The Right College
Changes Everything

Testimonials from Arise Advising families

Teenage girl in red graduation robes smiling with her mother-drop-shadow

Who Is an Arise Family?

They want real engagement. Their goal is for a collaborative process. These families want their student to come out of this experience more capable and more confident for having been part of it.

They value candor. They want to know where things actually stand, and they know that consistent communication will lead to a clear picture and a strong outcome.

They're thinking beyond the acceptance letter. Families who work with me care about who their student is becoming as well as where they're going, and they’re seeking a process that reflects that holistic approach.

They want the whole family to be engaged. Working with a college admissions counselor is for your child, yes, but it’s also for you. The parents I work with are engaged and invested, and they want support and perspective for themselves too.

They're ready to begin. Whether that's in Grade 8 or spring of Grade 11, these families have decided that thoughtful, personal support is worth it, and they're ready to do the work together.

Matriculations

  • "Barbara was exceptionally organized and wonderful at letting us know what was coming next so there were no surprises. She curated a list of schools that our daughter was delighted to check out online and in person. Barbara was especially helpful in providing feedback on our daughter's essays in a way that was constructive and encouraging, but also honest. Our daughter ultimately gained acceptance to her first-choice school. Barbara’s knowledge and experience kept us calm and focused."

    Leslie, parent, Colby College

  • "While there was still plenty of stress in the process, having a trusted advisor to count on, who really cared about our daughter and our family, was invaluable. From setting a vision for the experience to devising tactics to manage our stubborn applicant, Barbara handled everything with panache."

    Amy, parent, Brown University

  • “She helped make this journey seamless and stress-free for my husband and me, while arming our daughter with the best resources and advice. It made all of us feel secure navigating this exciting and super-important moment with Barbara on our daughter’s team!”

    Monika, parent, University of Southern California

  • “When we started the process of considering US universities for our daughter, an athlete in the UK, it all seemed extremely daunting. There was so much to consider, not least the variety of universities and their approaches to academics and athletics. Barbara was fantastic in helping us understand where our focus should be. We would recommend Barbara for her honest and transparent approach, which played a major part in our daughter achieving admission to Duke.”

    Clare, parent, Duke University

The Arise Advising Advantage

My difference is in how I work — I call them the Arise Advising Ands.
These pairs of skills make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Perception and Empathy

Before lists of schools, strategy, or anything else, I get to know who your child actually is.

Analysis and Experience

My insight — into what your family values, how colleges think, how students develop, and how this process unfolds — gets put to work.

Candor and Confidence

Clear, direct communication, every step of the way. It's what lets you feel steadier and more confident as we move forward together.

Joy and Plan

The thrill of what's possible, backed by a plan that actually works. Let’s build a future your family will feel proud of.

Barbara Rifkind wearing a white button down and blue pants sitting on a brown velvet couch-drop shadow

It’s Time To Write Your College Success Story

I started this work because I believe the college process can be one of the most meaningful things a family does together — a chance for a student to understand themselves more deeply, and to move toward a future of their own making. 

That's what I'm working toward with every family I support. Beyond a strong application, a student who arrives at college knowing who they are and ready for what comes next. And parents who look back on this stretch of time with their teenager and feel very proud about how they spent it.

If that sounds like what you're looking for, I'd love to meet you.

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