Deb Shames
College admissions consultant 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 consultant who runs Personal Best College Coaching in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. She helps students and their parents find the right college and finish the application process with less stress. Her practice covers essays, transfers, student athletes, arts and performing arts students, and students with learning differences. She also advises on graduate school and career exploration. She works with families in the New York City area and online.
What Deb helps with
Deb helps students pick colleges that fit them and get through applications and essays. She also helps families handle special situations and plan for costs.
- Finding the right college for a student
- Completing college applications
- Writing college essays
- Transferring to a new college
- Applying as a student athlete
- Applying with a music, art or performing arts focus
- College planning with learning differences, ASD or mental health needs
- Applying to graduate school
Who Deb works with
Deb works with high school students and their parents. She also works with transfer students, student athletes, and students in music, art and performing arts. Her practice supports students with learning differences, ASD and mental health issues. She also advises graduate school applicants.
Background and qualifications
Deb Shames is an independent educational consultant and a professional member of IECA. She runs Personal Best College Coaching, based in Northern New Jersey. Her practice has a team and serves families in the New York City area and online. Along with college counseling, the practice offers essay workshops, SAT and ACT tutoring, and financial aid support. A parent describes Deb as having broad, real-life knowledge of many colleges.
Deb Shames pricing
Programs and services
- College counseling
- College application assistance
- College essay workshops
- SAT and ACT tutoring
- Financial aid support
- Graduate school counseling
Deb Shames reviews
The CoachVouch take
Her practice pairs college counseling with SAT and ACT tutoring and support for special situations like transfers, learning differences and performing arts.
Best for families in the New York City area who want steady guidance and less stress through the college process.
Common questions
How much does Deb Shames charge?
Coaching with Deb runs $150 to $225 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Deb Shames help with?
Deb Shames helps with finding the right college for a student, completing college applications, writing college essays and transferring to a new college.
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 offer online college counseling?
Yes. Personal Best College Coaching serves families in the New York City area and also works online.
How do I contact Deb Shames?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Deb and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.