a little earlier or a little later; it’s never too late to get started!
Colleges look for a well-rounded student who demonstrates academic growth, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a strong personal character. They evaluate your GPA, standardized test scores (in some cases), personal essays, recommendation letters, and sometimes interviews. Unique talents and contributions to the community also play a significant role.
It's recommended to apply to a balanced list of around 8-12 colleges. This list should include a mix of reach applications (where your chances of admission might be lower), target applications (where your academic profile closely matches the school's average), and likely applications (where you are highly likely to be admitted).
Extracurricular activities are important as they can showcase your interests, character, and leadership. Colleges like to see that you have engaged meaningfully in activities outside the classroom. Depth of involvement and demonstrated impact are often more impressive than a long list of activities.
Your college application essay should reflect your own unique personality, experiences, and aspirations. It's an opportunity to tell your story and explain your “why.” In our work together, we will focus on a specific experience or theme that highlights your strengths, challenges you’ve overcome, or a passion that drives you. Be genuine, introspective, and concise.
“She understands a very complicated process and communicates well. She makes herself available both for the anxious parent and the student to talk through things.”