Meet Renee!

Renee Bischoff, College Counselor

Renee brings over 30 years of experience in college admissions and counseling to Collegewise, giving her a deep understanding of what colleges look for and how students can best position themselves in the application process. She has worked on both sides of the desk, in admissions at Carleton, Lake Forest, DePaul, and Northwestern, and in college counseling at Polytechnic School in Pasadena and Hawken School in Cleveland. This unique perspective allows her to guide students with clarity, strategy, and a keen understanding of how the process works.

A skilled project manager, Renee ensures the application process is broken down into clear, manageable steps, keeping students on track without last-minute chaos. Parents appreciate her proactive communication and ability to manage high expectations, whether working with families in Los Angeles’ competitive private school landscape or helping Midwestern families broaden their college horizons. She has successfully guided students to 200+ colleges in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., including Stanford, Yale, Duke, Cambridge, the UCs, and top liberal arts colleges. For families seeking an experienced, results-driven, and student-centered counselor, Renee offers the perfect blend of expertise, encouragement, and structure to make the journey both successful and enjoyable.

Families who work with Renee appreciate her ability to connect with students and bring out their best, whether they are high-achieving go-getters, undecided explorers, or anxious applicants who need reassurance and structure. She is direct and candid in her feedback, ensuring students receive the guidance they need without unnecessary stress or confusion, while also creating an encouraging environment where they feel supported. With experience counseling students interested in highly selective colleges, STEM programs, business, performing and visual arts, and specialized tracks like BS/MD and NCAA recruitment, she tailors her approach to each student’s individual strengths and goals.

Beyond her expertise, Renee brings a sense of humor and warmth to every interaction. She loves working with teenagers and believes that the college application process, while challenging, should also be a time of growth and self-discovery. An avid traveler and marathon runner, she has visited over 300 college campuses, always making a point to sample the best ice cream and cookies along the way.

Education & Experience

Carleton College, B.A.
DePaul University, M.B.A.

Hawken School, Director of College Counseling 

Polytechnic School, Associate Director of College Counseling 

Rolling Hills Preparatory School, Director of Admission

Northwestern University, Director of Admissions for The Graduate School

DePaul University, Director of Admission Operations
Coordinator of New Student Scholarships 

Lake Forest College, Associate Director of Admission; Senior Assistant Director of Admissions

Carleton College, Assistant Dean of Admissions 

Professional Organization Memberships

NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling  

College Board

Advisory Board Member at several institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Miami University, Union College, Caltech Children’s Center Board of Trustees, and Carleton College