Simpson College Consulting
Grounded expert guidance through your college admissions journey
Meet Jennifer Simpson
College Admissions Consultant
In over twenty-five years of experience working in highly selective college admissions and college counseling, Jennifer has counseled and advised hundreds of families through the college process. With her expert guidance, her students have attended a wide range of colleges and universities, both domestically and abroad.
Jennifer is fueled by the belief that preparing for an undergraduate education and the process of applying to college can be transformational for students. Who students become in this process is paramount. The college application process lies on a continuum of life experiences that will ask students to reflect on who they are and envision who they want to become. Jennifer guides them to see and experience high school and the college process through the lens of self-discovery, curiosity, confidence, and authenticity. When students take a very mindful, empowered approach to their educational and personal experiences, they are learning how to trust themselves and become active participants in their own lives. She offers expertise, tools, resources, and perspectives that empower families to see they have a choice in how they want to experience this chapter in a student’s personal and academic development.
With spirit, energy, insight, and strategy Jennifer engages parents and students in a sophisticated conversation throughout high school. She stirs reflective conversations about strengths and visions for college, advises students about college research and balanced list creation, and coaches students on course selection, essay writing, and admissions interviews. She also counsels parents on their role and provides relevant information and tools to help understand the college admissions process and landscape.
Professional Experience
Jennifer graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and earned her master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Policy, and Planning from Boston University.
Jennifer began her career in 1998 working at Boston University where she served on the Board of Admissions for fourteen years. In her role, she managed a regional team of admissions officers, read and led the committee review of thousands of applications, served on the scholarships team, and developed travel and recruitment strategies on both the East and West coast.
Jennifer realized that she wanted to partner more closely with students and their families in the longer term relationships that school-based counseling allows. In 2012, Jennifer began her tenure as the Director of College Counseling at Campbell Hall in Los Angeles, CA. Here, she reimagined a transformative college process for families that helps them engage in a more informed and inspired way. She implemented comprehensive, results driven change and cultural shifts to the conversation, communication stream, and programming that supports families throughout the four year arc of high school.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has been a proud member of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC), the New England Association of College Admissions Counselors (NEACAC), the Western Association of College Admissions Counselors (WACAC), and the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools. She trained at the Harvard Summer Institute on College Admissions. She has been an active participant in the Los Angeles Association of Independent School College Counselors and a member of the counselor advisory board at Providence College. She has also written extensively about the college admissions process, spoken as an admissions expert at high schools on both coasts, and shared her insights and advice as a podcast guest speaker.
Support Offered
Individualized Counseling:
I approach every student where they are while also providing encouragement and structure to ensure progress is made. Personalized counseling will prioritize self-reflection, increasing confidence and agency, and well-being. Discussions will support a student learning about who they are and what colleges will facilitate their development.
Family Communication:
Consistent communication with parents/guardians about a student's progress and milestones. Relevant advice shared about how to support and frame this work for students. Family and private parent coaching sessions are available.
Advising and Coaching:
Advice and strategy regarding academic planning and course selection.
Guidance about supportive letters of recommendation. We discuss how and when to make requests, the most appropriate recommenders, and how they can best share insights with colleges.
Planning for meaningful summer experiences.
Interview preparation and practice.
Understanding the Landscape:
Insight and clarification about questions related to the college search and application process.
College Research and List Building:
Helping students navigate and make the most of campus visits and researching college options. Using predictive data and years of experience, we will collaborate to create a balanced list of colleges that reflect best fit with a student based on academic strength, personal qualities, interests, needs, and visions for a college experience.
Standardized Testing:
Helping students understand the test-optional/test-free admissions policies and explore the possible benefits of taking the SAT or ACT. We will work together to decide if and when testing will be a part of the student’s process, and how to prepare for these exams.
College Essays:
The personal and supplemental essays are the “art” of a college application. Individual support and feedback will be provided throughout the brainstorming, outlining, and writing stages. Essays will be rooted in integrity and honesty. Feedback, editing, and advice will both protect and help amplify the student’s authentic voice.
Completing Applications:
Helping students understand the early and regular application processes and the best approach to these options. Support students through the completion and submission of applications. Provide clarity and personalized guidance about completing steps in a timely and efficient way.