About Lisa

Guiding your student through high school and college can be stressful, confusing, and emotional. As an Independent Educational Consultant, I work directly with high school students and families to guide them through the college search and application process. My goal is to bring calm, clarity, & confidence to college admissions.

What I Do

First I put the student in the center of the process. We work together to define what is most important in their college search. Only then do we start to identify colleges that would be a good match. Schools should be a fit academically, socially, and financially. An effective college list has schools at a range of selectivity, that are affordable, and that the student can be excited about attending.

Let me come alongside during this process and help your student and your family better understand college admissions.  I’m located in Northern Virginia, but work virtually with students throughout the US.

As an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC), I don’t “get students into college.”  Instead, I help students and families understand the admissions process and equip them to make informed decisions about where to apply.  Students have my support as they complete applications, so they present a clear and strong picture of who they are and what they will bring to the college community.

Lisa Rielage leaning on a stack of books about college admissions.
College admissions can be confusing and overwhelming.
Have someone on your side who understands the process.

Who I Am

In my own undergraduate experience, I studied subjects as varied as Calculus and Chaucer, Thermodynamics and Creative Writing, Naval Architecture and Modern Literature. My education fed my curiosity about the world and how people communicate their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Military experience taught me poise and persistence under pressure. Mentoring students in a variety of disciplines and settings underscored that there isn’t just one path to success.

  • Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Associate Member,
    Homeschooling Affinity Group
    Chair (2022)
  • Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), Member,
    Transfer Special Interest Group
  • Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting Certificate Program, University of California – Irvine
  • Master of Science in Education, Old Dominion University
  • Bachelor of Science in English, US Naval Academy
  • US Naval Academy Admissions Liaison Officer (Blue and Gold Officer), 2003-2020

To learn more about how I help students, check out my Services page. If you’d like help with college admissions, reach out to schedule an inquiry meeting.

I support the IECA Principles of Good Practice and follow PCACAC and NACAC professional standards.

Independent Educational Consultants Association Logo
Associate Member

Lisa Rielage guides families to college admissions with calm, clarity, & confidence.