College Consulting
I am an affirming college consultant specializing in undergraduate college admissions, graduate admissions, arts admissions, and disability accommodations.
Navigating admissions with mood disorders or other health conditions can be challenging. I use my experience at Duke University, Baruch College, MIT’s SEED Program, New England Conservatory of Music, and several other institutions to help your student navigate their transition to college. We choose schools that fit their academic and personal goals, apply for disability accommodations, and write essays that really get admissions’ attention.
As featured in media and magazines:
I’m Dr. Sarah Curzi, college consultant. I specialize in college and graduate school admissions, art and music conservatory admissions, and disability access.
Education:
- PhD, Duke University.
- MA, Duke University
- MM, New England Conservatory of Music
- BM, Northwestern University, summa cum laude
College Admissions Secrets…
I want to teach your teen to write a sparkling essay that draws in admissions officers.
I’m here to help your teen identify a compelling theme for their essay, organize that content, make sure it’s relevant and effective, and coach your student until they get that “click” – the moment when they know the essay is just right. There’s a certain kind of satisfaction when you know you are sending colleges your best work.
My writing experience includes magazines and media outlets like Collegiate Parent, Thriveworks, Thrive Global, LGBTQ and ALL, and Autism Parenting Magazine. I’ve been featured in Journey to College, a mental health website managed by the Missouri Department of Education, and have extensive writing training at Northwestern and Duke University.
Teaching Experience
- Duke University (Durham, NC)
- Baruch College (New York City)
- New England Conservatory of Music (Boston, MA)
- ABCD University High School (Boston, MA)
- Massachusetts Institute for Technology’s SEED program (Cambridge, MA)
- YMCA Achievers (SAT preparation, Boston, MA)
- Tech Tutors (SAT preparation, Boston, MA)
- Ivy Global (SAT and SSAT preparation, Boston and New York City)
- Voice, piano, and general music (private students, Brookline and Jamaica Plain, MA)
- Family Focus Center (Evanston, IL)
Burned out?
I work with students remotely. If your student wants to show up to our meetings in pajama pants, I won’t stop them. In fact, tell them to bring snacks.
I’m professional and experienced, and I’m serious about getting your teen or older student into their dream school. But everyone has had a tough couple of years and there’s no reason our work together can’t feel comfortable.
Added benefit? No commutes, ever.
I put your student’s wellbeing first. That means we can adjust our pacing based on their mental health. Families should expect that this process involves hard work that lasts 3-6 months, but also that self-care is central to this process. I recommend scheduled breaks, time with friends, and access to a mental health team to help counter the stress of college admissions. Of course I want your teen to get lots of admissions offers, but if it crushes their spirit, we have completely missed the point. I am a good fit for parents who have high standards for their children but who also want their kids to become well-balanced, independent adults.
I am proud to say that my work has helped reduce stress on parent/teen relationships. I am an advocate for my students and have been able to connect students to mental health resources during times of distress. Having another safe adult on your team is particularly helpful when you or your student are chronically ill, grieving, or depleted from work and parenting.
Customer Reviews
“Sarah Curzi is a wonderful person to work with. She sincerely cares about all the people she comes into contact with, personally and professionally. Sarah is the first person I would think of to ask for any educational advice, as she also takes into consideration the personal and emotional aspect of education. If you are looking for any educational consultant who will put you in the right direction, while taking care for your mental stability, then Sarah Curzi is the perfect match.”
Caleb Y. Moon
“Sarah’s kindness makes her approachable, and overall she is an amazing person to work with!”
Treniyyah, Duke University graduate
“Sarah helped my husband edit essays when applying for graduate school. She made sure to familiarize herself with the requirements and the program before even discussing and reviewing his drafts. She was able to offer not only proof reading, but critical input into the structure and crux of the essays.
Her attention and caring really comes across in her work.”
Sarah B.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah in a PhD music program since 2015. Sarah is professional, skillful, smart, and is the most generous person I’ve ever met. She loves to help others, and is able to offer effective and constructive solutions. People around her trust her advice, and always feel comfortable asking for her suggestions. I highly recommend Sarah to anyone who needs advice in their studies!”
Dr. Yuxin Ouyang, Founder of Passionato Music