Ms. Kowal was more than a counselor; she was a mentor who shaped my academic, career, and personal growth. She has a rare ability to listen, understand, and provide thoughtful, actionable advice. Creating a space where people feel truly seen and heard, she helps navigate challenges with confidence. Whether guiding students through academic decisions, career planning, or personal struggles, she approaches every situation with compassion, professionalism, and insight. Beyond her expertise, Ms. Kowal is deeply committed to those she works with, always going above and beyond. Anyone who has the chance to work with her will quickly see how exceptional she is!
– Andy I., Pacific University
Ms. Kowal was an incredible mentor who genuinely cared about my success. She has years of experience helping students navigate the college process, with a deep knowledge of schools, applications, and what makes each student stand out. More than that, she takes the time to understand each person’s goals and strengths, offering guidance that goes beyond just getting into college—it’s about finding the right fit for the future. Anyone looking for a counselor they can truly trust should work with her; she made a huge difference in my journey, and I’m so grateful for her support.
– Sam O., Xavier University
Dot is an invaluable person to have in your life. Her knowledge about colleges, in tandem with the self-confidence she helps one foster during this process, is crucial. Her diverse background as not only a counselor but a therapist proves quite useful during this time in life. Her empathy and genuine care for the people she works with set her apart from the rest. I never would have applied to NYU without her encouragement. I would not be a graduate of NYU Tisch if it were not for her, but more importantly I would not be the young woman I am today had I not met this wonderful and wise woman.
– Nina V., NYU
Dot is an experienced counselor who has relationships with admissions departments at colleges and universities all over the US and beyond. She also knows the intricacies and strengths of programs that will fit the needs of your student. Check! Even better than this, Dot possesses the magical skill of listening to students who are applying to college and helps them to take the next step in life that will grow them into mature adults who live their authentic truth even beyond the college years. Dot cares about the students she helps.
– Kathleen V., Parent
As parents of three boys we were initially overwhelmed by the college application process for our first son, but Dot truly made in manageable. She not only provided expert advice on choosing the right schools and preparing essays, she took the time to get to know our child’s unique strengths and interests. Dot helped Luke stay organized and on track, while also offering encouragement and support throughout the entire journey. We are so grateful for Dot’s calm demeanor and unwavering belief in our child’s potential. We highly recommend her to any family seeking a supportive and knowledgable counselor.
– Steve F. & Rebecca F., Parents
Since our first meeting eight years ago, when I was 17, Dot has been a godsend of a mentor. Through our first conversations, Dot helped me trust in and strengthen my goals, and offered the wisdom and encouragement I needed to pursue them. Through a rewarding gap year, two years at Deep Springs College, a transfer to Columbia, and now as I plan for graduate study at Cambridge, she’s been an indispensable voice of insight and support. The years after high school are anything but linear, and I’m so lucky that Dot has been my confidante with the small questions alike.
– Nathan B., Deep Springs College, Columbia University
I initially chose schools based on what I thought was expected of me rather than what I wanted, but Dot Kowal saw the distance between the person I was and the colleges I had selected. Without pressuring me to change my mind, she gently suggested we add a few options that I otherwise would never have known existed. One of those suggestions is now not only my alma mater, but also the place where I met my spouse! Dot’s perceptive nature and depth of knowledge make her highly qualified as a counselor, but what I will always remember most fondly is how her warm, steady, calming support made an overwhelming and highly stressful time feel manageable.
– Melanie B., Scripps College
Dot truly changed the way I looked at the college process and my high school path in general. She has never failed to inspire me and show me how much potential I have. Being a first generation college student means not having many people to guide you, but she was right there for every step of the way through references, education for parents, and educating me on all the ways I can excel in my environment. I am forever grateful for her continuous guidance.
– Amaya Q., Columbia University
Dot is an exceptional, experienced college counselor who truly prioritizes the unique needs and aspirations of each student and family. She takes the time to understand each student's strengths, passions, and goals, ensuring a personalized approach that fosters genuine growth, a welcome antidote to the cultural obsession with brand-name institutions. With a deep, intersectional commitment to helping students find the best fit for their academic and personal journeys, Dot creates a supportive, warm, and understanding environment that allows students to thrive. Her dedication to student success and well-being is truly unmatched.
– Katie M., Associate Director of College Counseling, Sonoma Academy
Dot really understood me as a person, rather than as "just another student trying to get into the most prestigious college as possible." She was observant of my interests and inclinations that came through outside of the "college talk" moments. I ended up going to the school that Dot told me about -- I hadn't even heard of it before -- and it was where I truly met my people who get me, and who I continue to collaborate with to this day.
— Non K., Northeastern University
I initially worked with Dorothy as a college counselor for two years, during which she provided invaluable support as I navigated the complexities of applying to college. Our sessions were so productive and enjoyable that I continued to work with her as a therapist for another three years. Throughout this time, she was a tremendous support system, especially as I transitioned to a different college. Dorothy stands out due to her nonjudgmental approach, intelligence and deep understanding- qualities that truly define her excellence as a counselor and therapist.
– Mikaela R., Loyola Marymount University
I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Dorothy for twenty years, and in that time, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact she has on students, families, and school communities. Her ability to connect with students from all walks of life with authenticity, deep compassion, and unwavering respect is extraordinary. Dorothy brings both heart and expertise to everything she does. Her knowledge of high school structures, counseling models, and post-secondary pathways is unmatched, and she has an intuitive sense of how to meet students exactly where they are. She is the kind of educator and advocate every student deserves: someone who listens deeply, leads with care, and helps young people believe in what’s possible.
— Katie B., Director of Community Well-Being, The Hamlin School
Working with Dot was one of the best decisions we made for our daughter Callie. From the very beginning, Dot truly saw her strengths, her goals, her personality, and the kind of college experience she dreamed of. With years of experience as both a high school counselor and a head of school, Dot brings an incredible depth of knowledge that helped us understand not just what was possible, but what was truly the right fit for our daughter. Dot guided Callie through every step of the process with patience, insight, and encouragement. She helped her stay organized, develop her voice in her essays, and make thoughtful choices about schools that aligned with who she is and who she wants to become. As parents, we felt supported the entire way.
— Allegra and Joe D., Parents
Working with Dot made the college application process so much less overwhelming. She was always easy to talk to and made me feel comfortable right away. Dot really took the time to understand who I am, my goals, what I care about, and what I want out of a college experience. I needed the most support with my essays and staying organized, and Dot helped me break everything down into manageable steps. There were so many deadlines and drafts, but she kept me on track and helped me bring out my real voice in my writing. What meant the most was that Dot believed in me and helped me see my strengths. She made the entire process feel doable, not stressful. I’m truly grateful for her support and would recommend her to any student.
– Callie D.
Dot has been an awesome college consultant for our son. She helped him navigate through all aspects of the college process from choosing a major, creating a list of colleges, keeping him on track with his essays and meeting multiple college deadlines. She would patiently and thoughtfully work with him on each essay and regularly communicate with us on his progress. We really appreciate her expert college advice and highly recommend her.
— See-Eng P., Parent
Dot is an amazing college counselor having held multiple leadership roles at elite Bay Area schools. In addition to helping my son stay disciplined, she also facilitated the creative development of authentic essays and maximized admissions opportunities by aligning strategic planning with individual student goals.
— Tony K., Parent
Essay writing was one of the most challenging parts of high school for me. But, with Dot’s relatable and expert guidance, the process became much smoother. She kept me on schedule with regular meetings and check ins, which helped me avoid last minute cramming, and approach each deadline with much less stress. In the end, I learned skills and strategies that will stay with me beyond college applications.