Ellen Gaddie
College admissions counselor for students and parents in California
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Dana Point, California, United States |
| Credentials | HECA member |
| Practice | Simply College Prep |
Ellen Gaddie is an independent college consultant who helps students and parents plan for college and apply. She runs Simply College Prep, with offices in Dana Point and Chico, California. Her services cover academic planning, college list building, application management and essay coaching. She guides students through essays from start to finish, usually in 4 weeks or less. She is a member of HECA.
What Ellen helps with
Ellen helps students pick colleges that fit them and stay organized through the application process. She looks at academics, social setting and affordability.
- Planning high school coursework around college goals
- Building a personal list of colleges that fit
- Writing college essays that show who the student is
- Managing the application process step by step
- Setting realistic college goals
- Weighing academics, campus life and affordability
Who Ellen works with
Ellen works with college-bound students and their parents. Her clients include students in Orange County, California. She works with teens whose interests range from big school spirit to classic academics, and she builds each plan around the student.
How Ellen works
Ellen starts essays by getting to know the student and what matters to them. Brainstorming happens before any writing begins. She then guides the student from start to finish, usually in 4 weeks or less. Academic planning begins with the student's goals, interests, strengths and weaknesses. College lists are built for fit, not just for well known names.
Background and qualifications
Ellen Gaddie is an independent college consultant and a member of HECA. She leads Simply College Prep, which serves families from offices in Dana Point in Southern California and Chico in Northern California. The practice has experience working with teens and focuses on college selection and applications.
Ellen Gaddie pricing
Programs and services
- Academic planning
- College list building
- College essay guidance
- Application management
Ellen Gaddie reviews
The CoachVouch take
Builds each college list around fit, including campus social life and affordability, not only name recognition.
Best for students and parents who want a personal college list and help with essays and applications.
Common questions
How much does Ellen Gaddie charge?
Coaching with Ellen runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Ellen from this page for an exact quote.
What does Ellen Gaddie help with?
Ellen Gaddie helps with planning high school coursework around college goals, building a personal list of colleges that fit, writing college essays that show who the student is and managing the application process step by step.
Is Ellen Gaddie certified?
Ellen Gaddie lists: HECA member.
How long does essay coaching take with Ellen Gaddie?
Ellen guides students from start to finish, usually in 4 weeks or less. She spends time getting to know the student and brainstorming before any writing starts.
Does Ellen Gaddie help with more than essays?
Yes. Her services include academic planning, college list building and application management as well as essay guidance.
How do I contact Ellen Gaddie?
Send Ellen a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.