Paula Friedman
College and career admissions consultant for students and families
| Hourly rate range | $70 to $130 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | College admissionsCollege essaysGrad school and PhDTransfer studentsFinancial aid and scholarshipsCareer clarity and purposeNew grads and students |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Also coaches | Career coach |
| Credentials | HECA member |
| Practice | The Academic Match, LLC |
Paula Friedman is an independent college consultant who helps students and their families with college and graduate school admissions. She founded The Academic Match, LLC, a college and career counseling firm. She guides students from the first college search through the final steps after an admission decision. Her work covers essays, testing, activities, scholarships, and interview prep. She also visits college campuses to learn about the schools.
What Paula helps with
Paula helps students plan for college or graduate school and choose a path that fits their goals. She supports families at each step of the process, from start to finish.
- Reviewing grades and choosing future courses
- Guiding standardized testing
- Building a college list based on key criteria
- Planning a timeline for campus visits and early applications
- Improving essays, short answers, and personal statements
- Choosing a major or career path that fits
- Preparing for admissions and scholarship interviews
- Applying for merit aid, scholarships, and grants
Who Paula works with
Paula works with high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. She also helps transfer students and graduate school applicants. Parents are part of the process, and she has worked with more than one child in the same family.
How Paula works
Paula builds a timeline of tasks for high school, including campus visits, showing interest in schools, and sending applications well before deadlines. She starts with a review of the student's current academic record. She suggests activities, volunteer or paid work, and summer options that show what makes each student unique. She stays with the student through the final steps from admission decision to enrolling.
Background and qualifications
Paula Friedman founded The Academic Match, LLC, a college and career counseling firm. She is an independent college consultant and a member of HECA. She has years of experience in college counseling and admissions. She and her colleague Laura Gallop visit colleges and share what they learn through virtual tours and newsletters. Her students have been accepted to many universities.
Paula Friedman pricing
Programs and services
- One-on-one college counseling
- Essay and application editing
- Scholarship application help
- Graduate school application help
- College virtual tours
- Newsletters
Paula Friedman reviews
The CoachVouch take
Paula pairs college admissions advising with campus visits and career path planning through her own firm.
Best for high school students and families who want help from the first college search through the final enrollment steps.
Common questions
How much does Paula Friedman charge?
Coaching with Paula runs $70 to $130 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Paula Friedman help with?
Paula Friedman helps with reviewing grades and choosing future courses, guiding standardized testing, building a college list based on key criteria and planning a timeline for campus visits and early applications.
Is Paula Friedman certified?
Paula Friedman lists: HECA member.
Does Paula Friedman help with graduate school applications?
Yes. She works with graduate school applicants, along with high school students and transfer students.
Can Paula help with scholarships and financial aid?
Yes. She helps students apply for merit aid, scholarships, and grants. She also helps families compare admission and aid offers.
How do I contact Paula Friedman?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Paula and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.