Time and again, students and parents walk in the door telling us the same thing: "We don't know what we don't know!"
That's okay. That's exactly what we're here for.
At March Consulting, we make it our daily mission to know all the intricacies of the ever-changing college admissions process so you don't have to.
It's not just our job. It's our passion.
With more than 25 years of collective college consulting, teaching, and tutoring experience, March Consulting is your one-stop college advisor shop for all things college admissions, paying for college, and career planning.
Why Work With A College Advisor
If you're feeling more and more drained as you add items to your college admissions to-do list and are wondering if it's even worth the effort, it's time to work with a great college advisor.
You should hire a college advisor if you're feeling overwhelmed as you attempt to navigate:
- how to choose between the myriad academic programs and activities offered at over 2,500 four-year institutions in the US,
- how to fill-out the FAFSA, CSS Profile and all of the other stressful paperwork required to qualify for financial aid,
- which recent shifts in the college admissions landscape actually affect you, since - due to the pandemic - there are many new changes,
- how to craft the most honest and eye-catching college admissions essay,
- whether to take the ACT or SAT and whether or not to send in your scores when you do, as well as
- how to keep track of all the deadlines, college admissions requirements, and other hurdles that you have to be aware of every step of the way.
A great college advisor can help you determine your ideal path to college, giving guidance as to which items on your to-do list are must-do's and which are wheel-spinning busy work that you can let go of.
This guidance frees you to pour your time and effort into the activities that are most impactful to your success and ensures that you are building momentum that consistently drives you towards your ideal future.
A great college advisor can inspire you to dream big and also help you come up with a game plan to fund your future.
To date, March Consulting clients have received over 3,800 acceptance letters and been awarded over $34,000,000 in scholarships.
We make the college admissions process easier and more fruitful. We also make college less expensive. And our clients have a 100% success rate, with each student receiving at least one letter of acceptance (and most receiving many).
It's a win-win-win.
You don't have to go through the college admissions process alone.
We can work with you to build a manageable admissions timeline and give you reminders along the way so you don't miss important deadlines and opportunities.
Kat Clowes and her team are amazing. They break down the college admissions and application process into a structured and manageable timeline, with tasks that are achievable even while these kids manage school, work, and extracurriculars. March Consulting positioned my daughter well to submit compelling applications, not only to a college admissions office, but also for scholarships. We are so happy to have worked with her, and have signed up my son as he begins his college search.
Lori Blodorn
Happy TwO-Time Client
We can assist you with both choosing a major and building a livelihood, and we can advise you on the best ways to thrive, both in college and in a future career that suits you perfectly.
I was overwhelmed by all the universities our son was considering. She has helped him focus on his career path along with the options of schools that would be the “right fit” for him. Kat has the experience and knowledge that gives a student an advantage when it comes to the whole process.
Benita Lesaca
Overwhelmed To Overjoyed Mom
Click below to learn more about how you can gain access to our team's 25 years of collective college admissions expertise and begin marching towards your inspiring future today.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Working With A Private College Counselor
Absolutely. In fact, we consider it to be such a crucial part of the college admissions process that it is where we start all of our clients: A College Comparison Data Dive.
After that first meeting, your personal, private college advisor will continue to guide you through filling out financial aid forms and answering any questions you have.
Finances go hand in hand with just about every element of the college application process and we are prepared to help you navigate all of it so you can make use of every opportunity offered and not make any costly mistakes.
Our students are:
- conquering space at NASA,
- creating solutions to real-world engineering challenges at the University of Pennsylvania,
- advancing food science and chemistry at Cornell,
- changing the world at Duke,
- investigating applied math at Stanford,
- engineering at Cal-Poly SLO,
- performing rocket science at Harvey Mudd, and
- working in the pre-med laboratories at St. Louis University…
Check back to see what else has been added to the list next year! Maybe you’ll end up being another one of our shining examples.
Students, this is your journey.
You have to realize that from day one and let your own dreams carry you through the hard moments to the finish line. It's not any parent's job to nag their kids into success, nor is your private college advisor's job to do the work for you.
Is it going to be easy? No. But none of the really worthwhile things in life ever are and with March Consulting by your side, you’re going to have a formidable team of experts ready to give you every advantage imaginable.
If we do it together, it's going to be MUCH EASIER than if you do it all by yourself.
But you still have to show up and do the work. Because no one- not us, not your parents, not your teachers or friends- can force you to be motivated. You've got to want this for yourself.
After all, Olympic coaches don’t get to go out on the floor and execute the routine. It’s the same story here. Our college admissions advisors know their stuff, but each student has to be the driving force behind where we’re going and how quickly we get there.
Each family is going to have to be the vehicle and the gas, fueling the student and letting them know they are supported. Then the student drives the car with March Consulting providing the map, the notes, the advice through the headsets, and the extremely loud cheering from the stands.
Nope- we’re happy to help you right from the start.
In fact, two-thirds of our students attend schools that they’d initially never heard of before we met, and they are now over the moon about their schools and programs.
Wherever you are in the process, we can help.
Meet Our People
Kat Clowes
CEO & Founder of March Consulting,
INDEPENDENT Educational Consultant (IEC), college and career advisor
Why I love what I do
"Opening up all of the possibilities out there and seeing students fulfill their potential is truly what I love. Since I have student loans, due to not knowing that I could get scholarships, I also love sharing all the ways students can get college costs down as much as possible without sacrificing the quality of their education."
Education
- BA in Communications, Santa Clara University
- MBA, Mt. St. Mary’s University
- Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Consulting, University of California, Irvine
- Professional Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association
- Member of the Higher Educational Consultants Association (HECA)
- Member of the Western Association for College Admissions Counselors (WACAC)
Publications
Put College to Work: How to Use College to the Fullest to Discover Your Strengths and Find a Job You Love Before You Graduate
Managing Generation Z: How to Recruit, Onboard, Develop, and Retain the Newest Generation in the Workplace
Hobbies
Sewing, history, visiting colleges, singing, spending time with my family, cat, and great dane.
Top College Admissions Tip
There isn’t one dream school for each student, there are dozens and dozens of perfect, dream schools for each student. As you start your journey, open your mind to the possibilities and how each one can help you achieve your goals.
Chris Iturriria
Independent Educational Consultant (IEC)
Why I Love What I Do
"I love inspiring young adults to find their fit in the next step in their lives."
Education
- BS, Consumer Affairs with a minor in Business from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Hobbies
Yoga, Hiking, Pickleball, Reading & Travel
Top College Admissions Tip
Get the application work done early so you can enjoy a stress free senior year!
Shelby Carpenter
Marketing Director
Why I Love What I Do
"I love being able to share what March offers with the community. It is exciting seeing all the families and students come through our doors and being able to see all of the different opportunities and possibilities that are out there. It is amazing to watch what is usually a stressful process turn into a fun and exciting experience! "
Education
- BS in Communication & Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Graphic Design, Arizona State University
Hobbies
My hobbies include spending time with my family, trying new restaurants, traveling, cooking and baking
Top College Admissions Tip
Keep an open mind and don't be afraid of change. There are so many possibilities and opportunities out there that you might not have thought of, be open to them and embrace them.
Christina Varner
Independent Educational Consultant (IEC),
STEM Specialist, Mindset Specialist, ACT & SAT Tutor
Why I Love What I Do
"I love that our unique process not only helps students find the right schools but teaches them skills that will help them be successful in college and beyond."
Education
- BS in Economics, California State University, Bakersfield
- BS in Mathematics, California State University, Bakersfield
- Single Subject Teaching Credential, California State University, Bakersfield
- Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association
Hobbies
Sing/Perform, Swing Dance, Exercise
Top College Admissions Tip
Being aware of all the opportunities on campus is the first step in taking advantage of them.
Amaia Lesaca
Independent Educational Consultant (IEC),
Essay Specialist
Why I Love What I Do
"I love getting to know what inspires a student and helping them make their dreams a reality. Witnessing their growth and supporting them on their journey brings me joy. "
Education
- BA in Liberal Studies, Minor in Child Development, California State University, Sacramento
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, University of La Verne
- Pursuing a Masters in Educational Counseling, University of La Verne
- Certified College Admissions Specialist
- Associate Member of the American School Counselor Association
- Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association
Hobbies
Pilates, traveling, trying new food, spending time with my family and friends.
Top College Admissions Tip
During this time, it's natural to find yourself overwhelmed with information and the opinions of others. People around you may suggest particular careers and college paths they think would work best for you. While it's important to consider the guidance provided by your parents, counselors, and mentors, don't overlook the significance of your own dreams and emotions when making college decisions. Remember, you are the one who will be embarking on this college journey, so trust your own judgment and remain true to yourself.
Melanie Losa
Office Manager
Why I Love What I Do
"College planning is both a scary and exciting process. I love that we help demystify this process for students and their families. ."
Education
- BA in American Literature and Culture, UCLA Specialization in Business Administration
Hobbies
Gardening, Traveling with Family, Reading, soon-to-be…golf
Top College Admissions Tip
Make sure that you select a college that fits your learning style. Do you prefer big campuses with huge classrooms or does it better suit you to be in a smaller classroom where the professor knows your name?
Ready to join hundreds of our successful college admissions clients?
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