PrepNow Tutor - Blair B.
With experience in admissions, college counseling, and essay coaching at both the high school and university levels since 2009, Blair brings a thoughtful, student-centered perspective to the college application process. “My approach is laid back and collaborative, helping students feel more comfortable with the process while working in partnership to uncover the ‘why’ behind their experiences and communicate their stories with authenticity,” Blair says. Blair holds a JM summa cum laude in legal risk management and HR compliance from Florida State University, an MEd magna cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh, and a BA cum laude in international studies from Pennsylvania Western University.
Blair began her career in admissions at both the high school and university levels, including roles at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Miami, where she coordinated the Hammond Scholarship. She later worked internationally as a college counselor in Beijing, supporting students applying to universities in the U.S. and Canada, before returning to Florida as an Associate Director of College Counseling at Ransom Everglades School. In addition to admissions and essay coaching, Blair has experience in human resources and student recruitment, including developing pathways for students entering the themed entertainment industry.
“My mom was a teacher and guidance counselor at the high school she graduated from, so I grew up with a deep respect for education and the impact educators can have on students’ lives,” Blair reflects. “The pride my mom took in her work and dedication to her students strongly influenced the direction of my own career.” Her proudest moments as a mentor have been the simplest ones: being a steady support for the diverse students and families she’s worked with and building relationships that last beyond the application process. “It’s always an honor to receive an unexpected message from a former student or parent because it means I was able to play a small but meaningful role in their journey," she says.
Blair describes her consulting style as personal, reflective, and student-centered. “I like to get to know my students’ journeys, what has shaped them, and what they are hoping to find in a college community,” she says. “I work with students to help them explore the ‘why’ behind their choices, interests, goals, as well as their challenges.” Blair’s philosophy is that there is no perfect path to college or to success. “I believe that a student’s story does not have to include perfect grades or a perfect upbringing to be meaningful,” she says. “Every student has a unique journey, and my goal is to help students recognize the value in their journey and communicate it to admissions committees with authenticity.”
Blair truly enjoys exploring colleges with her students and helping them to imagine how their lives will play out in the upcoming years. She remembers one student who was very open to the process, with no prior ideas about where she ought to go, and truly cared about finding the school that was the right fit for her. Blair directed her to The New School, which neither she nor her family were familiar with, and she fell in love and ultimately ended up enrolling. Blair’s students have gained admission to colleges like Cornell, Harvard, Stanford, USC, Swarthmore, University of Chicago, Caltech, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, MIT, and more. “The college admissions process can be an incredible opportunity for growth depending on how it’s approached,” Blair says. “I want students to have confidence in themselves in this process, and to recognize the qualities and characteristics that are important to them when selecting schools. While I work collaboratively with my students, I challenge them because it’s important that they take ownership. At the end of the day, I want them to feel proud of their accomplishments and to be in the difficult position of having to select from a number of acceptances.”
As a student, Blair earned the Academic Excellence Certificate of Achievement. She participated in field hockey, lacrosse, Black Student Union, tour guide, community service, equestrian club, and backpacking. “Recently, I’ve become really interested in gardening,” Blair shares. “I’m currently working on my yard and researching how to create my own food forest. My goal is to establish one over the next three years so I can grow the majority of my food.” Outside of that, Blair enjoys traveling and spending time with her parents. Blair was an au pair in the Netherlands after college.
