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Admissions Advising

Strategic guidance for navigating undergraduate and graduate admissions.

College Advising

For High School Students & Their Families

College applications are about more than getting in. They’re an opportunity for students to understand what they care about, where they want to grow, and how to communicate that clearly. I offer comprehensive college advising that supports students throughout the process, from early academic planning and executive skills development to building curated college lists, preparing for standardized tests, and crafting a cohesive, compelling application across personal statements, supplements, activities, and recommendations.

Rather than treating college preparation as a checklist, I approach it as a developmental process. I help students clarify their intellectual interests, values, and goals; make thoughtful choices about their education; and develop the confidence to communicate what makes them distinctive. My background as a professor, scholar, and writer allows me to bring an academic perspective to that work, helping students think deeply about who they are and what they want from their college experience.

I typically begin working with students in the spring eleventh grade, giving us time to develop a thoughtful application without rushing the process. This allows us to build a strong foundation, refine the college list, and give students the time and space to develop their ideas and articulate what matters to them.

 

Throughout the process, I serve as a steady, experienced guide for both students and families—creating structure, reducing stress, and providing a supportive buffer between parents and students so the work can remain productive, collaborative, and grounded.

Graduate School Applications
For Traditional & Nontraditional Applicants

Applying to graduate or professional school requires more than assembling a strong application. It means understanding what you want to pursue, identifying programs that align with your goals, and making a compelling case for why you belong in that particular academic or professional community. I help students clarify their direction, develop application strategies, and identify programs that are a strong intellectual and professional fit.

I offer support throughout the application process, including program selection, personal statements and statements of purpose, resumes and CVs, supplemental essays, and interview preparation. Drawing on my experience as a professor, scholar, mentor, and member of admissions and scholarship committees, I help applicants present their experiences and aspirations with clarity, substance, and authenticity.

© 2025 by Megan Burke. 

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