
Michael Craig
College admissions counselor for Southern California families, online
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Diamond Bar, California, United States |
| Sessions | Online |
| Credentials | Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) member; National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) member; Western Association of College Admissions Counselors (WACAC) member; College Admissions Counseling Program, UCLA; Bachelor's degree, UC Irvine |
| Practice | College Inspired |
Michael Craig is a college admissions counselor who helps students and parents with the college application process. He founded College Inspired in 2009 and is based in Diamond Bar, California. He works with families across Southern California, in other states, and sometimes in other countries. All appointments run on Zoom. He offers programs for grades 9 to 12, and the senior program covers full application help from essays to deadline tracking.
What Michael helps with
Michael helps students plan for college from freshman year through the senior application. He also helps them show what makes them stand out.
- Choosing a challenging high school curriculum
- Exploring interests through school and community activities
- Identifying passions and goals
- Building a list of colleges
- Brainstorming essay topics
- Writing and editing application essays
- Preparing for college interviews
- Tracking application deadlines
Who Michael works with
Michael works with students in grades 9 to 12 and their parents. Clients come from all over Southern California, from other states, and sometimes from outside the U.S. Freshmen and sophomores get planning help. Juniors and seniors focus on goals, college lists, and applications.
How Michael works
College Inspired offers programs set by grade level, from 9th to 12th grade. Freshmen and sophomores focus on choosing a challenging curriculum and getting involved in school and community. Juniors and seniors work on passions and goals, a college list, essay topics, and applications. The senior year program includes full application help: Essay instruction and editing, supplementary materials, interview prep, final editing and submission, and deadline tracking. All meetings are held on Zoom.
Background and qualifications
Michael Craig founded College Inspired in 2009 and works as its counselor. He earned a bachelor's degree at the University of California, Irvine. He also completed the College Admissions Counseling Program at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, the Western Association of College Admissions Counselors, and the Higher Education Consultants Association. His practice is in Diamond Bar, California.
Michael Craig pricing
Programs and services
- Grade-level programs for 9th to 12th grade
- Senior year program with full application help
- Virtual appointments on Zoom
Michael Craig reviews
The CoachVouch take
Michael has run College Inspired since 2009 and holds memberships in three national and regional admissions associations.
Best for high school students and parents who want help from freshman year through the final application.
Common questions
How much does Michael Craig charge?
Coaching with Michael runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Michael from this page for an exact quote.
What does Michael Craig help with?
Michael Craig helps with choosing a challenging high school curriculum, exploring interests through school and community activities, identifying passions and goals and building a list of colleges.
Does Michael Craig coach online?
Michael is based in Diamond Bar, California, United States. Sessions are online.
Is Michael Craig certified?
Michael Craig lists: Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) member; National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) member; Western Association of College Admissions Counselors (WACAC) member; College Admissions Counseling Program, UCLA; Bachelor's degree, UC Irvine.
Does Michael Craig meet with clients in person?
No. Appointments are virtual only and held on Zoom. He has run all appointments this way for the past five years.
Does Michael Craig work with families outside Southern California?
Yes. He works with families from other states and sometimes from countries outside the U.S.
How do I contact Michael Craig?
Send Michael a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.