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• Insider Admissions Insights
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• Personalized Academic Roadmap
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• Smart College List Strategy
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• Step-by-Step Application Planning
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• Compelling Essay Development
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• Showcasing Unique Student Profile
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• Family Guidance & Support
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•College Affordability Planning
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• Clear Decision-Making Support
// About Me
Guiding Students and Families Through the College Admissions Process
Hello and welcome! I’m Betsy Ellsworth, and I bring a lifelong connection to education and student development to my college counseling work. Growing up in an academic community and later studying at Mount Holyoke College and Duke University shaped my passion for helping students discover their strengths and navigate the path to college with confidence.
Choose Experience
- 10 years as a senior-level admission dean at Reed College
- 12 years as director of admission and financial aid at Greenhills School
- 7 years as director of college counseling at Greenhills School
Proven Results Across
Top Institutions
My Philosophy
I believe …
- The college admissions process is a collaborative journey, best approached together with students and families.
- Finding the right college should be a process of self-reflection, curiosity, and excitement.
- The process doesn’t have to feel complicated or overwhelming.
- Academic, social, and financial fit are all equally important in choosing the right college.
- Every student’s path is unique and deserves a personalized approach.
- Students are more than grades and test scores, and I’m here to help them share their authentic story.
I will …
- Take the time to learn each student’s unique story, strengths, and aspirations.
- Ask thoughtful questions that support self-discovery and meaningful decision-making.
- Research and curate a list of colleges that are truly the best fit.
- Offer realistic guidance to balance ambition and opportunity in your application list.
- Share strategies to explore and understand colleges beyond the surface.
- Advise students and families on every step of the application process, drawing on my experience as an admissions dean.
- Encourage students to dream boldly about their college experience, both academically and socially.
// My Services //
I Provide Strategic Support for Every
Part of Your College Journey
Initial Consultation Call
I offer an initial consultation to understand your goals, interests, and aspirations, answering questions and outlining how I can support your personalized college admissions journey.
Organization and Strategy
I help students stay organized, plan timelines, and develop a clear application strategy that reduces stress and keeps every step of the admissions process on track.
Standardized Testing and Testing Trajectory
I guide students on testing options, optimal timing, and strategies for standardized tests, ensuring scores enhance applications without unnecessary stress or over-testing.
College Visits and Interviews
I provide guidance on planning meaningful college visits and preparing for interviews, helping students gain insight, ask the right questions, and leave a strong impression.
The Activity List
I work with students to craft a thoughtful, impactful activity list that highlights achievements, leadership, and passions, positioning each student’s unique story effectively.
Building the College List
I curate a balanced, research-driven college list tailored to each student’s academic, social, and financial fit, combining aspiration with realistic opportunity.
Essays
I support students in discovering their authentic voice, brainstorming ideas, and refining essays that tell their personal story in a compelling, memorable way.
Financing College
I help families understand financial aid options, scholarships, and college affordability, ensuring each student considers the full picture when selecting the best-fit schools.
Explore Your Testing Options
with Free Practice Exams
I’ve partnered with Compass Education Group to offer free practice SAT and ACT tests. Take these tests to discover which exam suits your learning style and strengths best.
Tools
The Reviews
“As a recent college graduate, I can say with certainty that I owe my success today to working with Betsy Ellsworth as a high school student. She wasn’t just concerned with helping me get into the college of my dreams; she cared about what would happen to me while I was there, and the person I would emerge as after I graduated. She was able to put into perspective why exactly my college choice was important, without making me feel pressured to have my entire career mapped out. No consideration was too big or too small for her to care about—she encouraged me through the drafting my application just as much as she indulged me in conversations about my long-term future. Now, the future we worked towards 5 years ago is unfolding in front of me, and it’s even better than I could’ve imagined. None of it would be possible without Betsy’s expert guidance and thoughtful counsel.” Zoe (Bard College, 2023) “The journey Betsy and I have gone on transcended getting into school X, Y, or Z; it’s been an iterative process to synthesize what makes me ‘tick’, the ‘grout’ of my application. More than being at my dream school, I’m confident in my values and skills. I’m in a dream state of mind now, and Betsy’s nudges have made all the difference.”
— James (University of Michigan, 2026)
“Betsy is a phenomenal counselor. I worked with her to improve my essays, and she helped me focus my ideas, improve my writing skills, and make sure my essay stood out from the others. After being accepted at my dream college, I happened to meet the dean of admissions, who recognized my name because of my outstanding essay. I have no doubt in my mind that Betsy is the reason for that.” Stevie (Alma College, 2024) “I started working with Betsy in August, going into my senior year. Prior to this, I was extremely nervous and stressed about the college application process. After my first meeting with Betsy, my mindset completely flipped. Along with her incredible expertise, she knew how to make me feel excited about the process. I appreciate how she created a relationship with me and made me feel proud of myself, even in the small things. When writing essays, she showed me that no idea was a bad idea and opened my mind to many new ideas. Working with Betsy not only provides an amazing application but also a person who supports and understands you throughout a usually challenging journey. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She is the best.”
— Violet (University of Michigan, 2028)
“Working with Betsy has given me the chance to pursue so many different opportunities. She not only helped me improve my writing abilities for university, but she also equipped me with the skills to be accepted for various extracurricular, internship, and professional opportunities. Be it preparing application materials or rehearsing for university interviews, Betsy helped me in so many ways, and I would not be where I am now without her.”
— April (University of Michigan, 2025)
“My thoughts on Betsy: I really loved having her. I think that, going into the college application process, one of the hardest parts is figuring out how to present yourself in a way that’s authentic and also sort of mirrors what the schools you’re applying to are looking for. Betsy offers such a beneficial, informative perspective. I think a great application really comes down to selling yourself, and there’s no one who knows how to do that better than an admissions officer who is now a college admissions “coach”. Betsy knows all of these tiny things about the Common App that basically no one knows unless you have someone there to tell you. We would usually talk about supplemental essays when we were meeting and that was really helpful for me. We would literally go through what I’d written word for word and edit them. She would help me re-word things, and make sure the essays sounded right to and for me. She would tell me the places that seemed a little strange to her, and we’d work out modifications and things like that. Because she’s worked as an admissions officer, she knows the type of language colleges like you to use – I found that to be so valuable. Betsy was a really positive and important force in my college application process and also in my final decisions. I literally decided to come to Yale on a call with her THE DAY my decision was due. I was so overwhelmed, and she knew me pretty well by that point because we’d been meeting pretty frequently. So I talked it out with her, and she told me what she thought of my opinion of the schools from her perspective as an onlooker, but also as someone who had been working with me and helping me through most of my decision and application process. I have never regretted that decision. I love it here so much. She’s super flexible, so you can kind of do whatever works best for you in the time you spend with her. She’s really supportive and super kind. She believes in the students that she works with, and she’s willing to work with any student, starting at any point. I had seen a different admissions / college advisor whom I met with for an hour online, and had I told her all of these big things about me, and she just said, “Yeah. You’re not gonna get into Yale.” Betsy was never like that. She was like, “Let’s work with what we’ve got and where we are, and see what happens.” I really loved her, and I loved working with her, and I’d absolutely recommend her.”
— Isobel (Yale University, 2028)
“I do not know where I would be without Betsy’s guidance throughout my high school career. Not only did she help me navigate through high school and approach college, but she also helped me learn so much about myself in the process. Betsy helped me truly understand my potential both as a student and an individual. I now know that I am capable of so much more than I thought I was a few years ago. Something that people don’t often talk about is how the college process can affect mental health of high school students. Throughout the application and admissions season, Betsy always checked in on me and made sure I was taking care of myself throughout the stressful time. Thanks to Betsy’s support, I am absolutely thriving at Michigan State University, where I made the Honors College and Dean’s List in my first year. You will be in great hands with Betsy, I can promise that!”
— (Aryan (Michigan State, 2028)
“Betsy was an amazing college counselor during my time working with her! She was genuine, and truly got to know me for who I was … that’s what mattered to her, the personal connections with her students that in turn result in amazing outcomes. I recommend anyone to work with her, the end result will be great, and in the process, you’ll learn a lot about yourself, gain confidence in yourself, and be proud of the applications you submit. I will forever be grateful!”
— Lucas (Princeton University, 2028)
As a mother of a student applying to highly selective colleges, I worried about how to keep my teen on track with scheduling, crafting a compelling application, and making realistic choices. I knew I couldn’t take on the role of an “expert college admission officer” without creating significant tension. Betsy built a wonderful, warm, and supportive rapport with my teen—establishing a structured schedule, offering constructive feedback, and helping them maintain perspective. As a result, our conversations about college became productive, deep, and meaningful rather than stressful. Without Betsy, I know this process would have been much more difficult! Now, my teen not only has incredible college acceptances but also a trusted mentor to guide them forward.”
— Seta (daughter, MIT, 2029)
“We enthusiastically endorse Ellsworth college advisors for exceptional guidance in college admissions. Betsy’s experience is extensive, and she stays updated on evolving admission trends. Her innate ability to uncover our student’s strengths and shape his applications made the labyrinthine process manageable. Her experience with recruited athletes was of particular value in our case.”
— George (son, Purdue University, 2028)
“Betsy was an invaluable resource in guiding my sons through the college application process. Her deep knowledge, unwavering support, and genuine passion for helping students made all the difference. She not only provided expert advice but also offered encouragement at every step, making a stressful process much more manageable. Any student fortunate enough to work with her is in excellent hands. Betsy was an invaluable resource in guiding my sons through the college application process. Her deep knowledge, unwavering support, and genuine passion for helping students made all the difference. She not only provided expert advice but also offered encouragement at every step, making a stressful process much more manageable. Any student fortunate enough to work with her is in excellent hands.”
— Soojin (two sons, University of Michigan)
“Betsy was an amazing college counselor during my time working with her! She was genuine, and truly got to know me for who I was … that’s what mattered to her, the personal connections with her students that in turn result in amazing outcomes. I recommend anyone to work with her, the end result will be great, and in the process, you’ll learn a lot about yourself, gain confidence in yourself, and be proud of the applications you submit. I will forever be grateful!”
— Lucas (Princeton University, 2028)
We are tremendously grateful for the guidance and expertise Betsy provided our son as he wrote his college application essays. Betsy is an exceptionally attentive listener who took the time to understand our son’s voice, interests, and aspirations. She asked thoughtful questions that inspired him to articulate his experiences with authenticity and depth and to craft meaningful stories. Her approach empowered him to write essays that were not only polished but genuinely reflective of his personality and passions. He felt heard and respected by her throughout the process. He learned so much from Betsy about writing and about himself.
Lisa (Son, Washington University in St. Louis, 2030)
Let’s Meet Wherever Works
Best for You
At Ellsworth College Advisors, I pride myself on my accessibility. I am happy to meet with you in person
or via Zoom, whichever is most convenient.
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