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EMPOWER COLLEGE CONSULTING is dedicated to guiding families through the college admissions process, from picking schools to polishing essays. Hiring an independent educational consultant (IEC) as your college advisor reduces family stress and empowers your teen to thrive — through the entire process and beyond!

  • Where are you in the process? Are you starting early or late, or do you know?
  • Are you stressed due to an older sibling’s experience, even if it was successful?
  • Is your teen a potential collegiate athlete and are you confused about recruiting?
  • Does your teen know what type of college or university (size, vibe, location, major) might be ideal (a good “fit”)? But is that type of college a fit for your budget? 
  • Where do you even start with college essays? What do admissions want to see?
  • Regardless of where you are in the process, I’m here to help. My name is Lisa Harrison and I’m a trained IEC located in Orange County, California who specializes in undergraduate admissions. I work remotely with all my clients regardless of locale. Whether you’re in need of quick advice or a professional to guide your teen through the entire admissions process, please reach out for a free consultation.
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We’re glad we hired Lisa. She knows how to work with teens —  and how to get teens to work! Our son is currently very happy at a school back east.
Chris
Parent
Lisa helped me break down an overwhelming job. We made a master plan for all my due dates given the applications, artistic supplements, and potential scholarships. Then, we worked through the plan. I got into several of my top choices — got rejected by one, sadly — but also got a “reach” school I didn’t expect!
I.W.
SoCal Student
Lisa is confident, knowledgeable, and flexible, sometimes meeting with our daughter late in the evening over Zoom. She definitely understands the college application process and our daughter enjoyed working with her. Once acceptances came out, Lisa followed up with additional support for the decision-making process, which we really appreciated! 
Tamara
Parent
If you’re applying to top schools, plan on revising your essay eight or nine times. Each version gets better. Lisa’s help was invaluable. In the end, I got to choose between two amazing options.
M.D.
SoCal Student
I only wanted to apply to one school and yes, I know that’s unusual. Lisa convinced me to apply to other schools as backups, but with her support, I also got into my top choice through Early Decision!
V.H.
New Mexico Student
Lisa reduced our family’s stress a million bazillion times! Our daughter worked diligently with her and ended up receiving a number of offers, including her top three choices. The work she and Lisa did early on to find the “right fit” schools and majors really paid off. We’re so glad Lisa was on our team!
Rachel
Parent
I honestly don’t think I would have finished all the essays without Lisa’s support. She’s easygoing but expects you to do your best. Highly recommend!
L.P.
NorCal Student
Lisa and I worked as a team. I focused on picking the schools with my son, and Lisa guided him through all the writing aspects of his applications. He felt proud of his applications and was accepted into a number of excellent options. He’s now thoroughly enjoying college life and competes as an NCAA DIII athlete.
Mary
Parent
Go with Lisa as your college advisor. You won’t regret it.
C.W.
SoCal Student

I founded Empower College Consulting after finding success and enjoyment in guiding our oldest child through the process in 2015. That journey started with a hundred yellow sticky notes in a Fiske Guide to Colleges book. Since then, I completed a seven-course certificate program as an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) through UC Irvine, joined the Higher Education Consultants Association, toured over 30 schools, edited hundreds of essays, and officially launched Empower College Consulting. I thoroughly enjoy mentoring students through this transformative period and am proud of my student’s successes.

My background includes an M.A. in communication theory/public relations from CSUF and a B.A. in psychology from Claremont McKenna College, where I competed in DIII swimming. Before raising children, I worked in marketing research and strategic communications for a national firm. College advising brings together my strengths of research, writing, editing, and a genuine connection with teens. I live in Orange County, CA, with my husband and our youngest, a rising junior, plus a bevy of pets. Higher education is a value in our family, one I’m excited to share with my teen clients who are just awakening to the amazing opportunities ahead!

Let’s Talk!