Joe Bernard
College admissions counselor in Portland, Oregon
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students |
| Based in | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| Credentials | Certified Educational Planner (CEP); Bachelor's in Journalism, University of Oregon; Master's in Student Personnel Counseling, University of Portland; Charter member, Higher Educational Consultants Association; Member, National Association for College Admission Counseling; Executive committee, Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling |
| Practice | Academic Directions NW |
Joe Bernard is a college admissions counselor who works with students in Portland, Oregon. He has run his own practice, Academic Directions NW, since 1997. He also serves as College Counselor at Valley Catholic School in Beaverton. Before that, he worked in admissions at the University of Portland. He is Oregon's first Certified Educational Planner. He founded the Northwest Spring College Fairs in Portland and Seattle.
What Joe helps with
Joe guides students through the college search and admissions process.
- Planning the college search
- Navigating college admissions
- Working with a counselor who has admissions office experience
Who Joe works with
Joe counsels students independently in the Portland area. He also serves the student body at Valley Catholic School in Beaverton as its College Counselor.
Background and qualifications
Joe started in admissions at the University of Portland, where he was Associate Director of Admissions from 1990 to 1997. He then opened his independent practice, Academic Directions NW, in 1997. He holds a journalism degree from the University of Oregon and a master's in Student Personnel Counseling from the University of Portland. He is Oregon's first Certified Educational Planner. He taught a graduate course on college counseling at Lewis and Clark. He chairs the Portland National College Fair and started the Northwest Spring College Fairs in Portland and Seattle. He served six years as Vice President of the Higher Educational Consultants Association.
Joe Bernard pricing
Programs and services
- Independent college counseling for students
Joe Bernard reviews
The CoachVouch take
Oregon's first Certified Educational Planner, with a background as an admissions officer at the University of Portland.
Best for students and families in the Portland area who want a counselor with admissions office experience.
Common questions
How much does Joe Bernard charge?
Coaching with Joe runs $150 to $240 an hour. Message Joe from this page for an exact quote.
What does Joe Bernard help with?
Joe Bernard helps with planning the college search, navigating college admissions and working with a counselor who has admissions office experience.
Is Joe Bernard certified?
Joe Bernard lists: Certified Educational Planner (CEP); Bachelor's in Journalism, University of Oregon; Master's in Student Personnel Counseling, University of Portland; Charter member, Higher Educational Consultants Association; Member, National Association for College Admission Counseling; Executive committee, Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling.
Was Joe Bernard ever an admissions officer?
Yes. He was Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Portland from 1990 to 1997.
How do I contact Joe Bernard?
Send Joe a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
Similar coaches to compare
Tick "Compare" to message several coaches at once.
Abby McKinnon
Abby McKinnon is an independent college admissions coach in SE Portland, Oregon. She runs Garden Shed College Coaching and helps students and their parents find a college that fits. She takes on a small group of students each year. Her work draws on more than 20 years with kids and families. She is a HECA member.
Amy Romm Lockard
Amy Romm Lockard is an independent college admissions consultant who helps students and parents with the college search and applications. She runs Dovetail College Consulting in Portland, Oregon, and serves families across the U.S. She worked in secondary and higher education before starting her practice. She works with students who have learning differences, mental health differences, or significant financial need. She does not work with private high school students or those aiming for the most highly selective universities.
Benjamin Pettigrew
Benjamin Pettigrew is an MBA admissions consultant who also offers executive coaching, career coaching, master's program help and college help. He has over 25 years of experience building and leading companies in private equity, venture capital, family offices and digital health. He has served as a C-suite executive and board member, and he has closed acquisitions across Europe, Asia and the Americas. He has lived in five countries and now works from Oregon.
Debra Sankovitz
Debra Sankovitz is a college admissions coach in Portland, Oregon. She helps students and parents plan for college, from building a school list to finishing applications. She spent 17 years counseling students in public high schools before working with students independently. She co-leads College Path NW with Caroline McCulloch. Together they have coached over 400 students. She is a Certified Educational Planner.
Browse related
Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.