About Maria
Prior to starting her consulting practice in 2018, Maria worked in higher education for nearly ten years. Most recently, she was the Associate Director of CollegeNow, the State University of New York’s largest concurrent enrollment program. She was the liaison to high school guidance offices across Central New York and provided support to school counselors, parents, and students in all aspects of the transition to college. While with CollegeNow, Maria also counseled homeschoolers and their parents in the college search process. Previously, Maria was the Assistant Director of the SUNY Adirondack Wilton Center. Maria holds a bachelor's and master's degree in English Literature, has taught college and high school English, tutored in college writing centers, and worked as a freelance writer and editor. As a Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Maria regularly visits campuses and stays up to date with the ever-changing landscape of college admissions. For more information about her background and experience, visit her LinkedIn profile.
Education
The University of Montana at Missoula, M.A. (English Literature)
Fordham University, B.A. (English Literature)
Why hire an independent educational consultant (IEC)?
It's no secret that researching and applying to colleges can be time-consuming and stressful. High school students are busier than ever, juggling rigorous course loads, extracurriculars, athletics, and often part-time jobs. Confused by the deluge of college admissions marketing that seems to speak specifically to them, many students (and parents) feel overwhelmed by their options - somewhere around 4,000 colleges.
While some parents have the time and experience to walk their children through the college planning process, many hire independent educational consultants to ensure they have ongoing, personalized support from start to finish. An IEC helps students discover and define their college and career goals, explore relevant degrees and programs, identify good-fit colleges, and illustrate their unique stories in their applications.
Maria Nissi
““I cannot thank Maria enough for the support and guidance she provided my daughter this fall. Maria was professional, knowledgeable, and patient.””