Colleen Paparella
College admissions consultant in McLean, Virginia
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | McLean, Virginia, United States |
| Credentials | Professional member, IECA; Member, NACAC; Master's in education, Fordham University; New York State-certified English teacher |
| Practice | DC College Counseling, LLC |
Colleen Paparella is a college admissions consultant who helps students and parents through the college application process. She founded DC College Counseling in McLean, Virginia, and leads a team of counselors. She spent the first decade of her career in undergraduate admissions and independent school counseling, including six years as a Director of College Counseling. She has a special interest in gifted and twice-exceptional students, and in students with ADHD, autism, and anxiety.
What Colleen helps with
Colleen and her team guide students through applications, essays, and interviews. They also manage deadlines so parents can step back from the process.
- College applications from start to finish
- College essays and personal statements
- Interview preparation
- Transfer admissions
- Graduate school admissions
- Course selection and workload management
- Meeting deadlines without parent nagging
- Support for gifted and twice-exceptional students
Who Colleen works with
The team works with students headed to Ivy League schools, students hoping to play Division I athletics, and students who just want to get through senior year. Colleen has a particular interest in gifted and twice-exceptional learners, and in students with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Parents, school groups, and community groups can also attend free presentations.
How Colleen works
The team acts as project manager so the student stays in the driver's seat. They manage all deadlines and schedule meetings for essay editing and check-ins. They text students to follow up on every to-do item. They give honest but kind feedback on student work. They aim to submit applications well before they are due. Options range from one-time sessions to long-term work.
Background and qualifications
Colleen spent the first decade of her career in undergraduate admissions and independent school college counseling in the Washington, DC and New York City areas. Six of those years were as a Director of College Counseling. She earned a master's degree in education from Fordham University through a New York City Teaching Fellowship and is a New York State-certified English teacher. She has trained educational consultants worldwide. She is a professional member of IECA and a member of NACAC. Her advice has appeared in local and national media.
Colleen Paparella pricing
Programs and services
- One-time sessions
- Long-term counseling relationships
- Introductory meeting
- Free presentations and webinars for parent, school, community, and religious groups
- Pro bono program
Colleen Paparella reviews
The CoachVouch take
Colleen has worked on both sides of the desk, in college admissions offices and as a school college counselor, and now trains other educational consultants.
Best for families who want a counselor to manage deadlines and applications so parents do not have to push their student.
Common questions
How much does Colleen Paparella charge?
Coaching with Colleen runs $150 to $240 an hour. Message Colleen from this page for an exact quote.
What does Colleen Paparella help with?
Colleen Paparella helps with college applications from start to finish, college essays and personal statements, interview preparation and transfer admissions.
Is Colleen Paparella certified?
Colleen Paparella lists: Professional member, IECA; Member, NACAC; Master's in education, Fordham University; New York State-certified English teacher.
Does Colleen Paparella work with students who have learning differences?
Yes. She has a particular interest in gifted and twice-exceptional learners, and in students with ADHD, autism, and anxiety.
Does DC College Counseling help with graduate school and transfer applications?
Yes. The team supports transfer admissions and graduate school admissions as well as undergraduate applications.
How do I contact Colleen Paparella?
Send Colleen a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.