About
Hi, I’m Shereen Simonian
My story
I’m a first-year student at UC Berkeley, and I graduated from La Quinta High School in California in 2026. I went through the UC application process myself recently, and I started Simonian College Advising to help high school students with theirs through personalized guidance and honest feedback.
Why I started Simonian College Advising
A lot of families want one-on-one help with college applications but don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on private consulting. School counselors do important work, but they often have large caseloads and limited time for each student.
I wanted to offer individualized support at a price more families can manage, with every service, price, and limit listed clearly so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
How my experience shapes my approach
Because I applied recently, the UC application, the four Personal Insight Questions, and the timeline seniors work with are still fresh for me. I use that perspective to help students plan ahead and understand what each part of the application is asking.
My focus is helping students communicate their own experiences. I don’t write applications for students. Instead, I ask questions, point out what’s unclear, and help each student decide which details matter most, so the finished application sounds like them.
My approach
What students and families can expect
Personalized guidance
I work with each student one-on-one and read every draft myself. Feedback is written for that student’s goals and voice, not pulled from a template.
Honest feedback
I tell students clearly what’s working and what isn’t, and I explain why, so they can make their own decisions about what to change.
Accessible pricing
Every price and limit is listed on the website. Families can choose monthly advising or a single review, depending on what they need and what fits their budget.
What this service is, and what it isn’t
What it is
- One-on-one feedback and advising from a student who recently went through the process
- Clear, written feedback on essays and applications
- Help with planning, college lists, and deadlines
- Transparent pricing with clear limits on every service
What it isn’t
- A licensed or credentialed counseling practice
- Run by a former admissions officer
- Affiliated with or endorsed by UC Berkeley, the University of California, or any college
- A guarantee of admission anywhere
- An essay writing service
I mention UC Berkeley and La Quinta High School only to describe my own background. Simonian College Advising is an independent service and is not affiliated with either school.
Start with a free 15-minute call
Tell me where the student is in the process, and I’ll suggest what would help most. There’s no obligation to sign up.