David Coates
Independent college admissions consultant for students and parents in New York
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | New York, United States |
| Credentials | Ed.M. in School Counseling, University at Buffalo (SUNY); B.S. in Personnel Administration, Michigan State University; Member, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA); Member, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC); Member, New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC) |
| Practice | Coates College Consulting |
David Coates is an independent college admissions consultant who helps students and parents with the college search and application process. He spent 30 years as a school counselor in the Kenmore Town of Tonawanda School District. He also served as president of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling. He chaired the National College Fairs Committee from 2016 to 2018. His firm is Coates College Consulting.
What David helps with
David helps families find a college that fits the student and get through the admissions process with a clear plan.
- Searching for the right college fit
- Planning the college application process
- Telling a student's story in applications
- Applying when grades do not show a student's strengths
- Getting through admissions with less stress for families
Who David works with
David works with high school students and their parents. Families come to him when the college search feels overwhelming. He has helped students whose strengths are not always shown in their grades.
Background and qualifications
David earned a B.S. in Personnel Administration from Michigan State University and an Ed.M. in School Counseling from the University at Buffalo. He worked as a school counselor for 30 years in the Kenmore Town of Tonawanda School District, including 25 years at Kenmore East High School. He chaired the counseling office at a large suburban high school outside Buffalo from 2000 to 2006. He served on college advisory boards for several colleges and led the National College Fairs Committee from 2016 to 2018. He received the NYSACAC 2018 President's Award.
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The CoachVouch take
David spent 30 years as a school counselor and later led the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling as president.
Best for families who want experienced guidance to find a college that fits their child.
Common questions
How much does David Coates charge?
Coaching with David runs $150 to $225 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does David Coates help with?
David Coates helps with searching for the right college fit, planning the college application process, telling a student's story in applications and applying when grades do not show a student's strengths.
Is David Coates certified?
David Coates lists: Ed.M. in School Counseling, University at Buffalo (SUNY); B.S. in Personnel Administration, Michigan State University; Member, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA); Member, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC); Member, New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC).
How do I contact David Coates?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with David and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.