
Martha Garfield
College admissions consultant in Graton, California
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Graton, California, United States |
| Sessions | Online and in person |
| Credentials | Certified Educational Planner (AICEP); IECA Professional member; NACAC member; WACAC member; Master's degree in English |
| Practice | Garfield College Counseling |
Martha Garfield is an independent college admissions consultant in Graton, California. She helps high school students and their families plan for college and work through the application process. She spent 7 years as Director of College Counseling at an independent high school in New England. She holds a Master's degree in English, has taught English at the university level, and has helped hundreds of students with college essays. She works with students from the US and other countries.
What Martha helps with
Martha helps students build a college list that fits their interests and abilities. She also guides families through applications, essays and financial aid forms.
- Building a college list that fits the student
- Writing college essays
- Applying as an international student
- Applying as a first generation college student
- Understanding the FAFSA and CSS Profile
- Academic planning and summer options for 9th and 10th graders
- Applying from home-school, Waldorf or Montessori backgrounds
Who Martha works with
Martha works with high school students and their parents. Her students come from the US and from other countries. She has worked with first generation college students, home-schooled students, and students from Waldorf and Montessori schools. She usually starts with students at the end of sophomore year or the start of junior year.
How Martha works
Martha builds each plan around the student's interests and abilities, and does not use a one size fits all method. Together they create a college list that fits the student. She meets students in person, by video, by email and by phone. She usually begins with students at the end of sophomore year or the start of junior year. She also helps 9th and 10th graders with academic planning and summer options.
Background and qualifications
Martha has worked with high school students for 15 years. She spent 7 of those years as Director of College Counseling at an independent high school in New England. She holds a Master's degree in English and has taught English at the university level. She has helped hundreds of students with college essays. She is a Certified Educational Planner and a member of IECA, NACAC and WACAC. She visits colleges regularly to stay familiar with many schools.
Martha Garfield pricing
Programs and services
- One-on-one college counseling
- Academic planning for 9th and 10th graders
- Free consultation
Martha Garfield reviews
The CoachVouch take
A former school Director of College Counseling who also taught university English and has helped hundreds of students with essays.
Best for families who want personal college counseling, including international, first generation or non-traditionally schooled students.
Common questions
How much does Martha Garfield charge?
Coaching with Martha runs $150 to $240 an hour. Message Martha from this page for an exact quote.
What does Martha Garfield help with?
Martha Garfield helps with building a college list that fits the student, writing college essays, applying as an international student and applying as a first generation college student.
Does Martha Garfield coach online?
Martha is based in Graton, California, United States. Sessions are online and in person.
Is Martha Garfield certified?
Martha Garfield lists: Certified Educational Planner (AICEP); IECA Professional member; NACAC member; WACAC member; Master's degree in English.
Does Martha Garfield work with international students?
Yes. She has worked with students from all over the world and meets them by video, email and phone.
When should a student start working with Martha?
She prefers to start at the end of sophomore year or the beginning of junior year. She also helps 9th and 10th graders with academic planning and summer options.
How do I contact Martha Garfield?
Send Martha 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 Friedman
Abby Friedman is an independent educational consultant in Berkeley, California. She helps students and parents plan for college and apply. She is a Certified Educational Planner and a lifelong educator. Her work covers US colleges and also programs in the EU, UK and Canada. She pays close attention to fit, including academic, social and financial fit. She holds a master's in education and a UC Berkeley certificate in college admissions and career planning.

Allison Henderson
Allison Henderson is an independent college counselor who helps students and parents with the college admissions process. She runs A+ College Consultants in the San Diego area of California. She has counseled over 1,000 clients across the country and abroad. Her work covers college search, applications, essays, deadlines, and merit-based aid. She also writes a blog with data-driven advice on admissions. She holds a college counseling certificate from UC San Diego.

Audrey of Roadmap4College
Audrey runs Roadmap4College, a college advising practice in Walnut Creek, California. She helps high school and college students pick colleges, write essays and plan for financial aid. She has advised more than 100 students in the US and overseas over 9 years. She also worked 4 years on the college and career team at a large public high school. Her students have been offered over $2.2M in merit scholarships.

Barry Beach
Barry Beach is a college advisor and portfolio coach who helps students and parents with college admissions. He works with high school students, transfer students, international students, first-generation students and arts applicants. He spent several years scoring freshman applications at UC Berkeley, so he knows how that review works. He has also worked in admissions at two art schools. He has advised families independently since 2009 from San Rafael, California.
Browse related
Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.