Cathy Costa
College admissions consultant for students and families in Winchester, Massachusetts
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Winchester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Credentials | IECA member |
| Practice | Costa Educational Consulting |
Cathy Costa is a college admissions consultant who guides students and their parents through the college search and application process. She runs Costa Educational Consulting in Winchester, Massachusetts. Her work covers building a college list, planning standardized testing, writing essays, and getting ready for interviews. She also looks at the social climate and financial side of each college option. She is a member of the IECA.
What Cathy helps with
Cathy helps students find colleges that fit them academically, socially, and financially. She guides families from the first search through the final application and the move to college.
- Building a college list and application strategy
- Planning standardized testing
- Writing college essays that show the student's own voice
- Preparing for college interviews
- Planning useful college visits
- Building an extracurricular profile based on the student's interests
- Weighing residence options, social climate, and financial realities
- Planning for the transition to college
Who Cathy works with
Cathy works with high school students and their families. Most clients start with her comprehensively in 10th or 11th grade. She also works with younger high school students on early planning. Undergraduate transfer candidates and graduate school applicants can get support too.
How Cathy works
Cathy splits her work into three stages: Explore, Apply, and Thrive. In Explore, she reviews the student's educational history and goals, and students research colleges through an online portal. In Apply, she builds the college list, sets a testing plan, and guides the application parts. In Thrive, she helps students prepare for the move to college. Each family gets a personal timeline with clear steps.
Background and qualifications
Cathy Costa leads Costa Educational Consulting, an independent practice in Winchester, Massachusetts. She is a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her practice covers the full college admissions process, from early high school planning to college transition. She also supports undergraduate transfer and graduate school applicants in setting goals and reviewing program options.
Cathy Costa pricing
Programs and services
- Comprehensive college admissions guidance starting in 10th or 11th grade
- Early high school coaching
- College transfer and graduate school application support
- Hourly consulting in some cases
Cathy Costa reviews
The CoachVouch take
Cathy's process runs from early high school planning through the move to college, not only the application.
Best for families who want a start-to-finish plan for the college search, beginning in 10th or 11th grade.
Common questions
How much does Cathy Costa charge?
Coaching with Cathy runs $150 to $225 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Cathy Costa help with?
Cathy Costa helps with building a college list and application strategy, planning standardized testing, writing college essays that show the student's own voice and preparing for college interviews.
Is Cathy Costa certified?
Cathy Costa lists: IECA member.
When should a family start working with Cathy Costa?
Most clients begin comprehensive work in 10th or 11th grade. Younger high school students can also get early coaching.
Does Cathy Costa help with transfer or graduate school applications?
Yes. She helps undergraduate transfer and graduate school candidates set goals and review program options.
How do I contact Cathy Costa?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Cathy and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.