About Dana Ponsky
Dana Ponsky is an independent college admissions counselor with more than 20 years of experience in admissions, career counseling, and student development. She works with high school students, college students, and families across the U.S. and abroad, helping them build a college list and application that is personal, meaningful, and effective.
Twenty years of guiding students, at both ends of the desk
Dana's background in college and graduate school admissions counseling, career counseling, and student development spans over 20 years, at both the high school and collegiate level, alongside her entrepreneurial work. She works with high school students, college students, and families based in the U.S. and abroad.
Dana values each person for who they are and what they hope to accomplish in their life. Whether in person or virtually, within the United States or abroad, her expertise challenges and supports students to be the best version of themselves, so the high school, college, and admissions experience feels manageable rather than overwhelming.
Dana's extensive knowledge of the thousands of college options, coupled with her ability to draw on a student's declared interests, character, personality, and short and long term goals, is what lets her help build a list and an application that actually reflects who that student is. Dana believes the college and graduate school admissions process does not have to be complicated.
The four part plan
Every family's situation is different, but the process Dana uses to get there stays consistent. She calls it the four part plan.
1. Get to know the student
Before any list gets built, Dana takes the time to understand a student's interests, character, personality, and goals, both short term and long term.
2. Build a personal college list
Drawing on her knowledge of thousands of college options, Dana matches that student profile against schools that genuinely fit, not just the familiar names.
3. Craft applications that sound like the student
Essays and activity lists are shaped to be meaningful and effective, reflecting who the student is rather than who they think admissions officers want to see.
4. Support the whole experience, not just the deadline
Dana challenges and supports students through decisions and setbacks alike, aiming for a positive high school, college, and admissions experience overall.
Students and families at every stage
Dana Ponsky serves the needs of students as early as 9th grade through college graduation. Her practice includes:
- High school students building a foundation from 9th grade onward.
- Students applying to college for the first time.
- College students navigating transfer applications.
- Graduate and professional school applicants.
- Families based in the U.S. and abroad, in person or virtually.
Dana has particular depth working with Jewish students, including through her video series "Being Jewish in College," and with LGBTQ+ students who are looking for campuses where they will be supported. In both cases, the goal is the same as it is for every student: a list and a plan built around who they are.
Dana Ponsky is an independent educational consultant. Reviewed and updated July 27, 2026.