The Family College Experience was founded on the belief that the college experience is much larger than the time a student spends attending college.

When people talk about the "College Experience" most people tend to focus on the student.  Many feel it begins with move-in, and ends when caps are tossed high in the air at graduation.  It is so much broader than that.  

On the student side, it encompasses the years in which the student prepares to attend college, decides where and how to apply, where to attend, and how the child adjusts to his or her time at school. 

On the family side, there is a different dynamic in the home.  While there are numerous transitions as the child grows, none of them cause families to encounter as much financial, emotional and logistical upheaval as does a child leaving for college.  In addition to the empty place at the dinner table, there is the realization that there will be changes in the level of involvement in the student's life. 

Each child and each parent will have a singularly unique experience, but the themes are universal and many of the trials and tribulations during this time share a great deal of commonality

The Family College Experience, LLC was founded by Andrea Greene Goldman.  Andrea graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelors degree in Psychology.  She earned her law degree from Yeshiva University's Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and practiced law for many years in prestigious firms in New York City.  After becoming involved in various roles within her local school district and PTA, she saw the need to help families understand various issues involved with applying to and attending college. She has visited, and continues to visit, numerous college campuses annually, attends conferences and professional development, and has worked with many students and families as they navigate the college process. She received training at the Independent Educational Consultants Association's Summer Training Institute on the campus of Swarthmore College.  She recently earned the designation of Certified Educational Planner, demonstrating her knowledge of colleges and the admissions process. There are currently 27 CEPs in New York State specializing in College advising. She is a Professional Member of IECA, a member of National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) and its NYS Affiliate NYSACAC as well as Nassau Counselors' Association.  She looks forward to exploring opportunities with students to help them find their "fit" and adjust to life on a college campus.

Should You Hire Me?

MY Philosophy

I am focused on empowering students. Once they are in college, they need to get their work done, pay attention to deadlines, and advocate for their needs. This starts now. I advise and guide my students, but they have to put in the work.

If your family hires me, I will provide information on all aspects of the college list and application process. I use meetings, emails and webinars to get the information across. I provide timelines and guidelines on how to proceed.

I help students create accounts on various application and related platforms, I brainstorm ideas with them for their main essay, and provide feedback and proofreading on essays and applications.

I advise parents when they should step away. I understand first-hand what it is like to be a parent, having that fear that you haven’t ‘done enough’ to help your child. But helping doesn’t mean ‘doing for’ your child, especially the essays. In fact, I reserve the right to terminate our relationship—without refund—if parents or others are too involved in the essay process.

My work is not complete once applications are submitted, as I continue to provide information on evaluating college decisions as well as the adjustment to college.

What I don’t provide

If you’re looking for someone to do the work for the student, or sit beside them (even virtually) as they are filling out forms, I’m not your consultant.

If you can’t be bothered to read broadcast emails filled with information because it isn’t focused on your specific immediate needs, I’m not your consultant.

If you’re looking for someone to blindly agree with whatever the parents want, I’m not your consultant.

Other Consultants or advisors

If I’m not what you seek, please go to www.iecaonline.com to find a reputable consultant. I admire my colleagues and I often work collaboratively with them. We have different philosophies and prices. But choosing an IECA member means you are working with someone who follows a code of ethics and has sufficient experience and knowledge to benefit your family.

Don’t hire a current college student just because he/she got into a top school.

Don’t hire an essay “specialist” who advertises they’ll polish a student’s essay to ‘get them in’ to a dream school. It is factually incorrect (no essay is going to do that, and if it looks polished, the admissions office will know) and it is ethically wrong.