We definitely would not have had the happy outcome if it weren't for Joe. For one thing, we would've made a disastrous choice for early decision college. Joe brought a calmness to the process and graciously talked us through our questions and concerns every time. He was also a great resource for academic and extracurricular activities outside of school. We are grateful to have connected with Joe and for his patience.
PARENT
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Joe Korfmacher and the Collegewise team changed the trajectory of Makena's education journey. We are delighted that our daughter has found the best possible school for her goals. We began with a blank slate having been college grads ourselves, but knowing little about the modern process. Joe took our concerns seriously at all steps and was a huge difference maker in the process. Makena would likely not have made such great decisions without Collegewise.
THOMAS & KASEY, PARENT OF MAKENA
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY
I don't have adequate words to express my sincere gratitude for Joe Korfmacher's help over these past few years. The results are outstanding, and my son is so proud of himself that he was accepted into his absolute top choice schools. I would also be remiss, however, to omit that my son felt great pride in acceptances to schools that were a bit lower on his list and that he was not disheartened by wait-list acceptances, nor even by the rejection that he received. That my son was capable of having this outlook during an inherently stressful process—of feeling true enthusiasm for his second and third choice schools while he waited to hear from his top choice—is also a testament to Joe's excellent counseling.
EVE, PARENT OF NOAH
BROWN UNIVERSITY
One of my friends had recommended Joe K and after talking to a few people, we decided to go with him. It was one of the best decisions we have made as a family. The whole process of shortlisting colleges, filling out forms, and essay writing was handled smoothly between Joe, Collegewise and my daughter to our great satisfaction. I found the college application process to be truly “stress free”! And she got into her first choice college! Thank you for the compassionate and excellent guidance!
PREETISURA, PARENT OF IPSITA
NORTHEASTERN
As a busy parent, when I signed up for the program, my main goal was to get all the naggings off my shoulders and get my son on schedule for every step of the application process. We are super happy about the experience working with Joe Korfmacher. First of all, Joe is a perfect match for my son. Second, Joe is a great coach who not only kept things moving as scheduled, but also developed such trust and bonding with my son. Whenever my son had a question, it was such a relief we could just say, "Why don't you ask Joe?" and he would gladly say, "Oh, yes." Whenever my son received an admission letter, Joe was the first one he would notify. This is an experience we would gladly recommend for all senior families!
JEFFREY, PARENT OF XUEMEI
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
Joe Korfmacher, Director of Partnerships
Joe leads all partnership efforts at Collegewise for corporate employee benefits, non-profits, schools, and various other organizations in the counseling and college admissions space. For the last fourteen years, Joe has also been advising families through the college process—whether it was via his leadership at Xavier High School in New York as the director of the college counseling program; his tenure as a guidance and college counselor at St. Peter’s Prep; or through his own private college counseling firm, JDK College Consulting. And Joe truly cares about giving his students a solid path to succeed: at Xavier, he was instrumental in rebuilding the college group guidance structure and curriculum and creating an intensive application summer program for rising seniors.
In addition to his experience with students in groups and one-on-one, Joe comes to Collegewise with a cache of impressive affiliations within the admissions and test prep worlds. He was recently the chair of the New York State ACT Council and is a current member of the New Jersey ACT Council; served as former chair and board member of the International College Options Organization; and is currently a member of both the New York State Association of Independent Schools as well as the National Association of College Admissions Counseling (NACAC).
And did we mention he’s a superstar in the rugby world? Yes, Joe was a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University, where he was inducted into the Saint Joseph’s University Rugby Hall of Fame (2013). When Joe is not taking on the world as “Super Counselor”, he is “Super Dad” at home, where he spends time with his wife, 6-year-old daughter, and 3-year-old son.
Education & Experience
Former Director of College Counseling, Xavier High School
M.A., School Counseling, Seton Hall University
Guidance & College Counselor, St. Peter’s Preparatory School, Jersey City, NJ
Professional Organization Memberships
NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling
NJACAC: New Jersey 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.