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I must admit that I was quite stressed out while applying to colleges. I was studying at a boarding school in England that did not have guidance counselors. Writing college application essays was even more daunting. Then with the help of a family friend, I started developing ideas. I read books on how to write effective essays, I worked on draft after draft. Now, when I look back at my application essays, I am proud not because they were elaborately written or complex pieces of literature (they are not!) but because I can see the 17 year-old version of myself in those words.

When I received my results that spring, although I had some disappointments, overall I was very happy with my offers. I was lucky to know some people, mostly friends' of family, some of whom were alumni of these schools, who gave me useful advice. In the end, I made a great choice. My college years were the best years of my life.

My personal application experience helped me decide to change careers from finance to education counseling after I moved back home to Turkey. I wanted to provide guidance to students who were probably going through similar confusions, anxieties and excitements that I had and to help them find their perfect fit, too. I started working at Erengul Counseling with Zeynep Erengul, who was the best mentor anyone can ask for. I am lucky to still benefit from her wisdom and experience.

For me, this work is not just about getting students into universities. It is also about mentoring students to become independent individuals, to learn to do tasks on their own, and to put their curious minds to work and find their creative sides.

Zeynep Altınordu Bowlus graduated cum laude and with honors in her major in International Affairs (BSc) from Georgetown University (SFS) and an MPA in public administration from New York University, having obtained a merit scholarship. In total, she spent 14 years in the United States, in addition to studying four years in Dorset, England for high school.

Zeynep is a CIS Affiliated Consultant Member.

As a high-performing high school student-athlete fromSacramento, California, I struggled to navigate the process of applying to selective east coast schools. My family hired a private counselor to help me strategize about which schools to apply to, solicit the attention of water polo coaches, and plan my application. All of this led me to Brown University, a perfect fit. Brown's smallclass sizes, focus on undergraduates, and spirit of encouraging intellectual discovery and creativity cultivated my love of learning. I also made lasting connections with professors, two of whom I consider friends and see when I go back to campus, and got to play four years of Division I water polo.

Having gone on to a master's and PhD at the University ofChicago, and Georgetown University, respectively, I understand the American university landscape and what application committees look for in students. Hint: it's a combination of a demonstrated performance record, intellectual curiosity, and social awareness, all of which combine to form a "narrative" that conveys that the student is unique and will go on to succeed in life. Having grown up in the United States, lived in six different cities, and travelled to 49 states, I can speak to the differences between schools, cities, and regions. What most families know mostly by name, I can put into real context.

I have always worked in education, and am passionate abouthelping students achieve their educational aspirations. In the past, I have tutored students in English, Latin, math, and SAT prep (including a year-long stint at Kaplan in New York City). I have considerable experience in writing and editing asEditor-in-Chief of Global Business Reports and Energy Reporters and Web Editor at Oxford BusinessGroup.

In addition to counseling and essay coaching, I tutor AP World History, European History,and American History, teach an energy class to master's students at Kadir Has University in Istanbul, and help Bosphorus University students on a pro bonobasis with their personal statements for master's applications.

John V. Bowlus grew up in Sacramento, California and has a BA in classics andhistory from Brown University, an MA in social sciences from The University of
Chicago, and a PhD in history from Georgetown University. He did the Peace
Corps in Senegal from 2002-2004 and worked in Boston, Washington DC, New York, and Beirut. He loves the Mediterranean, basketball and soccer cards, andthe NBA, especially his hometown Kings and the player they should have drafted:
Luka Doncic. He has lived in Turkey since 2011.

I spent half of my life in the United States with my family. After finishing middle school in Istanbul, I attended high school in Palm Beach, FL. After graduation, I enrolled at Bryant Univeristy in Rhode Island.

I love working with and helping kids in one of the major decisions of their lives. Having gone through this process myself, I can relate to the hardships and obstacles of the admissions process.

Eda Süzer has a BS in Business Management from Bryant University with a Marketing & Communications major. After graduation she worked for an international company organizaing trade fairs across the world. Now she lives in Istanbul with her two kids but still spends most of her summers in the US.

When I was teaching at Istanbul University, I was bombarded by students asking me about the application process for schools abroad. At that time, I was trying my best to learn about the process myself, to help show my students the way and prepare for the admission exams.

As my knowledge grew, I gradually assumed the role of consultant and helped numerous students at the university apply for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. After gaining experience, I decided to set up my own company, thus launching my over 25-year career college counseling and coaching, during which we were proud to help a great number of students gain admission to the schools of their dreams. Over this time, I have enjoyed every minute of guiding students to find their future careers, matching them with the best possible schools abroad, finding solutions to their problems, and helping them develop into mature individuals.

Instead of retiring after so many years of hard work, I chose to continue by collaborating with Zeynep, Emir, John, and Eda to provide guidance and help whenever I am needed.

Zeynep Erengül graduated from Üsküdar American Academy and has a BA in English Literature from Bogazici University and an MA in English Language Teaching from Middle East Technical University. She has two sons, both Boğaziçi University graduates, who are in academia.