Thomas Neighbour
College admissions consultant for students and parents in Georgia
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Georgia, United States |
| Credentials | HECA member |
| Practice | Optima U College Consulting, LLC |
Thomas Neighbour is an independent college admissions consultant who helps students and parents plan for college. He founded Optima U College Consulting in Georgia. He has worked in counseling and advised college applicants since 2004. His services cover school selection, applications, financial aid, scholarships and interview prep. He also uses the Do What You Are assessment to match students with careers. He starts work with families as early as freshman year of high school.
What Thomas helps with
Thomas helps students and parents plan the path from high school to college. He covers admissions, money questions and career direction.
- Finding best-fit colleges
- Working through the admissions process
- Writing stronger college essays
- Understanding financial aid
- Finding scholarships
- Preparing for college interviews
- Matching careers to personality and interests
- Planning high school courses and schedules
Who Thomas works with
Thomas works with high school students and their parents. He starts with some students as early as freshman year. Families work together during high school so the students are ready when applications are due.
How Thomas works
Thomas uses the Do What You Are assessment and a career interest inventory to help students find careers that fit their personality. He offers one-on-one planning and group planning sessions. Support runs from academic planning to application submission. Families work together throughout high school.
Background and qualifications
Thomas Neighbour founded Optima U College Consulting, LLC. He has worked in the counseling field and advised college applicants since 2004. He is a member of HECA, a professional group for college advisors. He works with students on high school scheduling, applications and college essays. His team also helps with financial aid, scholarships and interview preparation.
Thomas Neighbour pricing
Programs and services
- One-on-one college planning and guidance
- Group college planning and guidance sessions
- Personality testing and career interest inventory
- Financial aid and scholarship advising
- College interview preparation
- College visit guide
Thomas Neighbour reviews
The CoachVouch take
Thomas has advised college applicants since 2004 and starts planning with families as early as freshman year.
Best for families who want to plan for college early in high school and cover admissions, aid and career fit together.
Common questions
How much does Thomas Neighbour charge?
Coaching with Thomas runs $150 to $225 an hour. Request an intro for an exact quote.
What does Thomas Neighbour help with?
Thomas Neighbour helps with finding best-fit colleges, working through the admissions process, writing stronger college essays and understanding financial aid.
Is Thomas Neighbour certified?
Thomas Neighbour lists: HECA member.
When should families start working with Thomas Neighbour?
Families can start early in high school. One student began near the end of freshman year.
Does Optima U offer group sessions?
Yes. Optima U offers group college planning and guidance sessions as well as one-on-one work.
How do I contact Thomas Neighbour?
Request an intro on this page. It's free, and we'll connect you with Thomas and, if you want, 2 or 3 similar coaches to compare.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.