Meet the Founder
Hi, I’m Emily!
Why I Started Noetic College Consulting
I founded Noetic College Consulting with the goal of providing thoughtful, personalized support that puts student well-being at the center of the college admissions process.
After working as a senior consultant at one of the country’s most widely-known firms, I became frustrated with the high-volume, one-size-fits-all approach that placed profit above students. I wanted to provide more ethical guidance with more transparency, more depth, and more room to focus on what truly matters. So, I built something different.
My Approach
I have worked with over 1,000 students from PreK through 12th grade, including high school seniors, younger students exploring their interests, and provisionally accepted college freshmen. My approach is calm, clear, and student-centered. I believe in meeting students where they are by focusing on their strengths.
Families tell me they appreciate my ability to explain complex topics in simple, approachable terms. I provide plenty of encouragement with a kind approach, but I don’t sugarcoat things. I’ll be real about what’s working, what needs improvement, and what’s actually possible. My goal is to empower students to make confident, informed decisions.
My Background
I hold a degree in biology, with a focus on molecular biology and genetics, and began my career doing biological research at Princeton University. I studied stem cell therapies, yeast genetics, and metabolomics. My work has contributed to several publications, including one in Nature Chemical Biology, and I have presented at national and international conferences. My experience in research and at Princeton allowed me to gain a firsthand understanding of the rigor found at elite institutions.
This foundation makes me especially excited to support students interested in the life sciences, the pre-med track, or STEM more broadly. I am also a former reviewer for the Broadcom MASTERS (now Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge), a national science fair, and I regularly guide students in developing strong research profiles and communicating their work effectively.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working one-on-one with students through both independent consulting and in my previous role at a national firm. These students have been admitted to highly competitive institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UNC Chapel Hill, Washington University in St. Louis, and more. Collectively, they have earned over $2 million in merit-based scholarships. I have guided many students through the process of publishing their first peer-reviewed scientific paper, supported students in qualifying for the USA Biology Olympiad Semifinals, and advised multiple Scholastic Art & Writing Gold Key recipients. Students I have worked with have also gone on to become Conrad Challenge Innovators and to qualify for local, state, and national science fairs.
Before transitioning to college consulting full-time, I was a classroom teacher, teaching a variety of STEM disciplines to students in grades 1 through 12. That experience gave me a deep understanding of how students learn and grow at every stage. As an educator, I worked with a specialized curriculum organization to promote food security education in science classrooms. I am also a certified National Geographic Educator and, while teaching, was awarded a fellowship to conduct ecological research in Mexico. Even though I no longer teach full-time, I still consider myself a lifelong educator (and learner!).
Today, I bring that same educator’s mindset to college consulting. Whether I’m guiding a student through their Common App essays or helping them prepare for a science competition, I approach every interaction with patience.
As a full-time college consultant, I am also an active member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). My membership ensures adherence to providing top-tier, ethical college admissions guidance by following the highest professional standards.
Why This Work Matters to Me
As a first-generation college student, I went through the application process with almost no guidance and a whole lot of assumptions. At the time, I was mostly thinking about what college looked like in the movies: big campuses, football games, ivy-covered buildings, and deeply interesting lectures in vast lecture halls. I didn’t stop to ask whether the schools that boasted the stereotypical college environment were actually a good fit for me in terms of my learning style, goals, or personality.
Unsurprisingly, I ended up at a school that checked all the cinematic boxes but felt completely wrong when I arrived on campus. It was overwhelming and isolating.
Eventually, I transferred to a university where I found community, support, and academic alignment. That experience taught me how critical fit is, not just for admissions success, but for a student’s overall well-being and growth.
Now, I help students ask the questions no one asked me. I take the time to understand who they are, what they care about, and where they’ll feel most at home. Because college shouldn’t just be about getting in - it should be about finding a place where you can grow, thrive, and maybe even like your roommate.
Outside the Office
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me outside hiking, swimming, or gardening. I love to travel and always try to visit less frequented places - I once camped on an entirely uninhabited island! When I really want to relax, I put on some reality TV (maybe one day you’ll see me on Survivor).
