About

Tara Powers-Hausmann, College Consultant

I had been working as an editor for decades, when I decided it was time for a change. Since starting the college search process with my oldest in 2013, I could not get enough information about the current college environment. I developed a real passion for colleges and finding the perfect fit for my children. Then I started helping friends because I had learned so much and truly love helping people.

Becoming an independent college consultant was a natural next step in my life, and I embrace it wholeheartedly. I am a champion of high-school students embarking on this journey and approach each new client with great optimism and positivity. So much of this process is about helping students with self-discovery and providing the steps to achieve the ultimate goal of attending college. This process is going to be different for every student. Students each have unique superpowers, challenges, and goals; it is my job to listen and identify these elements and then plan accordingly.

I also have a specialty in (and am passionate about) assisting students with learning differences/neurodiversity through this process. I know firsthand that, with guidance, these students can survive the application process and thrive in college! See my Students with Learning Differences page for additional information.

I have a BA in English Literature from St Lawrence University and have a Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California, Irvine. I am a voracious consumer of information about colleges and the admissions process and am a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA; associate member), the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC), and Seattle Area College Consultants (SACC). I am also certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. I love visiting colleges and learning all I can. I have visited over 80 thus far.

I am located on Bainbridge Island, Washington, but serve students and families around the world.

"Tara is a thoughtful, well-researched, and dedicated counselor. She thinks outside the box, is willing to listen to family input, and works with compassion. Tara has made this transitional time less stressful as I trust her expertise and her ability to work effectively with my son." -- Parent

“Tara has been extremely helpful in guiding me through the whole college application and writing process. I wouldn’t have known what I was doing if I did not have her help, so I greatly appreciate her dedication to helping me through the process and making it all feel so much easier for me.” – Student,

“Tara’s passion, knowledge, enthusiasm and encouragement is priceless! Her skills have taken the weight off my shoulders as a parent and allowed me to enjoy the journey with my daughter. Such a great investment!” -- Parent

“Working with Tara has been eye-opening. As a student with learning disabilities, I started my college search not thinking that any college would want me. After the first meeting with Tara, I realized that she really understood what it was like! And after a few more sessions with Tara I was on the right path for finding schools that would best fit my needs and my strengths.” – Student