Sara Harberson
College admissions counselor and former dean in Philadelphia
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Practice | Admissions Revolution |
Sara Harberson is a college admissions counselor who helps students and parents with the application process. She worked as an associate dean of admissions at Penn and as dean of admissions at Franklin & Marshall. She now offers private college counseling and runs Application Nation, a group counseling community. She also wrote the book Soundbite. She is based in Philadelphia.
What Sara helps with
Sara helps students build strong college applications and tell their own story. She also guides parents through the admissions process.
- Telling your personal story in a college application
- Building a strong college application
- Answering common admissions questions
- Deciding what to list in the Common App honors section
- Understanding test-optional and standardized test policies
- Understanding National Merit recognition
- Financial aid and scholarship questions
Who Sara works with
Sara works with students applying to college and with their parents. Families can join her group community or work with her one on one. Her content covers seniors going through the application year.
How Sara works
Sara runs Application Nation, a private college counseling community for families. Members join a class by graduation year, such as the Class of 2027. The group meets on Zoom calls with Sara, and members ask questions and get answers from her and from other families. She also offers private one-on-one college counseling. Her book Soundbite explains her approach to the admissions process.
Background and qualifications
Sara Harberson spent years working inside college admissions offices. She was an associate dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania. She was also dean of admissions at Franklin & Marshall College. She now works with families as a private counselor. She wrote the book Soundbite, which covers the admissions process. She also writes an admissions blog, speaks at events, and holds free Facebook Live calls for families.
Sara Harberson pricing
Programs and services
- Private college counseling
- Application Nation group counseling community
- Free guides
- Free Facebook Live calls
Sara Harberson reviews
The CoachVouch take
She is a former Penn associate dean of admissions who now coaches families through applications.
Best for students and parents who want advice from a former admissions dean, either one on one or in a group.
Common questions
How much does Sara Harberson charge?
Coaching with Sara runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Sara from this page for an exact quote.
What does Sara Harberson help with?
Sara Harberson helps with telling your personal story in a college application, building a strong college application, answering common admissions questions and deciding what to list in the Common App honors section.
Does Sara Harberson offer group counseling?
Yes. She runs Application Nation, a private college counseling community with Zoom calls for each graduating class.
Has Sara Harberson worked in a college admissions office?
Yes. She was an associate dean of admissions at Penn and dean of admissions at Franklin & Marshall.
How do I contact Sara Harberson?
Send Sara a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.