Supportive and strategic college counseling
Expert guidance, exceptional essays, and high-touch support throughout the college application process.
With years of experience as an English teacher, published writer, essay consultant, and admissions reader, Eliot brings a uniquely strong writing and storytelling background to her work with students. In her counseling practice, she offers experienced guidance, detailed feedback on essays, and personalized advising that helps students present their most authentic and compelling work with confidence.
About Eliot Sloan
Eliot Sloan is a college counselor and educator with a deep background in writing, teaching, and student support. A former English teacher and published writer, she has spent years helping students develop authentic, compelling essays through her work as an essay consultant for national college counseling organizations and in her school-based counseling practice.
Eliot currently serves as Director of College Counseling at Vermont Commons School in Burlington and has also worked as an admissions reader for Middlebury College. She serves on a counselor advisory board at the University of Vermont and works with students nationally and internationally, including through webinars and application-essay workshops. She holds a BA from Vassar College, an MA in English from Middlebury College, and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.
Professional Memberships
Areas of Expertise
Comprehensive Support
Ideal for juniors (and families who want to start early)
Comprehensive guidance for students who want a steady, well-supported process from the beginning through matriculation. This includes school research and list building, application strategy, essay development, and ongoing support throughout junior and senior year. My goal is to build trust with students, reduce stress for families, and keep the process clear, organized, and moving forward.
Senior Year Applications
Ideal for Seniors
Focused, strategic support for students beginning the college process in senior year. We move efficiently through school selection, deadlines, application components, and essays with a clear plan and consistent structure. The goal is to help students feel supported while producing strong, organized applications on a tight timeline.
Early Decision SUPPORT
For Deferrals, Denials, and Strategic Pivots
A thoughtful review of what may have happened, followed by a clear plan for next steps. This includes recalibrating the college list, strengthening application materials, and approaching ED2/EA/RD decisions with strategy and realism. Students move forward feeling re-centered, prepared, and confident.
Essay Development
Ideal for Juniors and Seniors
Essay coaching rooted in years of teaching and professional writing experience. I help students clarify what they want to say, find their voice, and develop writing that is authentic, compelling, and truly their own. This includes brainstorming, outlining, drafting, and careful revision of personal statements and supplemental essays.
Why Families Choose Eliot
Admissions Knowledge
With experience in both the college admissions offices and as a high school college counselor, Eliot knows what colleges look for in successful applications.
Proven Track Record
Over a decade of success helping students gain admission to competitive colleges and universities across the nation.
Flexible Timeline Support
Whether your student is a junior or senior, we can develop a plan that works with your family's timeline.
College Counseling
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: When should we start working with you?
A: Most families begin junior year, though I also work with sophomores and seniors. Starting earlier allows time for thoughtful planning and essay development.
Q: Do you work with students outside Vermont?
A: Yes. I work with students across the country through Zoom and shared online platforms.
Q: Do you offer hourly support or packages?
A: Both. Some students prefer comprehensive support; others need focused help with essays or specific application components.
Q: What kinds of students do you work best with?
A: I work with a wide range of students and specialize in helping them articulate their stories clearly, confidently, and authentically, no matter their academic profile or goals.
Q: Do you help with essays?
A: Yes. Writing and storytelling are a core part of my practice, and I provide detailed guidance on personal statements, supplemental essays, and specialized prompts.
Q: Do you work with students applying to highly selective colleges?
A: Yes. I regularly guide students applying to a range of schools, including those with highly selective admissions.
Q: Do you offer in-person meetings?
A: Yes, for local families. Remote families meet via Zoom.
Contact
College Counselor Eliot Sloan
Request a call to discuss your family’s needs.
Response time: Within 1-2 days
Serving families throughout Vermont and virtually nationwide.