Ida Lonnqvist, College Counselor
Ida believes every student has a unique spark—and she’s made a career out of helping them find it. An independent educational consultant with international roots and a background in teaching, essay coaching, and student support, Ida brings a global perspective, meticulous organization, and genuine compassion to her work with students. Ida’s students have been accepted to a variety of selective colleges and universities, including USC, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon University, Washington & Lee, Baylor, Miami University, Virginia Tech, Brandeis, Syracuse, and Boston University.
Ida’s professional path has included roles as a college counselor, essay specialist, workshop facilitator, and lecturer at the London School of Economics. She’s fluent in multiple languages (including Finnish and Swedish), holds a college counseling certificate from UCSD Extension, and is well-versed in international curricula like the IB, A-Levels, and the French Lycée system.
Ida’s counseling style is highly individualized and insight-driven. She’s skilled at working with a wide range of students including those who have learning differences or uncertain academic goals. Whatever anxieties a student might have about the admissions process, Ida thrives on helping them move from self-doubt to self-assurance.
As Ida explains:
“I love helping students own the significant moments of their lives. The messy, the quirky, the meaningful—those are the stories that shine. And when we can connect the significant moments to what that student values and what they hope to learn in college, that’s where the magic happens.”
When she’s not reviewing essays or tracking application timelines, Ida can be found reading fantasy novels for her next book club meeting, playing card games with her family, and teaching classes at the San Diego Swedish School.
Education & Experience
UCSD Extension, Certificate in College Counseling
University of Sussex, MSc
Cambridge University, B.A.
Lecturer, London School of Economics and Political Science
Teaching Assistant, London School of Economics and Political Science
Career and life skills advisor, Kungsvagens skola, Finland
Independent college advisor and essay coach
Professional Organization Memberships
NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling
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