Liz Murphy
College admissions consultant for University of California applicants in California
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Half Moon Bay, California, United States |
| Sessions | Online |
| Credentials | Certified Educational Planner (CEP); Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning, UC Berkeley; Master of Public Health, UC Berkeley; Bachelor's degree in Biology, University of the Pacific; Member, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA); Member, American Institute of Certified Educational Planners |
| Practice | Liz Murphy College Advising |
Liz Murphy is an independent college consultant who helps high school students and their parents find the right college and apply. Her specialty is the University of California system. She is a Certified Educational Planner, a title held by only 45 college consultants in California. She founded her practice in 2014 and coaches students by video from Half Moon Bay. She also has a strong interest in students who want to study STEM.
What Liz helps with
Liz helps students narrow a long list of colleges and get through applications with less stress. She works with families who feel overwhelmed by deadlines, tests and essays.
- Finding a college that fits academic, social and financial goals
- Applying to the University of California system
- Applying to other West Coast colleges and universities
- Planning for STEM majors
- Brainstorming and editing college essays
- Reviewing applications before they are sent
- Breaking the process into steps with clear timelines
- Managing stress during the college search
Who Liz works with
Liz works with high school students applying to colleges across the US, and with their parents. Many of her students aim for the University of California system or other West Coast schools. She has a special interest in students who plan to study STEM. She also works with families who want extra support alongside their school counselors.
How Liz works
Liz leads most of the meetings herself. In junior year, students often also meet a few times with an assigned college coach on the team. The coach helps with routine tasks like starting applications, listing activities in a Google Doc, and setting up college portals. Liz guides students to make their own choices instead of directing them. She aims to work alongside families and school counselors, not replace them.
Background and qualifications
Liz Murphy holds the Certified Educational Planner credential and a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley. She also has a Master of Public Health from UC Berkeley and a biology degree from the University of the Pacific. Before advising, she worked in public health and taught high school biology and chemistry in the Peace Corps in Kenya. She has guided hundreds of students since starting her practice in 2014. She tours dozens of colleges each year and attends professional conferences and workshops.
Liz Murphy pricing
Programs and services
- One-on-one college advising by video
- Support from an assigned college coach during junior year
- Pro bono services for students and nonprofits
Liz Murphy reviews
The CoachVouch take
She is a Certified Educational Planner, a title held by only 45 college consultants in California, and she specializes in the University of California system.
Best for high school students and parents who want a calm, organized plan for applying to University of California and West Coast schools.
Common questions
How much does Liz Murphy charge?
Coaching with Liz runs $150 to $240 an hour. Message Liz from this page for an exact quote.
What does Liz Murphy help with?
Liz Murphy helps with finding a college that fits academic, social and financial goals, applying to the University of California system, applying to other West Coast colleges and universities and planning for STEM majors.
Does Liz Murphy coach online?
Liz is based in Half Moon Bay, California, United States. Sessions are online.
Is Liz Murphy certified?
Liz Murphy lists: Certified Educational Planner (CEP); Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning, UC Berkeley; Master of Public Health, UC Berkeley; Bachelor's degree in Biology, University of the Pacific; Member, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA); Member, American Institute of Certified Educational Planners.
Does Liz Murphy only work with students in California?
No. She works with students applying to colleges across the US and coaches by video from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
Does Liz Murphy replace a school counselor?
No. She works alongside families and school counselors. She guides students to make their own informed choices.
How do I contact Liz Murphy?
Send Liz a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.