My Philosophy | Todd Zeff

I work with a limited number of students to ensure that each one receives consistent support and highly individualized guidance throughout the entire college search and application process. As deadlines approach, we meet as often as needed, and students always hear back from me within 24 hours. I am fully present and never rush the process. I want what we accomplish together — shaping applications, refining choices, and clarifying direction — to be a formative experience that helps each student become more confident, more articulate, and more aware of their own path forward.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in English from Columbia University and a master’s in public administration from Rockefeller College. Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked across nearly every level of education — from teaching elementary school to serving as Dean of Student Success at SUNY Ulster. Along the way, I co-founded Camp Starfish, a therapeutic sleepaway camp for children and adolescents who are struggling with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

For the past 19 years, one-on-one college guidance has been at the heart of my work — first as a student services advisor, and more recently as a private college consultant. In that time, I’ve supported more than a thousand students in identifying their paths and gaining admission to colleges that reflect their goals and values. As an Ivy League graduate with decades of experience in education, I understand how applicants can distinguish themselves in a pool where academic excellence is the baseline — and where substance, clarity, and voice make the difference.

In addition to my independent practice, I consult with Lockwood College Prep to broaden the reach of my work with high-achieving and deeply motivated students. I also volunteer with College Connect, a community-based initiative that supports first-generation and underserved students in navigating the path to college. As an associate member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), I remain attuned and commited to the highest standards of ethics and professional growth in the field.