Deb Shames
Independent college admissions counselor in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Career coach |
| Based in | Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, United States |
| Sessions | Online and in person |
| Credentials | IECA Professional member |
| Practice | Personal Best College Coaching |
Deb Shames is an independent college admissions counselor who helps students and their parents find the right college and get accepted. She runs Personal Best College Coaching in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. She works with families in the New York City area and online. Her services cover college applications, essay workshops, SAT and ACT tutoring, and financial aid support. She also advises transfer students, student athletes, and students in the arts.
What Deb helps with
Deb helps students and parents get through the college process with less stress. She covers school selection, applications, essays, and testing.
- Finding the right college
- Completing college applications
- Writing college essays
- SAT and ACT tutoring
- Financial aid support
- Transferring to a new college
- Applying to art, music, and performing arts programs
- Applying to graduate school
Who Deb works with
Deb works with high school students and their parents. She also supports transfer students, student athletes, and students in music, art, and performing arts. She has a service for students with learning differences, autism, and mental health issues. Graduate school applicants are part of her work too.
Background and qualifications
Deb Shames is an independent educational consultant and a professional member of IECA. Her practice, Personal Best College Coaching, is based in Northern New Jersey. She provides college counseling in the New York City area and online. Her team offers college counseling, application help, essay workshops, SAT and ACT tutoring, and financial aid support. A parent who worked with her says Deb knows many colleges well and matches her advice to each student's strengths.
Deb Shames pricing
Programs and services
- College counseling
- College application assistance
- College essay workshops
- SAT and ACT tutoring
- Financial aid support
- Transfer student counseling
Deb Shames reviews
The CoachVouch take
Offers counseling for special situations, including students with learning differences, student athletes, and students in the performing arts.
Best for New Jersey and New York area families who want help with the full college process, including transfers and special situations.
Common questions
How much does Deb Shames charge?
Coaching with Deb runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Deb from this page for an exact quote.
What does Deb Shames help with?
Deb Shames helps with finding the right college, completing college applications, writing college essays and SAT and ACT tutoring.
Does Deb Shames coach online?
Deb is based in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, United States. Sessions are online and in person.
Is Deb Shames certified?
Deb Shames lists: IECA Professional member.
Does Deb Shames work with transfer students?
Yes. She offers counseling for transfer students and for other special situations.
Does Deb Shames offer help outside New Jersey?
Yes. She works with families in the New York City area and online.
How do I contact Deb Shames?
Send Deb a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.