Carolyn Geldermann
College admissions consultant serving students and parents in Lake Forest, Illinois
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Lake Forest, Illinois, United States |
| Credentials | Certified Educational Planner (CEP); MBA in Marketing, Northwestern Kellogg School of Management; IECA member; HECA member; NACAC member; IACAC member |
| Practice | Geldermann College Consulting |
Carolyn Geldermann is a college admissions consultant who guides students and their parents through the application process. She runs Geldermann College Consulting in Lake Forest, Illinois. Before consulting, she spent over 15 years in business and marketing and earned an MBA in Marketing from Kellogg. She is a Certified Educational Planner, a title held by fewer than 300 people in the country. She has visited over 100 colleges.
What Carolyn helps with
Carolyn helps students find colleges that fit their interests and goals, and guides families through each step of applying.
- Building a college list that fits the student
- Brainstorming college essays
- Completing applications
- Understanding what each step requires
- Helping students take ownership of the process
- Highlighting a student's strengths in applications
Who Carolyn works with
Carolyn works with students and their parents. She sets out clear expectations for both sides at each step. Students are encouraged to lead the process, while parents stay informed through steady communication.
How Carolyn works
Carolyn starts with a full assessment of the student, including interests, passions and strengths. From there she builds a college list based on fit, not only rankings. She then moves through essay brainstorming and application completion using step-by-step guidelines. Expectations are shared with students and parents, and communication is a focus throughout. She mixes support with firm deadlines so students own the work.
Background and qualifications
Carolyn holds an MBA in Marketing from Northwestern's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. She worked over 15 years in business and marketing, and uses that skill to spot a student's strengths and show them in applications. She is a Certified Educational Planner through the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners. She co-chairs the Chicagoland Independent Educational Consultants and served on an IECA college committee. She also visits colleges often, spending over 20% of her time on campus visits and meeting admissions staff.
Carolyn Geldermann pricing
Programs and services
- College admissions guidance for students and families
- Initial assessment and college list creation
- Essay brainstorming and application support
Carolyn Geldermann reviews
The CoachVouch take
Carolyn combines an MBA in Marketing and over 15 years in business with Certified Educational Planner status.
Best for students and parents who want a fit-based college search with clear steps and expectations.
Common questions
How much does Carolyn Geldermann charge?
Coaching with Carolyn runs $150 to $240 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Carolyn Geldermann help with?
Carolyn Geldermann helps with building a college list that fits the student, brainstorming college essays, completing applications and understanding what each step requires.
Is Carolyn Geldermann certified?
Carolyn Geldermann lists: Certified Educational Planner (CEP); MBA in Marketing, Northwestern Kellogg School of Management; IECA member; HECA member; NACAC member; IACAC member.
Does Carolyn only look at college rankings?
No. She focuses on finding the right fit for each student based on their interests, strengths and long-term goals.
Does Carolyn help with under-served students?
Yes. She provides guidance for under-served students through non-profit organizations and helped on an IECA committee that produced a free Common App resource.
How do I contact Carolyn Geldermann?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Carolyn and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.