Shari Piracha
College admissions consultant in Ann Arbor, Michigan, working in person and online
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $240 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | College admissionsCollege essaysStudents with learning differencesFinancial aid and scholarshipsTransfer studentsTherapeutic and gap yearCareer clarity and purposeNew grads and students |
| Works with | Students, Parents, LGBTQ+ and Creatives |
| Also coaches | Career coach and Health coach |
| Based in | Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States |
| Sessions | Online and in person |
| Credentials | Master of Arts in Special Education; Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising; Graduate Certificate in College Counseling; Member, Higher Education Consultants Association; BirthWorks-certified childbirth educator |
| Practice | YouQuest College Advising |
Shari Piracha is a college admissions consultant who helps students and parents with the college search and application process. She runs YouQuest College Advising near Ann Arbor, Michigan, and works with clients in person and online. She has been an educator for over 27 years. She has a master's degree in special education and has guest lectured for the UCLA College Counseling certificate program. She focuses on students who do not fit the usual mold.
What Shari helps with
Shari helps students and families plan the college search, build applications, and handle the move into college life. She also supports adults who want college credit for work experience.
- Building a balanced college list that fits academically, personally, and financially
- Choosing a major and exploring careers
- Essay coaching for college and scholarship applications
- Planning high school courses and activities
- Homeschool curriculum planning, course descriptions, and transcripts
- Understanding and getting the most from financial aid
- Gap year application support
- Study skills and time management in college
Who Shari works with
Shari specializes in students who learn and live outside the box. Her clients include homeschoolers, students with learning disabilities, LGBTQ students, valedictorians and salutatorians, alternative school students, and private prep school students. She also works with artists, dancers, musicians, and actors, late and second-chance applicants, and expats around the world.
How Shari works
Shari starts with an individualized assessment of a student's interests, strengths, personality traits, values, and goals. These steer the college search. She sets short and long term goals and ranks the student's college criteria, such as location, size, and campus culture. Services are customized for each family. Support continues after admission with success coaching for the move to college, and help with internships, study abroad choices, and scholarship applications.
Background and qualifications
Shari has worked as an educator for over 27 years. She has given individual tutoring, academic advising, and college counseling to high school and college students. She holds a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature and a master's degree in special education from Eastern Michigan University. She also has graduate certificates in academic advising and college counseling. She belongs to the Higher Education Consultants Association and has guest lectured for the UCLA College Counseling certificate program.
Shari Piracha pricing
Programs and services
- In-person college advising in the Ann Arbor area
- Remote college advising
- Essay coaching and critique
- Homeschool advising
- Gap year application support
- Success coaching for the transition to college
Shari Piracha reviews
The CoachVouch take
She has a special education background and focuses on homeschoolers, students with learning disabilities, and other students outside the traditional path.
Best for homeschooled, alternative, or learning-different students and their parents who want a personal college search plan.
Common questions
How much does Shari Piracha charge?
Coaching with Shari runs $150 to $240 an hour. Message Shari from this page for an exact quote.
What does Shari Piracha help with?
Shari Piracha helps with building a balanced college list that fits academically, personally, and financially, choosing a major and exploring careers, essay coaching for college and scholarship applications and planning high school courses and activities.
Does Shari Piracha coach online?
Shari is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. Sessions are online and in person.
Is Shari Piracha certified?
Shari Piracha lists: Master of Arts in Special Education; Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising; Graduate Certificate in College Counseling; Member, Higher Education Consultants Association; BirthWorks-certified childbirth educator.
Does Shari Piracha work with homeschooled students?
Yes. She advises homeschoolers, including help with curriculum planning and writing course descriptions and transcripts that match the student's coursework.
Can Shari help students who live outside Michigan?
Yes. She offers remote advising to students anywhere, and has worked with expats around the world.
How do I contact Shari Piracha?
Send Shari a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.