lesliemfeldman@gmail.com 858-414-1084

Guiding Your College Journey
Expert college consulting for students and families.
Guiding Your College Journey
Expert college consulting for students and families.
lesliemfeldman@gmail.com 858-414-1084

Expert college consulting for students and families.
Expert college consulting for students and families.

Student. CPA. Mother. Financial Consultant. Girl Scout Leader. School Board Member. These are the many “hats” I wore before becoming an Independent Educational Consultant.
My journey began with earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University and a Master of Science in Accountancy from San Diego State University. As a CPA, I spent thirty years in the finance industry, developing a deep appreciation for organization, strategy, and long-term planning. During this time, I also became a mother and remained deeply involved in education as a Girl Scout leader, classroom volunteer and board member of multiple PTSA and educational foundations. In 2021, I completed the College Counseling Certification Program at the University of California San Diego Extended Studies.
The college application process demands strong research skills, attention to detail, organization, and deadline management - skills I honed daily throughout my finance career. Because college is a significant financial investment, my background also allows me to provide informed guidance on financial aid and affordability. My years working directly with students and families in the classroom, Girl Scouts, and school boards have given me valuable insight into the academic, personal, and emotional aspects of educational planning.
As a dedicated independent educational consultant, I offer expert, personalized guidance to students navigating the increasingly complex college admissions process. My goal is to make this journey smoother and ultimately more successful for both students and their families. I am a lifelong learner with a passion for education, committed to helping every student find - not the perfect school - but the school that is the perfect for them!
Services are billed hourly, with no long-term or package commitments—giving you full flexibility to use my services as much or as little as you choose.
I worked with Leslie for 10 months through Scholar Match, a platform that connects first-generation students with college advising support. From the very beginning, she went above and beyond to help me through every step of the application process. Even though our meetings were virtual, she was more supportive and present than many of the in-person advisors at my school. Her guidance with college applications, essays and financial aid were invaluable. She truly became my right-hand during senior year. Leslie is not only an amazing advisor, but also a kind and caring person. I would highly recommend her services to any student navigating this journey.
I worked with Leslie throughout my junior and senior years. She was truly the best resource for keeping my application progress organized and on track, reminding me of deadlines and polishing essay responses. I leaned on her support a lot and truly do not think that I would have had the same results I had without her. I am thrilled with where I am now, and Leslie not only helped me get here, but along the way taught me invaluable lessons about the power of organization and masterfully created spreadsheets. I would highly recommend Leslie's services to any student looking for support with college applications!
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Please reach me at lesliemfeldman@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
As an expert in the field, I stay current on admissions trends and policies and help families navigate an increasingly complex process. Unlike school counselors who may support hundreds of students, I offer personalized, one-on-one guidance with customized plans and services tailored to each student. I help manage timelines and deadlines, so families don’t have to worry about constant reminders or added stress. My goal is to partner with students and families to turn what can feel like an overwhelming process into a confident and exciting journey.
Families may choose to work with me as early as before freshman year and as late as the beginning of senior year. During the freshman and sophomore years, the focus is on thoughtful academic planning and meaningful extracurricular involvement. Junior year is typically the most intensive phase, devoted to researching colleges, developing a well-balanced college list, and preparing application materials. In senior year, the emphasis shifts to completing applications and carefully evaluating options and outcomes.
While support at any stage can be beneficial, I highly recommend starting earlier, ideally in junior year, as it allows for more intentional preparation and often results in a more manageable, less stressful senior year.
The number of hours varies based on how extensively you choose to use my services—you are always in the driver’s seat. My fee structure is flexible, so you pay only for the support you want. If you prefer assistance with specific components, such as essay review, application completion, or building a balanced college list, fewer hours are typically needed. Families seeking comprehensive, full-service support should expect a greater time commitment. This approach allows you to tailor services to your needs, priorities, and budget.
Our meetings can take place either in person or remotely. I work with students across the country, and for those families, meetings are conducted virtually. If you live in the Southern California area, we have the option to meet in person as well as online. Ultimately, the format is entirely up to you—whatever is most convenient and comfortable for your schedule and preferences.
I understand that each student's situation and needs are unique. Please feel free to reach out with additional details - I would love the opportunity to talk more and learn how I can help during a complimentary 30-minute consultation.
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