Rod Bugarin Jr
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | United States |
| Credentials | HECA member |
| Practice | Expert College Consulting, LLC |
Rod Bugarin Jr is an independent college admissions consultant who works with students and parents. He helps students choose colleges, build their activities, and prepare applications. Before consulting, he spent more than fifteen years in admissions and financial aid offices at Hampshire College, Wesleyan University, Brown University, and Columbia University. He left Columbia in 2017 to consult full time. He was also featured in the book The Gatekeepers, published in 2002.
What Rod helps with
Rod helps students find the right colleges and put together strong applications. He also guides families on financial aid and scholarships.
- Finding the right college
- Building summer and school activities
- Preparing applications for each college
- Essay and supplement coaching
- Improving chances of admission
- Improving chances of winning scholarships
Who Rod works with
Rod works with students and their parents. He also advises schools and organizations. Families can hire him for a single session, by the hour, or over a longer period.
Background and qualifications
Rod started in college admissions as a tour guide and student interviewer at his alma mater. He then spent more than fifteen years at several schools. He was Senior Assistant Director and Coordinator of Information Technology at Hampshire College, Assistant Dean of Admissions at Wesleyan University, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Brown University, and Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Columbia University. He also served on a Toyota Community Scholarship committee and reviewed for the Asian Pacific Islander-American Scholarship Fund. He left Columbia in 2017 to consult on his own.
Rod Bugarin Jr pricing
Programs and services
- One-time consulting sessions
- Hourly consulting
- Long-term consulting
- Essay and supplement coaching
- Workshops and seminars
Rod Bugarin Jr reviews
The CoachVouch take
Rod worked inside admissions and financial aid offices at four colleges before becoming an independent consultant.
Best for students and parents who want help choosing colleges, writing applications, and understanding financial aid.
Common questions
How much does Rod Bugarin Jr charge?
Coaching with Rod runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Rod from this page for an exact quote.
What does Rod Bugarin Jr help with?
Rod Bugarin Jr helps with finding the right college, building summer and school activities, preparing applications for each college and essay and supplement coaching.
Is Rod Bugarin Jr certified?
Rod Bugarin Jr lists: HECA member.
Does Rod Bugarin Jr offer one-time sessions?
Yes. He consults with students once, by the hour, or on a long-term basis.
Does Rod help with financial aid and scholarships?
Yes. He worked in financial aid at Brown and Columbia and advises on gaining scholarships.
How do I contact Rod Bugarin Jr?
Send Rod a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.