Melissa Masland
College admissions consultant for high school students in Walnut Creek, California
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Walnut Creek, California, United States |
| Sessions | Online and in person |
| Credentials | Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA); Member, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA); Member, Western Association for College Admissions Counseling (WACAC); BA, University of California, Santa Barbara; Certificate in College and Career Counseling, UC Berkeley |
| Practice | Masland Educational Consulting |
Melissa Masland is an independent college admissions consultant in Walnut Creek, California. She helps high school students and their families choose colleges and complete applications. She started her practice in 2010 and earlier worked as a college counselor at Orinda Academy. In most years, about half of her students have learning challenges such as LD, anxiety or dyslexia. She has worked with students admitted to Carnegie Mellon and UCLA, and with students who need schools with strong support.
What Melissa helps with
Melissa helps students find colleges that fit them and guides them through each step of applying. She works with students in grades 9 to 12 and their families.
- Building a college list that matches grades and interests
- Planning courses, activities and summer enrichment
- Writing strong college essays
- Preparing for standardized testing
- Showing demonstrated interest to colleges
- Financial aid guidance
- Finding disability services at each college
- Applying to creative arts programs with portfolios
Who Melissa works with
Melissa works with high school students who want a highly individualized college search. Many have learning differences such as LD, anxiety or dyslexia. Families take part in the process. Some students want to meet often to explore colleges. Others have packed schedules and want a streamlined plan.
How Melissa works
Each student starts with assessments to learn their strengths and what kind of school suits them. The team builds a timeline early so deadlines do not pile up. Meetings happen in person or by Zoom. The practice uses College Planner Pro and YouScience software. Students can meet often or follow a lighter plan, depending on their schedule. A final session with the family covers steps for a smooth move to college.
Background and qualifications
Melissa founded Masland Educational Consulting in 2010. Before that she earned a BA at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed the Berkeley certificate program in College and Career Counseling. She worked two years as a college counselor at Orinda Academy in Orinda, California. She belongs to IECA, WACAC and HECA, where she is Community Representative for the SF East Bay. Her students have gained admission to highly selective schools and to schools known for comprehensive support.
Melissa Masland pricing
Programs and services
- Services for grades 9 and 10
- Services for grade 11
- Services for grade 12
- IEP and 504 analysis
- Portfolio coaching for creative arts applicants
- Gap year information
Melissa Masland reviews
The CoachVouch take
About half of her practice in most years is students with learning challenges, and she gives detailed information on disability services at each college.
Best for high school students with learning differences and their families who want an individualized college search.
Common questions
How much does Melissa Masland charge?
Coaching with Melissa runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Melissa from this page for an exact quote.
What does Melissa Masland help with?
Melissa Masland helps with building a college list that matches grades and interests, planning courses, activities and summer enrichment, writing strong college essays and preparing for standardized testing.
Does Melissa Masland coach online?
Melissa is based in Walnut Creek, California, United States. Sessions are online and in person.
Is Melissa Masland certified?
Melissa Masland lists: Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA); Member, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA); Member, Western Association for College Admissions Counseling (WACAC); BA, University of California, Santa Barbara; Certificate in College and Career Counseling, UC Berkeley.
Does Melissa Masland work with students who have learning differences?
Yes. In most years about half of her students have LD, anxiety, dyslexia or other learning challenges. She also gives referrals for assessments and specialized test prep.
Can students meet with Melissa online?
Yes. Meetings are available in person or by Zoom.
How do I contact Melissa Masland?
Send Melissa a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.