Personalized college admissions guidance that meets you where you are and gets you where you want to go.
Get StartedI partner with students to guide them through the college search and admissions process. Students drive the process while I provide expert support, strategic planning, and honest feedback. I work with high school students and transfer students.
Develop a strategic list of schools that match your academic profile, interests, and aspirations. I look beyond rankings to find your best fit.
Develop a strategic application approach that's realistic and exciting. I help you identify the right mix of reach, match, and likely schools based on an honest assessment of the admissions landscape.
Tell your genuine story in compelling ways. I help students share authentic experiences - not manufacture profiles or present someone they're not.
Build confidence and communication skills for alumni interviews, campus visits, and scholarship conversations.
Navigate FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship opportunities to make college affordable and accessible.
Stay organized with deadlines, requirements, and action items across multiple applications and portals.
I'm Matt Bishop, and I bring nearly 20 years of higher education experience to college consulting. I've worked in admissions at both public and private universities, including 9 years at the University of Washington, giving me insider knowledge of how colleges evaluate applications.
I believe college admissions should be less stressful and more authentic. My approach focuses on helping students tell their genuine stories while navigating the strategic elements of the process.
Outside of consulting, I volunteer with Minds Matter Seattle, supporting first-generation and low-income students. I'm also a former touring musician and current Seattle Mariners enthusiast.
Select your grade level or student type to see how I can help you navigate the path to college.
Develop strong study habits, explore your interests, and start thinking about what you want in a college experience. I'll help you choose courses that challenge you while maintaining balance.
Find extracurriculars that genuinely interest you and summer opportunities that align with your passions. This is about depth over breadth—doing what you love, not what looks good.
Begin researching colleges, understanding what makes a good fit, and building a preliminary list. I'll also create a testing timeline that works for your schedule.
Develop a strategic mix of reach, target, and safety schools based on your academic profile, interests, and what you're looking for in a college community.
Identify leadership opportunities, meaningful summer experiences, and ways to deepen your involvement in activities you care about. Quality trumps quantity.
Start brainstorming essay topics, understanding application requirements, and creating a senior year timeline. I'll also prepare you for standardized testing if needed.
Lock in your college list with early decision/action strategies. Map out all deadlines, requirements, and submission dates to stay organized throughout the fall.
Write, revise, and polish your personal statement and supplemental essays. I'll work with you to ensure your authentic voice shines through while telling a compelling story.
Final review of all application components before submission. Once decisions arrive, I'll help you evaluate your options and make the choice that's right for you.
Clarify why you're transferring and what you're looking for in a new school. I'll evaluate your current coursework, credits, and academic standing to understand your transfer profile.
Identify schools that align with your academic and personal goals. Research transfer admission requirements, credit policies, and application timelines for your target institutions.
Develop compelling transfer essays that articulate your reasons for transferring and what you'll bring to your new community. I'll help you frame your narrative authentically and strategically.
The best time varies by student. Starting in 9th or 10th grade allows for more strategic planning around course selection, activities, and testing. However, I regularly work with juniors and seniors who are ready to dive into the application process. I also work with transfer students at any stage of their college journey. It's never too early or too late to get thoughtful guidance.
I offer flexible packages tailored to your family's needs and timeline. During our free initial consultation, I'll discuss your goals and I'll recommend options that fit your budget. Pricing varies based on grade level, services needed, and level of support.
I've worked in admissions at both public and private universities, including 9 years at the University of Washington. I know how colleges evaluate applications because I've been on that side of the process. My approach focuses on helping students tell authentic stories while navigating strategy—not manufacturing a perfect applicant.
Not at all. I work with students applying to a wide range of institutions—public universities, private colleges, liberal arts schools, and everything in between. The goal is finding the right fit for each individual student, wherever that may be.
Ready to start your college journey with personalized guidance? Reach out to schedule an initial consultation.