College Counseling Services
Guiding students through the college application journey.
Hello
Welcome
Welcome to College Talk With Michele, where we help students turn their college dreams into reality. Our team offers personalized counseling and support to guide you through the college application process and help you achieve your academic goals.
About College Talk With Michele
Services Offered
Hourly advising may be used for any aspect of the college process, including:
- High school course planning and academic strategy
- Creating a standardized testing plan
- Building a balanced and personalized college list
- Developing a customized application timeline
- Essay brainstorming, review, and revision
- Activities list development and refinement
- Review of college applications before submission
- Financial aid discussions and planning considerations
- Deadline tracking, reminders, and organizational support
Families often use hourly sessions for focused help during key moments in the process, such as essay season, college list finalization, or application review.
About Me
Meet Michele
Michele Quanstrom is an independent college advisor based in San Diego. She works with high school students and families to navigate the college search and application process with clarity, organization, and confidence.
Michele earned her College Counseling Certificate through UC San Diego and currently advises students through private practice as well as through ScholarMatch, where she supports first-generation and underrepresented students. In both roles she guides students through every stage of the college application process.
Michele is deeply committed to staying current in an ever-changing admissions landscape. She is thorough, research-driven, and highly organized, and takes pride in helping students stay on track, meet deadlines, and present their authentic voices clearly and confidently.
Before becoming a college advisor, Michele built a career in leadership and operations in fast-paced environments. She has also served in a variety of community roles, including leadership positions within PTAs at four different schools, volunteering as a University of Denver Family Ambassador, and serving on the board of a nonprofit supporting children with cancer. These experiences shaped her strengths in communication, organization, and calm problem-solving—skills that translate directly into guiding students and families through a complex and often stressful process.
As a parent herself, she understands how overwhelming this journey can feel. Her goal is to be a steady, honest partner—offering clear guidance, realistic options, and reassurance every step of the way.
Credentials & Training
- College Counseling Certificate, University of California San Diego
- Master of Arts, History
- Bachelor of Arts, Art History
- Ongoing professional development in college admissions
