Headshot of Renee Ferrerio on cream background
MEET YOUR COLLEGE COUNSELOR

Renee Ferrerio

she/her
Renee (she/her), Senior College Counselor, has spent over 30 years navigating college admissions, including the last 6 years as one of the original College Essay Guy counselors.

Core Values

Growth

Creativity

Laughter

Renee has worked with students applying to colleges across the United States (and abroad) and loves diving into research to support students’ niche interests and high-achieving goals. She uses the knowledge she’s gained from touring over 250 college campuses in the US, Canada, and the UK to guide students toward colleges that best fit their aspirations. Her leadership roles with NACAC, SACAC, and the Common App Advisory Board position her to advise students while understanding the national landscape of admissions. She has advised students pursuing college athletics, performing arts programs, and military academies, as well as most academic disciplines.

EDUCATION

Lincoln Memorial University (EdS. Educational Leadership & Administration); Georgia State University (M.Ed., Counselor Education & School Counseling); Florida Atlantic University (B.A., Psychology); Florida State University (A.A., Psychology)

A few things about me

I have visited over 250 colleges and continue to do so as often as possible. Seeing and learning about schools first hand is the best way to help families.
I am obssessed and in love with my mini dauchsaund Pretzel. If I coud take him with me everywhere, I would.
I love travel and adventure and am always planning my next trip. Some of my favorites have been Antarctica, Culebra, Praque, Mallorca, and Tenerife.
My favorite hobbies are snorkeling, hunting for shells and seaglass, and watching documentaries.

Quick Questions

What I love most about this work

I love the investigative- get to know you piece of this work. I love to know the story behind each student and to help them see that they have already accomplished so much. It feels great to instill confidence in students as they embark on this unknown and complex process that tends to illicit anxiety. Helping them see that they are their own unique compelling applicant is very rewarding.

My best advice for students

The most important part of the application process is the list. A balanced list and reframing what success looks like does wonders for families as most students will have a wonderful spring with lots of great options to choose from. Focusing too much on prestige and selectivity can end up in disappointment.

Something families are often surprised to learn

That beyond name brand and prestige, there are so many wonderful colleges that are not only attainable but offer incredible programs. merit scholarships, honors programs, greater access and preparation for med school/law school, and are actually a better fit for the student. Putting some time in up front researching schools could result in a much happier and more cost effective four years.