Gretchen Gleason, College Counselor
In a career spanning more than 20 years, Gretchen has guided her students to acceptances from more than 175 colleges, including (but far from limited to) Duke, Caltech, Pomona, Rice, UNC-Chapel Hill, Carnegie Melon, Boston College, University of Michigan, Reed, Northwestern, NYU, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Georgia Tech, and all the UC (University of California) schools.
After graduating from Syracuse University, Gretchen got her start as an admissions officer at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, eventually moving to the other side of the desk and working as a college counselor at two independent schools. Working with students every day reinforces her desire to do all that is possible to help them discover the school that best fits their interests and personality. In fact, Gretchen considers herself a natural cheerleader for all young people as they navigate their path to college.
Testimonials from Gretchen’s Collegewise families frequently cite her “contagious” enthusiasm and energy, as well as her ability to make the process a smoother, less stressful one for both students and parents. She helps her families focus on the parts of this process they can control, always explaining the “why” behind her recommendations. Students and parents find reassurance knowing they are now in this together with an expert who’s been here many times before.
While Gretchen is comfortable advising students representing a wide array of interests, strengths, and challenges, she particularly enjoys working with students who are undecided about their future interests, be it their chosen major or even their desired college environment. She also finds she has “no trouble getting shy boys to chat.”
A North Carolina resident whose family has come to accept that any visit to a new area will almost certainly involve visiting local colleges with Mom, Gretchen also enjoys volunteering at her kids’ school, churning out the miles on her Peloton bike, and playing with “the world’s most adorable Corgi."
Education & Experience
Syracuse University, B.A.
College and Career Counselor, Broughton HS
Seasonal application reader, New York University
Director of College Counseling, The Bishop’s School
College Counselor, The Lovett School
Admissions Counselor, Dickinson College
Professional Organization Memberships
NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling
SACAC: Southern Association for College Admission Counseling
Ready to tackle the admissions process?
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