Maria Nicolacakis
College admissions counselor for standard and arts applicants in Calabasas
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students, Parents and Creatives |
| Based in | Calabasas, California, United States |
| Credentials | MFA; IECA Professional member; UCLA College Counseling Certification Program, with distinction |
| Practice | Act One College Counseling |
Maria Nicolacakis is an independent college admissions consultant in Calabasas, California. She helps students and parents with college applications and essays, and she has a specialty in visual and performing arts admissions. She founded Act One College Counseling as a boutique practice. She is a former assistant dean and college professor, and a working performer and writer. She finished the UCLA College Counseling Certification Program with distinction.
What Maria helps with
Maria guides students through college applications and essays. She works to match each student with a school that fits them.
- Finding right-fit colleges for each student
- Writing college application essays
- Visual and performing arts admissions
- Choosing a college major
- Exploring career paths tied to majors
- Building a customized application plan
Who Maria works with
Maria works with students and their parents. She serves all kinds of applicants through her standard services. She also has a separate arts track for students applying in visual and performing arts.
Background and qualifications
Maria holds an MFA and completed the UCLA College Counseling Certification Program with distinction. She is a member of IECA as a professional. She worked as an assistant dean and a college professor, so she knows how higher-ed classrooms and faculty meetings run. She is also a professional performer and writer, which shapes how she helps students tell their own stories in applications. She founded Act One College Counseling as a boutique consultancy.
Maria Nicolacakis pricing
Programs and services
- Standard applicant services
- Arts applicant services
- Free Meet & Greet
Maria Nicolacakis reviews
The CoachVouch take
Maria is a former assistant dean and professional performer who specializes in visual and performing arts admissions.
Best for students applying in visual and performing arts, and for families who want a personal, tailored application process.
Common questions
How much does Maria Nicolacakis charge?
Coaching with Maria runs $150 to $240 an hour. Message Maria from this page for an exact quote.
What does Maria Nicolacakis help with?
Maria Nicolacakis helps with finding right-fit colleges for each student, writing college application essays, visual and performing arts admissions and choosing a college major.
Is Maria Nicolacakis certified?
Maria Nicolacakis lists: MFA; IECA Professional member; UCLA College Counseling Certification Program, with distinction.
Does Maria work with arts applicants?
Yes. Act One has a specialty in visual and performing arts admissions and offers a separate arts applicants service.
How do I contact Maria Nicolacakis?
Send Maria a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.