Minneapolis & Twin Cities
College Counselor in Minneapolis & the Twin Cities
Personalized college counseling and essay coaching from a former Blake School English teacher, with expertise in highly selective universities in the U.S. and abroad.
Twin Cities
Local expertise. A broader perspective.
Choosing colleges and building a strong application takes more than following a checklist. I bring deep knowledge of college admissions, years of experience working with teenagers, and a strong understanding of the academic culture and expectations of Twin Cities families.
Having taught English at The Blake School, I understand the strengths, pressures, and expectations students in this community often bring to the admissions process.
As a parent of three, I also know the Twin Cities independent and public school landscape firsthand. Two of my children have graduated from college, and my youngest is now a ninth grader. Together they attended St. Paul Academy, City of Lakes Waldorf, Lake Country, and Southwest High, giving me a personal understanding of the different educational philosophies, cultures, and communities families here navigate.
I work directly with every student, helping them develop a thoughtful college list, identify what sets them apart, and build a cohesive application that reflects who they really are.
For students considering Ivy League and highly selective colleges, I bring particular attention to intellectual curiosity, writing, positioning, and the overall story the application tells.
Timing
Why starting early matters
Many students come to me in the fall of senior year with excellent grades and strong test scores but little else to show for their interests. By then, there is only so much time to build a record that reflects who they are.
Starting sooner gives us room to plan. I help students find meaningful opportunities right here in the Twin Cities, during summers and throughout the school year, that demonstrate initiative and a consistent line of inquiry. Selective colleges notice that kind of sustained curiosity, and it takes time to develop.
Why families work with me
Highly Individualized Strategy
Every student is different. College lists, application strategy, and essay work are built around the individual student rather than a formula.
Direct Access
Students work directly with me throughout the process, not with junior counselors or a rotating team.
Expert Essay Guidance
As a former high school English and journalism teacher, I help students find strong stories and develop writing that remains unmistakably their own.
Flexible Hourly Counseling
Families can use as much or as little support as they need, booking individual sessions or choosing a 5 or 10 hour package.
Community
Rooted in the Twin Cities school community
I understand that choosing schools in the Twin Cities often reflects more than academics alone. Families are also thinking about community, educational philosophy, social fit, intensity, values, and what kind of environment will allow a child to thrive.
Because I know this landscape both professionally and personally, I can help families think through how a student's school experience connects to the college process over time.
Where I work
Serving Minneapolis & the Twin Cities
I work with students from public, private, charter, and international schools throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, Wayzata, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and surrounding Twin Cities communities.
Many Minneapolis families meet with me by Zoom, just as my students across the United States and internationally do.
Minnesota & Wisconsin colleges
Knowledge of Minnesota and Wisconsin colleges
I have spent years visiting colleges and universities across Minnesota, and I know the region's strongest options well. I help families understand the differences in academic culture, campus environment, selectivity, cost, and long-term value across schools in this area.
For families hoping to stay closer to home, I can advise on thoughtful college choices in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including how to weigh financial considerations, merit opportunities, and overall fit.
I advise every family to file the FAFSA, and the CSS Profile where required, even without seeking aid. I also recommend that students borrow a modest share of their college costs so they stay invested in their own education.
I also encourage families to consider universities abroad. For many students, studying overseas can cost less than a private U.S. college while offering an experience that shapes them for life. Even before college, programs such as School Year Abroad can open that door. My daughter spent eleventh grade in Beijing, China, through School Year Abroad, and I have seen firsthand what that kind of experience gives a young person.
From my 50 Colleges campus visits
College counseling services
College List & Strategy
Building a balanced, thoughtful list based on academic fit, interests, personality, campus culture, and admissions realities.
Learn more →
Application Planning
Creating a clear strategy and timeline for applications, activities, recommendations, and deadlines.
Learn more →
Personal Statement & Supplemental Essays
Helping students identify meaningful stories and develop distinctive, authentic writing.
Learn more →
Ivy League & Highly Selective Admissions
Strategic guidance for students applying to highly selective universities and top liberal arts colleges.
Learn more →
Minnesota & Wisconsin College Guidance
Helping families compare strong regional options, think through value and fit, and make financially sound college choices.
Learn more →
International Applications
Support for American students pursuing degrees abroad and for international applicants to U.S. colleges.
Learn more →
About Zelda
A different kind of college counseling
I bring more than admissions knowledge to this work. My perspective has been shaped by education, writing, teaching, international experience, and years spent understanding young people. I was born in Mexico City, grew up as a diplomat's daughter across several countries, and have lived for stretches on the Yale and Williams campuses.
I earned my M.Ed. at Teachers College, Columbia University. My certificate in college counseling comes from the University of San Diego, and as a member of IECA, NACAC, and MACAC, I stay closely connected to the changing admissions landscape while keeping the student, not the process, at the center of the work.
What families say
Maya really enjoyed working with Zelda. Her essay turned out great, and she was thrilled to be admitted Early Decision to Boston University.
Galit T.
Parent · Mercer Island, WA
Working with Zelda made the college process feel much less overwhelming. She helped me stay organized, think more clearly about my interests, and present myself in a way that felt authentic.
Paul C.
Student
Zelda brought clarity and calm to what can be a very stressful process. Her thoughtful guidance helped our daughter stay focused, confident, and on track every step of the way.
Lisa D.
Parent · Stamford, CT
Looking for help choosing a Twin Cities private school?
I also advise families navigating private school options in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities.
Questions from Minneapolis families
Frequently asked questions
When should a student begin working with a college counselor?+
Students can benefit from guidance as early as eighth or ninth grade, and starting sooner rather than later makes a real difference. Many students arrive senior year with strong transcripts and test scores but few activities that show sustained interest. Beginning early leaves time to build them.
Do you work with students from both public and private schools?+
Yes. I work with students from public, private, charter, and international schools throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities.
Do you help with Ivy League and highly selective college admissions?+
Yes. I work with applicants to Ivy League universities, highly selective institutions, and top liberal arts colleges, as well as students seeking the right fit across a wide range of schools.
Do you provide college essay coaching?+
Yes. Writing support is a major part of my work, including the Common App personal statement and supplemental essays.
Do you only work with Minnesota students?+
No. I am based in Minneapolis and work with students across the United States and internationally.
Do you help families compare Minnesota and Wisconsin college options?+
Yes. I know many of the strongest colleges and universities in Minnesota and Wisconsin well, and I help families think through academic fit, campus culture, affordability, and long-term value.
Do families have to purchase a package?+
No. Sessions can be booked individually, or families can choose a 5 or 10 hour package, depending on the level of support that makes sense for their student.
Ready to talk about your student?
Schedule a complimentary conversation to discuss where your student is in the college process and what kind of support would be most useful.