Holistic College Advising in the Catskills.
College admissions is about more than grades and test scores. I help students find the right fit, navigate the process, and authentically tell their stories.
Image credit: Kath Johansen
Support at every step, from the first list to the final decision.
I work with students and parents on every part of the application. Most meetings happen online, so they fit around school, extracurriculars, and work.
Early advising, grades 9 and 10
Which classes to take, which programs to explore, and which tests to consider.
College visit planning
Plan purposeful campus visits that help students discover which schools feel like the right fit.
Your college list
Build a balanced list of schools that fit academically, socially, and financially.
Strategy and application planning
Decide where to apply and when, and keep track of each school's application requirements.
Essays
Review personal and supplemental essays to help students authentically put their best foot forward.
Early Decision and Early Action
Whether applying early makes sense, and where.
Interview prep
Practice sessions to learn what to expect in admissions interviews.
Financial aid and scholarships
Understand need-based aid requirements, find merit scholarships, and compare aid offers.
Deferrals and waitlists
How to demonstrate continued interest and make a plan for next steps.
Gap year and transfer advising
For students taking a different route to, or between, colleges.
Please note: I don't offer standardized test prep. I can help students decide which tests to take.
I grew up here, and I've read thousands of college applications.
I'm Leif Johansen. I was born and raised in the Catskills, and I worked as an admissions officer at a highly selective university. I've reviewed thousands of college applications, and I've seen what separates a good application from an exceptional one. Now I bring that experience home to support students from my community in navigating the next step in their educational journey.
My goal is to help students land at a school that fits them academically, socially, and financially.
Image credit: Kath Johansen
A clear path through
a complicated process.
Meet students where they are.
We can start at any point in the process. Typically, I start working with students during the first half of their Junior year of high school. That's when we'll identify what they're looking for in a college, make an initial list, think about standardized testing needs, and plan campus visits.
Before then, I'm happy to meet with students or parents as needed to advise on high school coursework planning and how best to get set up for success when it's time to apply.
- Grades 9 to 10 Meet as needed Meeting with students or parents to inform where to dedicate time and energy to get set up for success down the road.
- Fall and Winter of junior year Shaping the search Helping students identify what they're looking for in a school, build their college list, and decide which tests to take.
- Spring and Summer before senior year Applications take shape Campus visits, Early Decision/Early Action strategies, interview practice.
- Fall of senior year Apply Personal essay drafting, the activities list, supplemental materials, and ensuring all applications are complete and on-time.
- spring of senior year Decide Understanding financial aid offers, deferrals and waitlists, and choosing the school that fits.
Your application.
Your future.
Advice from the admissions side.
A few of my ideas on navigating today's college admissions landscape.
Let's connect.
Email is the easiest way to reach me. Let's set up a free call to discuss your student's needs.