Dr. Elizabeth Stone is a seasoned professional who has spent all of her professional career working with students-as a university professor, counselor, writer, and administrator. With her several years of private educational consulting experience, she specializes in working with families and students as they explore all educational opportunities. Dr. Stone is a Professional member of IECA, Independent Educational Consultants Association, and a member of Overseas Association of College Admissions Counselors (OACAC).

Elizabeth Stone interviewing Dr. Martha Kanter, US Under Secretary of Education, June 2010

Having taught in large universities herself, Dr. Stone offers insight into the realities of college life from the prospective of one who works within the system. She holds a Ph.D in Special Education from the University of California, Berkeley and has a Certificate in College Admissions Counseling from UCLA.

Dr. Stone is the San Francisco College Admissions reporter for www.Examiner.com and uses this journalistic opportunity to gain unique access to high level college admissions officers, professors, and other professionals who work within the college admissions arena. In her weekly column, she helps parents and students across the country understand the complex and often confusing issues in the college admissions.

As a full-time professional educational consultant, Dr. Stone has the opportunity to travel across the United States and abroad visiting colleges and other educational programs. On campus, she meets with administrators, professors, students, coaches, and others who can help her understand the campus environment and bring that experience back to her students. In addition, she takes extensive tours of different academic departments to learn about the variety of college majors and specialties. Usually, Dr. Stone stays in university dormitories and eats in their dining hall so that her experience on campus is as authentic as possible. She began the program The Real College Deal to help high school students make direct connections with college students around the country (www.therealcollegedeal.com).

With her expertise, she works successfully to explore the potential of the student and to assist in all aspects of the school or college admissions process. She can remove the stressful aspects of applying to college by creating time-lines and establishing reachable goals and expectations and working extensively with students on essay development. Dr. Stone works with students of all abilities.

For younger students, Dr. Stone can assist in determining a student's readiness to begin school; evaluate private or public schools programs for families moving to the Bay Area, and consult with parents on other issues that might impact the educational experience of the child.

Dr. Stone works with students throughout the Bay Area and across the United States. She welcomes the opportunity to work with your family.

Sample of consulting services:

• Full college planning from assessment through final applications and essay completion
  
  
• Single or periodic consultations for all grade levels
  
  
• Summer programs research and applications
  
  
• Services for transfer applicants
  
  
• Itinerary planning for college visitations
  
  
• College planning for out-of-state students by phone or by Skype
  
  
• Advocacy for students with special needs
  
  
• Exploring financial aid