Doreen Helmke

I am passionate about education and I believe  preparation is the key to optimizing  and maximizing a students college selection choices. I help expose and match students to opportunities that will define their college choices and potential careers. I believe that enhancing students' experiences differentiate their applications.  

Working with students has always been my passion. I tutored for many years prior to college consulting.  In addition, I have taught college planning  classes at the Monmouth County Park System and the Parsippany Library System. I also support the NJACAC college fair and I am on the NJACAC IAS committee where I am on the scholarship committee. I am  a firm believer in giving back to community.  Each year I take on pro bono work for qualifying students in the Morris County area.  I had also had a fulfilling career as a senior executive in industry.  Having interviewed hundreds of candidates during my professional career, I know what hiring managers are looking for in candidates and I use this knowledge to help students find and prepare for interviews and internships. 

College admissions process is always changing, especially in these times.  To stay current I am a professional member of the  Independent Educational Consultants Association  (IECA) and  a member of the New Jersey Association for College Admissions Counseling and  (NJACAC)  National Career Development Association (NCDA). Each of these associations sets membership requirements consisting of years of specialized experience, education and training, and a commitment to continuing education including college visits. I participate in IECA meetings virtually with admission counselors from a variety of colleges both in the US and abroad. I volunteer at and attend National College Fairs hosted by the NJACAC. I attend webinars on current topics such as changes in the college admissions process, LGBTQ college events, and racial equality in colleges. I attend regional meetings with IECs where I learn and share best practices and have intimate meetings with regional admissions officers from colleges across the country.  I personally visit 10-15 schools a year. Please see some of the insights from my visits here. I believe in giving back and I support several pro bono students every year. 

I believe that matching a student's personality to the vibe of a college is very important.  This connection is why I truly enjoy developing the list of best-fit colleges for my students.  In addition, for more than a decade, I  interviewed students on behalf of my Ivy League alma mater, and I share this vast knowledge with my students. I have a deep understanding of questions asked by highly selective schools, as well as the characteristics they are assessing.   

To stay current I am am ember of the professional organizations Independent Educational Consultants Association  (IECA) and the New Jersey Association for College Admissions Counseling (NJACAC).

Each student has their own unique story to tell.  I love working with students to find 'their story' and share a piece of who they are with the admissions counselors.   I work to ensure their activities on the Common Application, their personal statement and supplemental essays showcase the various aspects of the student.  

To stay current I a  member the professional organizations Independent Educational Consultants Association  (IECA) and the New Jersey Association for College Admissions Counseling (NJACAC).