Elise Rowley
College admissions consultant for students and parents in Lexington, Massachusetts
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Lexington, Massachusetts, United States |
| Credentials | IECA Professional member |
| Practice | By Design College Consulting, LLC |
Elise Rowley is an independent educational consultant in Lexington, Massachusetts. She helps students and parents with the college search and application process. Her background includes school counseling, student financial aid, and teaching. She runs a three-phase process that covers discovery, list building and visits, and applications. She uses the Counselmore college planning platform and the WOW Writing Method for the personal essay.
What Elise helps with
Elise guides students and families through the college search and the application process. She combines self-discovery with real research on colleges.
- Building a college list with best-fit schools at different levels of selectivity
- Planning a standardized testing plan
- Preparing for college visits and interviews
- Deciding how much need-based or merit aid matters
- Writing the personal essay and supplemental essays
- Deferral and waitlist strategies
- Making the final college decision
- Preparing for the move to college
Who Elise works with
Elise works with students and their parents together. The first meeting includes both the student and a parent, so the family's needs are clear from the start. She also covers how the move to college affects students and parents.
How Elise works
Elise uses a three-phase process. Phase one is discovery, with an academic and activities review, a testing plan, and a career interest inventory. Phase two covers list building, research, and visits on the Counselmore platform, with regular check-ins during junior year. Phase three covers application strategy, essays, and proofreading. Personal essays follow the WOW Writing Method. Clients get contact between sessions for questions.
Background and qualifications
Elise Rowley is the founder of By Design College Consulting, LLC in Lexington, Massachusetts. Her background includes school counseling, student financial aid, and teaching. That mix of work shapes how she guides families through the college search and the aid questions that come with it. She is a Professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).
Elise Rowley pricing
Programs and services
- Premium Comprehensive Package with up to 30 one-on-one sessions
- Supplemental essay review for up to 12 colleges
- 5-hour blocks of consulting time
- Legacy basic package for alumni families
Elise Rowley reviews
The CoachVouch take
Elise has worked in school counseling, student financial aid, and teaching, and she builds the college list herself through extensive research.
Best for students and parents who want a structured, step-by-step college search and application process with essay support.
Common questions
How much does Elise Rowley charge?
Coaching with Elise runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Elise from this page for an exact quote.
What does Elise Rowley help with?
Elise Rowley helps with building a college list with best-fit schools at different levels of selectivity, planning a standardized testing plan, preparing for college visits and interviews and deciding how much need-based or merit aid matters.
Is Elise Rowley certified?
Elise Rowley lists: IECA Professional member.
Does Elise Rowley help with financial aid questions?
Yes. Her process includes deciding how important need-based or merit-based aid is, and discussing aid options and the application process.
Does Elise Rowley stay in contact between sessions?
Yes. The Premium Comprehensive Package includes between-session contact for questions.
How do I contact Elise Rowley?
Send Elise a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.