The college admissions process should be harmonious, not stressful.
I'm Malerie Simon, and I help students and parents find the right fit.
With 38 years of experience as a college counselor including 23 years at one of New York’s top-ten public high schools and 20 years in a thriving private practice, I have helped more than 1,700 students get into college.
I specialize in making the college selection process as stress-free as possible for both students and parents. I am adept at helping students define and articulate who they are personally and academically, find schools that pair well with their goals, and earn offers of admission.
With broad and deep experience in the college admissions process, I have worked with students of all academic interests and aptitudes, those focused on athletics and the arts, and students with disabilities.
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My students come from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia, and I've helped them earn admission to undergraduate and academic graduate programs at colleges and universities across the U.S., in Canada and throughout Europe.
I have a special affinity for helping LGBTQIA+ students find an inclusive and supportive college. I am a Board Member of the Hudson Valley chapter of GLSEN, which champions LGBTQIA+ issues in K-12 education, and I received their Leadership Award in 2020. Marking the award, Legislator Kitley Covil declared May 15, 2020 “Malerie Simon Day” in Westchester County, NY.
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I am a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) and New York State Association for College Admissions Counselors (NYSACAC).
Independent College Counselor
2005-Present
High School Counselor
John Jay High School
1997-2020, Cross River, NY
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High School Counselor
Dobbs Ferry High School
1990- 1997, Dobbs Ferry, NY
High School Counselor (Leave Replacement)
Brewster High School
1989-1990,, Brewster, NY
Middle School Counselor
Robert Moses Middle School
1988-1989, North Babylon, NY
High School Counselor
St. Benedict High School
1987-1988, Chicago, IL
High School Counselor/Teacher
(Full-time one-year internship)
The Latin School of Chicago
1986-1987, Chicago, IL
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MEd School & Community Counseling
Loyola University of Chicago, 1987
BA Psychology, SUNY Albany, 1984
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90+ additional graduate credits in counseling
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SERVICES
The Overview.
First, I meet with students and parents - in person or virtually - to help create an overview of their personal college search process.
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Help students identify their personal and academic strengths and interests
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Review family’s needs including financial aid
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Identify factors that matter most: location, size, learning environment, political climate
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Survey college landscape and identify a range of schools that best fit the student’s personality and pair well with their goals
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Develop a timeline for the process
The Plan.
Once we have identified a student's goals, we develop a detailed plan to get there.​ I provide ongoing support as needed.
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Select high school courses
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Manage standardized testing
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Assess potential colleges
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Apply to selected colleges:
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Manage deadlines
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Brainstorm, shape and refine essays
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Interview with alumni or admissions office
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Submit complete and timely applications
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Evaluate offers of admission and scholarships