What is Lodestar College Counseling?

Lodestar College Counseling is a customized college counseling service led by former UC application reader, Stanford graduate, and college admissions expert, Maia Krause.

Lodestar’s mission is to be your family’s North Star, simplifying the complexities of college admissions and illuminating the path to future success for every student. Maia’s dedication to amplifying each student’s unique strengths ensures parents can feel confident about their child’s trajectory and witness their fullest potential unfold.

Most students experience the college admissions process once. Maia supports students through it every year.
Parents often find that their knowledge of the college application process based on their own experience is no longer applicable in today’s admissions landscape, Maia familiarizes herself with all the little details of applying to college so you don’t have to become an admissions expert yourself.
Maia prioritizes professional development and networking with other college counseling professionals to reassess and enhance her knowledge, practices, and expertise.
College applications are complicated, with many deadlines and moving parts. Lodestar provides structured support every step of the way on the Common App, UC Application, and other state or private applications.
From day one, Maia provides structure to families. Once you have a finalized college list, we work together to create a schedule with regular deadlines to make sure that all your tasks are completed in a timely way to minimize stress and ensure your applications are submitted well before the deadline.
At Lodestar, every aspect of the college application process is broken down into manageable steps for students and parents.
Most school counselors are simply too busy supporting a large number of students. With Lodestar, families benefit from an outside perspective of a dedicated professional.
Maia is able to objectively assess your background, experiences, and accomplishments, and help you build an application strategy that presents you with the best possible advantage to maximize your chances of being admitted to your preferred colleges. This process also allows students to discover new opportunities and unexpected potential through college selection, major research, extracurricular pursuits, and more.
Maia's diverse experience as a college counselor, university instructor, student, and application reader has given her a unique perspective to offer thoughtful recommendations to students.
The process can be very stressful, with teenagers put under increasing pressure to balance their responsibilities. At Lodestar, Maia minimizes everyday stress for students.
As someone outside the family, I can help diffuse disagreements or tensions by providing objective input and support. Parents can be relieved the anxiety of worrying about whether their kids are finishing their applications, and students often feel more comfortable talking about college, applications, and essays in a counseling space.
I have been through this myself, and talk students through this stress every year. You don’t have to do it alone!

Why Lodestar College Counseling?

Lodestar College Counseling ensures your child’s accomplishments cut through the competition and present the best version of themselves to admission readers.

With personalized attention, insider knowledge, and years of experience guiding students, Maia and her students craft compelling applications too good for colleges to pass on!

Let Lodestar do the heavy lifting and take back the time to focus on what matters most in senior year–without worrying about the nuances of college admissions.

Maia’s former students gained acceptance to the Ivy League, the UCs, Top 10 colleges, liberal arts schools, and other colleges and universities across the United States and internationally.

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L O D E S T A R C O L L E G E C O U N S E L I N G

L O D E S T A R C O L L E G E C O U N S E L I N G L O D E S T A R C O L L E G E C O U N S E L I N G L O D E S T A R C O L L E G E C O U N S E L I N G

Transform Your College Admissions Journey

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The Lodestar Difference

Eliminate Worry

Lodestar College Counseling replaces everyday anxiety for you and your teen with structured, all-encompassing support, allowing your family to see success and plan for the future.

Focused Clientele for Dedicated Attention

Your child’s journey is unique, and the last thing they need is to be assigned to any available professional. With Lodestar College Counseling, each student receives dedicated, in-depth support without diluting the quality of individual attention like larger college counseling services.

Behind-the-Scenes UC Expertise

As a former UC application reader and years of experience guiding students through the intricacies of the UC admissions process, Maia is uniquely qualified to support students seeking admission to the UCs.

All-in-One College Prep Help

From essay writing to college research and everything in between, Lodestar provides flexible and 100% personalized packages, ensuring students are well-prepared for every aspect of their college application.

Adaptable Counseling

Lodestar’s approach considers every budget, aspiration, and personal need to give your family all the support you want–as much or as little as you need!

Real-World Impact

At Lodestar, families don’t just hire a professional, they partner with a mentor, supporter, and college guide to help them see tangible results, less stress, and increased confidence for every student.