A Message From Dr. Tucker

Why did I become a college planning consultant?

I’ve been involved in higher education for most of my life. I spent many years as a student, and even longer as a professional in higher ed.

I started my college journey by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I continued on to earn both a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and a Ph.D. in Post Secondary Education. So you can believe me when I say I empathize with the possibilities and joys of student life!

I was happy working at a university as an academic advisor, program advisor, and student success and retention coordinator. But I began feeling worried about the new students coming into orientation. I saw more and more students arriving without a plan.

Students chose majors they were not academically prepared for and their transcript suffered because of it.

Too many students were in the wrong major—no congruency between their aptitudes, interests and major choice. Again, their transcript and sense of direction suffered.

With the transfer rate at upwards of 40%, it can also be assumed that too many students chose the wrong college.

Without a plan or sense of direction, these same college students quickly became anxious and stressed. Many dropped out, transferred out, or failed out—all because they didn't properly plan for college.

I became a college planning consultant because I knew I could help students be competitive college admissions applicants, find their future college home, and have a sense of confidence that they're on the right academic track.

What do I love most about being a college planning consultant?

I love helping students discover their strengths and passions. Together, we journey through a process of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal growth. The goal is to discover exactly what types of colleges, majors, and careers will be the most fulfilling for each student.

Once we achieve that, we know what to search for. My friends like to call me the “research queen,” and for good reason. I can stay up all night researching colleges, academic programs, campus life, you name it.

Every student I work with is my top priority, and I promise to be fully dedicated to finding the right college options for you.

My greatest satisfaction is watching my students start college filled with confidence. They’ve gone through the college planning process, they know their strengths and interests, and they’re excited about their future.

That’s why I love being a college planning consultant.

Let’s get a bit more personal...

Believe it or not, I don’t wear my college planning consultant shoes 100% of the time. I’m a happy mom and grandma, too! While I love my work, I also love being a grandma to baby Austin Rivers and doting on my fur babies, Leo and Gus.

My daughter has her master’s degree and is doing what she loves. As  her former college planning consultant and number one fan, I couldn’t be more proud.

And of course, I can’t fail to mention my biggest fan and supporter—my wonderful Jay.  We live in sunny Venice, Florida, where we can enjoy the sun and waves all year round.

Here’s my unique college planning approach.

Now that you know me a bit better, let me share what you can expect if you choose me as your college planning consultant.

While I call Florida my beloved home, I work with students from all over the country via Zoom—so location won’t be an obstacle.

As your college planning consultant, we’ll spend a lot of time focusing on your self-discovery. We won’t just ask, “Where do you want to go to college?” We’ll also answer the questions, “What do you want to do with your life? Who do you want to be?”

Knowing your unique skill sets, strengths, and passions will help you make better major and college choices. That’s why it’s such a crucial part of my approach.

Considering the pursuit of an associate degree while in high school with the plan to move into a bachelor's degree at another university? My specialty. Before going in with both feet, consider transfer equivalencies, pre-requisite coursework and the transfer process in its totality.

And let’s not forget the importance of evaluating financial fit! What’s the point of falling in love with a college if you can’t afford it? I work with every family to find colleges that fit within a realistic budget for you.

Students, if we work together, be ready to take an active role in your college planning! Expect to participate and take ownership of your educational future. You’ll end up feeling more enthusiastic about your college direction and more determined to reach your chosen goals.

Why should you choose me to be your college planning consultant?

Before you hire anyone to partner with you in the college planning process, you want to know they’re someone you can trust. After all, if you’ll be listening to their input, you should be sure they know what they’re talking about!

I take my professional development very seriously. I’m an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). I’m also trained as a Life and Career Coach through the Institute for Life Coach Training, and I maintain my business liability insurance through Allied World.

I use a number of tools to guide my students through the college planning process. The TRACK IT curriculum takes us together through each step of college preparation. I also use CollegePlannerPro as a communication system to keep students up to date on their college planning tasks.

I’ve toured hundreds of colleges, networked with admissions reps from across the country, and edited every type of college essay you can imagine.

Due to my love of research, I also speak at national conferences about student success and college retention—which in turn empowers my college planning work.

I absolutely love being a college planning consultant! And I hope you’ll give me the opportunity to guide you through your college planning process.

If you’re ready to meet and see if we’re the right fit, go ahead and book your initial consultation today!