Alison Merzel
College admissions consultant for students and families in Columbus, Ohio
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Career coach |
| Based in | Columbus, Ohio, United States |
| Credentials | Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA); Master of Human Resources; Independent Educational Consulting certificate |
| Practice | AHM Advising LLC |
Alison Merzel is a college admissions consultant in Columbus, Ohio. She runs AHM Advising LLC and helps students and parents plan for college and graduate school. She guides families through choosing schools, building a college list, and finishing applications. She comes from a higher education background and holds a Master of Human Resources. She also earned an Independent Educational Consulting certificate and belongs to IECA. She works with students as early as 10th grade.
What Alison helps with
Alison helps students and families find schools that fit and get ready for the admissions process. She works with students who are just starting out and with those who need help on one step.
- Building a college list of best-fit schools
- Knowing what to do next after picking a major and schools
- Staying on track through the application process
- Understanding application deadlines like Early Action and Early Decision
- Writing supplemental essays
- Getting started with college planning from 10th grade
- Getting help on specific parts of the process
- Graduate school application guidance
Who Alison works with
Alison works with students in 10th to 12th grade and their parents. Some clients are just starting to think about college. Others know their major and have a few schools in mind but need a plan for next steps. Some 12th graders only want help with one part of the process.
How Alison works
Alison offers a few ways to work together based on where a student is in the process. Guiding You Through is for students in 10th to 12th grade who need help from the start. Piecing it Together is for 11th and 12th graders who have schools in mind and need a plan. Developing Your List helps 11th and 12th graders choose colleges. Specific Support is hourly help for 12th graders.
Background and qualifications
Alison Merzel is a higher education professional. She holds a Master of Human Resources and an Independent Educational Consulting certificate. She is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association. She started AHM Advising LLC, an independent practice in Columbus, Ohio. Her work has shown her how higher education opens doors for thousands of students. She also offers consulting for organizations.
Alison Merzel pricing
Programs and services
- Guiding You Through, for 10th to 12th grade
- Piecing it Together, for 11th to 12th grade
- Developing Your List, for 11th to 12th grade
- Specific Support, hourly help for 12th grade
- College and graduate school application guidance
- Consulting for organizations
Alison Merzel reviews
The CoachVouch take
Her college planning services match a student's grade and needs, from full guidance to hourly help on one task.
Best for high school students and parents who want help building a college list and staying on track with applications.
Common questions
How much does Alison Merzel charge?
Coaching with Alison runs $150 to $225 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Alison Merzel help with?
Alison Merzel helps with building a college list of best-fit schools, knowing what to do next after picking a major and schools, staying on track through the application process and understanding application deadlines like Early Action and Early Decision.
Is Alison Merzel certified?
Alison Merzel lists: Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA); Master of Human Resources; Independent Educational Consulting certificate.
Does Alison Merzel offer help on just one part of the college process?
Yes. Her Specific Support option is hourly help for 12th graders who need support on certain steps and not full guidance.
Does Alison Merzel help with graduate school applications?
Yes. She offers college and graduate school application guidance.
How do I contact Alison Merzel?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Alison and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.