Lena Brooks
College admissions consultant for high school students in Santa Monica
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Santa Monica, California, United States |
| Credentials | Member, IECA; Certificate in college counseling, UCLA Extension; Master's degree, Columbia University; Bachelor's degree, Bryn Mawr College |
| Practice | Lena Brooks College Consulting |
Lena Brooks is a college admissions consultant who helps high school students and their parents plan applications and write essays. She runs an independent practice in Santa Monica, California. Before advising, she worked as a freelance editor for seven years and wrote grants in the nonprofit sector. She earned her college counseling certificate at UCLA Extension and graduated with distinction. She breaks the process into small steps and helps students pick colleges that fit them.
What Lena helps with
Lena helps students handle the college search, the essays and the deadlines. She also helps them think about what matters to them in a college.
- Building an application timeline
- Creating a list of best-fit colleges
- Brainstorming topics for personal essays
- Revising essays with feedback on writing techniques
- Planning Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision applications
- Guidance on recommendation letters
- Interview preparation and practice
- Handling waitlists and deferrals
Who Lena works with
Lena works with high school students who are applying to college. Parents are part of the process too. Students range from those who feel overwhelmed by essays and deadlines to those who want help finding colleges where they will do well.
How Lena works
Lena splits the application process into small, manageable pieces so students stay organized. They work at a steady pace, which leaves time for self-reflection about what matters in a college and which stories to tell. She builds a customized list of best-fit colleges from the student's input. She also uses personality and career assessments. Essay work includes topic brainstorming and feedback with revision guidance. Students also look at return on investment factors for each college.
Background and qualifications
Lena's background is in writing, research and career path planning. She spent seven years as a freelance editor and proofreader. Before that, she worked for many years in the nonprofit sector, writing grants, researching public policy issues and helping underserved communities. She has also been an alumni interviewer and coordinated study abroad programs. She holds a bachelor's degree from Bryn Mawr College and a master's from Columbia University. She earned her college counseling certificate from UCLA Extension, where she completed her practicum and graduated with distinction. She is a member of IECA.
Lena Brooks pricing
Programs and services
- Hourly one-on-one college advising
- College list development
- Essay brainstorming and feedback
- Interview preparation and practice
- Help with waitlists and deferrals
Lena Brooks reviews
The CoachVouch take
Lena combines seven years as a professional editor with nonprofit grant writing, which shapes her essay coaching.
Best for high school students who want help with essays and finding colleges that fit them.
Common questions
How much does Lena Brooks charge?
Coaching with Lena runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Lena from this page for an exact quote.
What does Lena Brooks help with?
Lena Brooks helps with building an application timeline, creating a list of best-fit colleges, brainstorming topics for personal essays and revising essays with feedback on writing techniques.
Is Lena Brooks certified?
Lena Brooks lists: Member, IECA; Certificate in college counseling, UCLA Extension; Master's degree, Columbia University; Bachelor's degree, Bryn Mawr College.
Can Lena help after applications are submitted?
Yes. She assists with the decision process, including waitlists and deferrals, and with the transition to college.
How do I contact Lena Brooks?
Send Lena a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.