Collegewise provided me with a better understanding of the college application and decision process than I thought possible. Collegewise’s guidance throughout the process allowed me to really figure out what I was looking for in a college, while also maximizing my options.
ISABELLE
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
I would often be stressed about what I needed to get done or about how things were turning out, but every time I walked out of the office, I was so at ease. I think the most important part about being at Collegewise was how personalized the process was, and how much care and time and effort went into me specifically.
EMMA
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Going to my meetings at Collegewise never felt like a chore, but more as something to look forward to! Everyone in the office is so friendly, willing to help, and made for such great motivators and supporters when it came time to fill in apps and write essays. 10/10!
EMILY
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
The college application process is confusing and tedious, and Collegewise really helped with that process. It was reassuring to go over my application with my counselor so that we could make sure that I had a better chance of getting in!
KYRA
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY


Carla Goodwin, College Counselor
Shortly after graduating from Georgetown University, Carla discovered that the admissions process is one of the most fascinating wonders of the world. This passion, paired with her love of connecting with others, led her to pursue a career in higher education. Her professional journey has taken her from Admissions Counselor to Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at George Mason University, and later to Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Howard University. Through her direct experience in selection, application review, and enrollment management strategy, Carla brings invaluable insider knowledge to her college counseling practice.
Carla’s students have been admitted to a wide range of selective colleges and universities, including Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, Carnegie Mellon, UNC Chapel Hill, University of Washington, Boston University, Emory, Macalester, Clemson, George Washington, Virginia Tech, Purdue, Ohio State, Fordham, Syracuse, Vassar, Oberlin, Wheaton, Wesleyan, McGill, LSU, UMass Amherst, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Beyond her individual counseling work, Carla has established herself as a leader in the profession. She was elected Executive Vice President of PCACAC (Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling) in April 2025, following a successful three-year term as Communications Chair. She also co-produces PCACAC’s podcast, The Anchor Exchange, which encourages professionals to empathize with student struggles while highlighting the unsung heroes bridging academic divides. Her commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by her completion of the PCACAC Leadership Education Certificate. Additionally, she has presented at multiple conferences on topics ranging from student worker pipelines to innovative communication strategies. In 2022, she was honored as PCACAC Counselor of the Year.
Carla’s counseling superpower lies in her authentic, honest approach, paired with her ability to nudge students toward recognizing their academic potential while meeting them exactly where they are. She thrives when working with families who are transparent, communicative, and open to the process, and she is particularly effective with students who need significant guidance and insight from someone with direct field experience.
Testimonials from Carla’s Collegewise families most often echo the sentiment: “Thank you so much for all your help—I couldn’t have done it without you.”
When she’s not immersed in all things admissions, Carla can be found singing her heart out at concerts (she has seen 99 musical artists live, including Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour twice), cheering on her beloved Giants and Serena Williams, or savoring a bowl of pasta.
Education & Experience
Georgetown University, B.A.
George Mason University, M.A.
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Howard University
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, George Mason University
Admissions Counselor, George Mason University
Instructional Staff, George Mason University Honors College
Professional Organization Memberships
NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling
PCACAC: Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling
Important Notice
Our counseling openings for Seniors (class of 2022) and college transfers are now fully booked. If you are a senior or older but have not already enrolled with us, we would still like to share with you some important resources to help you in your journey. Click here for helpful resources including guides, videos, blogs, and podcasts.