Helane Linzer
College admissions consultant for high school students in Pittsburgh
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Life coach |
| Based in | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Sessions | Online and in person |
| Credentials | Doctorate (Dr.); Psychologist; HECA member; HECA Regional Coordinator for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania |
| Practice | IvyMaven, LLC |
Dr. Helane Linzer is an independent college admissions consultant in Pittsburgh. She works one-on-one with high school students and their parents through the selective college admissions process. She is a psychologist and runs IvyMaven, LLC. She also serves as the HECA Regional Coordinator for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Her work covers course planning, essays, college lists, interviews, and merit aid. She can start with families at any point during the high school years.
What Helane helps with
Helane helps families plan for college and apply to selective schools. She supports students from early high school through the final application.
- Reviewing high school courses and activities
- Planning extracurriculars and summer activities
- Building a final college list
- Brainstorming and revising college essays
- Getting strong letters of recommendation
- Preparing for college interviews
- Choosing between Early Decision and other application schedules
- Finding merit aid and scholarships
Who Helane works with
Helane works with high school students and their parents. Families can start at any point in the high school years. Her comprehensive package suits families who want full help with college planning, and those applying to several highly selective schools.
How Helane works
Helane starts with a 2½ hour meeting, usually with the parents and the student. It gives her a first look at the student's academic and non-academic profile and the family's goals. It also answers early questions. Families then decide whether to continue. Her comprehensive College Package covers courses, testing strategy, college research, essays with as many revisions as needed, recommendation letters, interview practice, resumes, and a full review of the application. She uses essay organizing software and a data-based aptitude and interest assessment.
Background and qualifications
Helane Linzer holds a doctorate and is a psychologist. She runs IvyMaven, LLC, an independent college admissions consulting practice based in Pittsburgh. She is a member of HECA and serves as its Regional Coordinator for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Her advising includes career planning guidance based on aptitude and interest assessments.
Helane Linzer pricing
Programs and services
- Free 30 minute consult in person, by phone, or by video
- 2½ hour initial consultation
- IvyMaven College Package with comprehensive advising
Helane Linzer reviews
The CoachVouch take
She is a psychologist who also serves as the HECA Regional Coordinator for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.
Best for families who want full support through college planning, including those applying to several highly selective schools.
Common questions
How much does Helane Linzer charge?
Coaching with Helane runs $150 to $225 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Helane Linzer help with?
Helane Linzer helps with reviewing high school courses and activities, planning extracurriculars and summer activities, building a final college list and brainstorming and revising college essays.
Does Helane Linzer coach online?
Helane is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Sessions are online and in person.
Is Helane Linzer certified?
Helane Linzer lists: Doctorate (Dr.); Psychologist; HECA member; HECA Regional Coordinator for Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.
Does Helane Linzer offer a free consult?
Yes. She offers a free 30 minute consult in person, by phone, or by video.
When can families start working with Helane?
Families can start at any point in the high school years. She begins with a 2½ hour meeting, usually with parents and the student.
How do I contact Helane Linzer?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Helane and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.