Jay Benanav
College admissions and financial aid consulting for families in Saint Paul
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | College admissionsCollege essaysIvy League and top schoolsFinancial aid and scholarshipsSaving and investing basics |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Financial coach and Parenting coach |
| Based in | Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States |
| Credentials | IECA member |
| Practice | College Inside Track |
Jay Benanav runs College Inside Track, an independent college admissions consulting practice in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The practice helps students and parents pick a college that fits academically, socially and financially. It also covers applications, essays, scholarships and financial aid. The practice reports that 97 percent of its students got into at least one of their top 3 choices, and only 4 percent transferred. It has helped hundreds of families.
What Jay helps with
The practice helps families handle the college search, applications and the cost of college. It also helps students and parents work through a stressful, emotional process.
- Finding a college that fits academically, socially and financially
- Building a target college list
- Guidance on college applications and essays
- Filling out FAFSA and CSS/Profile forms
- Comparing financial aid awards
- Appealing financial aid decisions
- Applying to highly selective schools
- Research mentorship and support
Who Jay works with
The practice works with students and their parents. Families are in the middle of the college search and want help with fit, applications and price. Some want help with highly selective applications or research mentorship. Students often respond differently to the team than to their parents, which helps ease tension at home.
How Jay works
The practice uses its own 9 step college process to find a school that fits academically, socially and financially. Packages include academic and extracurricular guidance, a target college list, application guidance, help with FAFSA and CSS/Profile, and financial aid award analysis. The team also files financial aid appeals when they fit and helps with financial aid while the student is in college. If a student decides to transfer, the team counsels them again at no added cost.
Background and qualifications
Jay Benanav leads College Inside Track, an independent practice based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The practice is a member of IECA. It serves families in Minnesota, Wisconsin and across the United States. Its team includes president Chris Wills, who appeared on the WCCO Sunday morning show, and Cozy Wittman, who was featured on CNBC talking 529 savings plans. The practice says it has helped hundreds of families.
Jay Benanav pricing
Programs and services
- College and financial aid counseling package
- Customized packages for highly selective applications
- Research mentorship and support
- Free consultation
- Speaking and seminars
- Free quiz for parents
Jay Benanav reviews
The CoachVouch take
The practice offers free repeat counseling if a student decides to transfer, and it combines admissions help with financial aid guidance.
Best for parents and students who want help choosing a college and lowering what they pay.
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 a college that fits academically, socially and financially, building a target college list, guidance on college applications and essays and filling out FAFSA and CSS/Profile forms.
Is Jay Benanav certified?
Jay Benanav lists: IECA member.
Does College Inside Track help with financial aid?
Yes. The team helps with FAFSA and CSS/Profile forms, reviews aid awards and files appeals when they fit.
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.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.