Tara Powers-Hausmann

Tara Powers-Hausmann is an independent college consultant based on Bainbridge Island, Washington. She helps students and parents find colleges that fit them and guides them through the admissions process. She spent decades as an editor before moving into consulting. She has visited more than 100 college campuses. She has a special focus on students with learning differences and neurodiversity, and she works with families locally and around the world.

What Tara helps with

Tara helps students choose colleges that fit them academically and socially. She also guides families through applications and early high school planning.

• Building a college list that fits a student's needs
• Getting through the full college admissions process
• Choosing high school classes before applying
• Looking at extracurriculars the way admissions officers do
• Preparing for the SAT or ACT
• Setting up for success in college with a learning difference
• Finding accommodations and disability services in college
• Presenting yourself well to colleges

Who Tara works with

Tara works one-on-one with students and with their parents. She serves families with a wide range of needs, from a full admissions plan to a single hour of questions. She works with students who have learning differences or neurodiversity, and with 9th and 10th graders who want to plan early.

How Tara works

Tara offers a comprehensive college planning program that guides a student through the whole admissions process. Families who need less can book hourly sessions for early prep, college list advice, or limited help with applications. She also runs a one-hour Ask Me Anything session for families with a list of questions. For 9th and 10th graders, she looks at stress level, activities, and other commitments like a job when advising on classes.

Background and qualifications

Tara spent decades working as an editor. She became interested in college admissions while helping her oldest child search for colleges, then began helping friends and their families. She went on to become an independent college consultant. She holds a BA in English Literature from St. Lawrence University and a Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine. She is a Professional member of IECA, and a member of PNACAC and Seattle Area College Consultants. She is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. She has visited more than 100 college campuses.

Tara Powers-Hausmann pricing

Programs and services

• Comprehensive college consulting
• Hourly consulting for parents and students
• Ask Me Anything microconsulting hour
• Consulting for students with learning differences and neurodiversity
• Hourly planning for 9th and 10th graders
• Free consultation

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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.