Jay Benanav
College admissions consultant for students and parents in Saint Paul, Minnesota
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Parenting coach |
| Based in | Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States |
| Credentials | IECA member |
| Practice | College Inside Track |
Jay Benanav is a college admissions consultant with College Inside Track in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The practice guides students and parents through the college process, from finding a good fit to essays, applications, scholarships and financial aid. It has helped hundreds of families in Minnesota, Wisconsin and across the United States. Jay is a member of the IECA. The team also speaks to high schools, companies and financial professionals.
What Jay helps with
College Inside Track helps families find a college that fits academically, socially and financially. It also helps them lower what they pay.
- Finding the right college fit
- Writing essays and completing applications
- Finding scholarships and financial aid
- Getting the best price at schools a family considers
- Planning how to pay for college
- Avoiding fights between parents and students over college choices
- Having tough conversations during an emotional process
Who Jay works with
The practice works with students and their parents together. Students often respond to the team differently than they do to their own parents. The team helps families avoid battles and handle hard conversations during the college process.
Background and qualifications
Jay Benanav is part of College Inside Track, an independent practice based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He is a member of the IECA. The practice has helped hundreds of families with college choice, applications, essays, scholarships and financial aid. Team members have appeared in the media, including on WCCO and CNBC, to talk about college costs and 529 savings plans.
Jay Benanav pricing
Programs and services
- Packages for families
- Free advice
- Seminars
- Speaking for high schools, companies and financial professionals
- Family checkup quiz
Jay Benanav reviews
The CoachVouch take
The practice covers admissions and college pricing together, with team members featured on WCCO and CNBC about college costs.
Best for families who want help finding a college fit and lowering the cost of college.
Common questions
How much does Jay Benanav charge?
Coaching with Jay runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Jay from this page for an exact quote.
What does Jay Benanav help with?
Jay Benanav helps with finding the right college fit, writing essays and completing applications, finding scholarships and financial aid and getting the best price at schools a family considers.
Is Jay Benanav certified?
Jay Benanav lists: IECA member.
Does College Inside Track work with families outside Minnesota?
Yes. The practice serves families in Minnesota, Wisconsin and across the United States.
How do I contact Jay Benanav?
Send Jay a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
Similar coaches to compare
Tick "Compare" to message several coaches at once.
Julie Ekkers
Julie Ekkers is an independent educational consultant in Minnesota's Twin Cities. She helps students and their families find strong college fits and complete their applications. She is a former admission professional and holds a law degree. That gives her special depth in law school preparation and pre-law counseling. She is also known for essay development and review. She works through College Connectors, a group practice, and meets clients in person, online, or both.
Abby Bittler
Abby Bittler is a college admissions consultant who helps students plan for college and move into it successfully. She works with students in regular education and with students who learn differently, including those with ADHD or dyslexia. She started as an independent educational consultant in 2014. Before that she was a teacher, tutor and academic coach. She focuses on colleges in the Southeast, including public and private schools with moderately selective admissions.
Abby Friedman
Abby Friedman is an independent educational consultant in Berkeley, California. She helps students and parents plan for college and apply. She is a Certified Educational Planner and a lifelong educator. Her work covers US colleges and also programs in the EU, UK and Canada. She pays close attention to fit, including academic, social and financial fit. She holds a master's in education and a UC Berkeley certificate in college admissions and career planning.
Alexandra Matthews
Alexandra Matthews is a college admissions counselor who runs College Odyssey in Mill Valley, California. She helps high school students find best-fit colleges and get in. She has worked as a life coach with teens for 20 years, focusing on anxiety and stress. She also taught writing at an Ivy League college and has interviewed applicants as an alumni interviewer for an Ivy League school. She works with clients across the country and abroad.
Browse related
Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.