Jessica Williams, M.Ed.

With nearly a decade of experience spanning university admissions and college advising, I’ve developed a passion for expanding postsecondary possibilities for students who would greatly benefit from personalized attention throughout the application process. I have been delighted to bring my expertise in academic advising, college counseling, and student-centered support to School First!

During my time in university admissions, I evaluated thousands of applications and conducted hundreds of admission interviews for nationally ranked universities, giving me an insider’s perspective on what makes a strong applicant in the ever-changing world of college admissions. After my role as the Senior Admissions Officer at Barnard College, I decided that I wanted to work directly with students to educate and coach their families through the transition from high school to higher education. 

Most recently as a University and Academic Counselor, I served as adviser to a diverse group of students in various stages of their high school career, guiding them through academic advising, career exploration, and university applications to achieve their postsecondary dreams both in the U.S. and abroad. I’ve developed a process to ensure students are well-prepared for the application journey ahead, from creating a well-balanced university list to ultimately selecting the university that is the best fit for the student. With years of experience, I’ve mastered the University of California (UC) and Common App application portals to best assist families through the process. With the goal of being the best advocate for the academic, social, and emotional wellbeing of my students, I returned to school and earned a Master of Education in School Counseling from Columbia University. My greatest sense of fulfillment has come from working one-on one with students and encouraging them to enrich their lives through education. 

When I am not working with clients, I enjoy practicing Pilates, relaxing on the beach year round, and checking out the latest additions to the LA restaurant scene.