Accepted: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? Do you hold any graduate degrees?
Carol: I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at CUNY Queens College in Communication Arts/Rhetoric with minors in English, Linguistics, and Education. I taught high school and college and then moved to higher education administration; first as the Senior Assistant Dean of the School of Communication and then as the Dean of Graduate Admissions at Hofstra University.
Accepted: What’s your favorite non-school/non-work book?
Carol: Wow! That is a difficult question to answer. I am a voracious reader. I generally read at least 2 books a week. I enjoy inspirational memoirs, novels by Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Khaled Hosseini, Nelson DeMille, Lisa See, the poetry of T.S. Eliot, E. E Cummings, Ezra Pound, plays by Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett. My taste is somewhat eclectic, as you can tell from the list.
Accepted: Can you share some fun facts about yourself?
Carol: I love to play outside with my pups. I have a gorgeous golden retriever and an adorable border collie.
I make up crazy silly songs that I am more than willing to share with my family and friends and love to make up words. For example, I always tell my public speaking students that they should avoid sounding “memorizey.” Of course I inform them that it is not really a word but it certainly gets the message across.
Accepted: How long have you been working for Accepted? What’s your favorite thing about consulting?
Carol: I started consulting for Accepted this past April. My favorite aspect of consulting is the human connection. I enjoy assisting my clients through the entire application process: resumes, Statements of Purpose, interview preparation, recommendations, etc. Of course it is most rewarding when I hear the three most powerful words, “I was accepted.”
Accepted: What are some other jobs and positions you’ve had in the past that have led you to consulting work?
Carol: I strongly believe that we are all a product of our collective experiences so, of course, I believe that every position I have held in the past has contributed to my work as an admissions consultant. I could not and have not ever taken on a position that didn’t allow me to utilize my talent as an effective communicator. I love to meet new people, learn about their backgrounds, share my ideas and thoughts and listen carefully and respectfully to other points of view.
Accepted: How has your experience as dean specifically prepared you for work as an admissions consultant?
Carol: As the dean of graduate admissions I have signed off on over 45,000 applications so I know what admissions committees are looking for in an applicant. This knowledge is a huge asset in my work as a consultant. In my role as the dean, I also regularly advised/mentored prospective graduate students in terms of how and when to apply, GRE/GMAT test preparation techniques, interviewing skills, essay writing tips, letters of recommendation, etc. Admissions consultant work is really just a one-on -one extension of what I have been doing for over 10 years.
Accepted: What sorts of applicants do you mostly work with?
Carol: I work mostly with students applying to masters and doctoral programs.
Accepted: What are your top 3 admissions tips?
Carol:
1. Make yourself memorable – share anecdotes/stories in your statement of purpose that highlight your strengths and what makes you unique.
2. Thoroughly prepare your application well in advance of the admissions deadline date so as to allow time for revisions, etc.
3. Include a resume that reflects your research in the field, publications, professional/academic affiliations, and any other relevant program-specific information.
Learn more about Carol and how she can help you get accepted!
Related Resources:
• Grad School Admissions Consulting
• How To Think Like A Dean Of Admissions [Podcast]
• “What Next….” Is Graduate School For You?