Our passion is helping students navigate their path to college success.
Our Story
For over a decade, our founding team has been informally guiding students through their college preparation journey. What started as helping family and friends grew into a shared passion for demystifying the college admissions process.
Over the past few years, we've seen too many bright students and caring parents overwhelmed by the college process. Watching family friends stay up late worrying about applications, or hearing stories of students feeling lost about where to begin – these personal experiences sparked something in us. We knew there had to be a better way, and that's how North Star was born.
Our team's philosophy is simple: think early, plan ahead, and you will do just fine. We believe that with proper guidance and early preparation, the college admissions process can be transformed from a source of stress into an opportunity for growth and achievement.
What Our Families Say
Join hundreds of students who have found their path to success
"There are people who help you put together a great application... and then there are people like those at North Star who really go above and beyond. They took the time to really understand me, helping me discover which majors and career paths truly aligned with my passions. When I felt lost or overwhelmed, they were always there to guide me. Their genuine care and support made all the difference."
"My daughter had big dreams for college. And I struggled to find the right way to support her. Even with sending her to the best private school, the one-on-one guidance she needed for the application process just wasn't there. That's when a friend recommended North Star, and I couldn't be more grateful. Their team provided the personalized support she needed. They helped with school selection, essays, and every detail in between. The stress of the process melted away, and for the first time, I felt confident that she was putting her best foot forward."
"Before senior year, college wasn't really on my radar. I had no idea where to start, what schools to apply to, or how to put together a good application. North Star changed everything. They helped me find the right schools that fit my goals and guided me through the entire process, step by step. Thanks to their support, I got into two of my top choices—UM and FSU!"
"Starting with North Star in my freshman year was honestly one of the best decisions I made. Looking back now, I can't imagine trying to figure this all out last-minute like some of my friends did. They helped me see that getting into your dream school isn't just about grades and test scores. You have to craft a story that's authentically you. Every choice we made, from summer activities to course selections, felt purposeful and true to who I am. When I got that acceptance letter from UChicago, it felt like all those years of thoughtful planning had paid off. I'm so grateful for their guidance!"
"As an international student, the college application process felt even more overwhelming, especially with only a month before applications were due. North Star stepped in just in time, helping me strategically choose schools that aligned with my interests and guiding me through every step, from essays to activities section. Having their team in my corner made me so much more confident. I really wouldn't have known how to approach the process without their guidance. Their support made everything so much less stressful."
"As a parent, I was the one losing sleep over college applications—probably more than my child! I kept wondering if we were doing enough, if we were making the right choices, if we were already behind. Finding North Star in my child's sophomore year was such a relief. They didn't just help us plan—they helped me breathe easier. Their step-by-step guidance showed us how to approach everything thoughtfully, without the stress and rush that I saw other families experiencing. Looking back, starting early with North Star was one of the best decisions we made. The journey ended beautifully, and that constant worry turned into pure joy!"
"Balancing football and academics isn't easy, but starting my college strategy early with North Star made all the difference. We began planning in 9th grade, and now, as a junior, I feel completely prepared and confident heading into my senior year. While many of my peers are just starting to think about applications, I already have a clear path forward. Thanks to North Star, I'm not just ready for the process—I'm actually looking forward to it."
"Being a pre-med student at UF was already intense, and adding medical school applications on top of MCAT prep felt overwhelming. While I managed to score in the 99th percentile on the MCAT, I knew my writing needed work. That's when I found North Star. They didn't just help me write essays. They helped me tell my story in a way that felt genuine and impactful. Their guidance gave me the confidence to showcase not just my academic achievements, but my genuine passion for medicine. Looking back now from medical school, I can say their support was absolutely crucial to my success."
"In my 15 years as a guidance counselor, I've rarely met someone who connects with students the way Faris does. He has this unique ability to help them discover their own path while keeping them grounded in practical reality. When he speaks to our students, whether they're anxious seniors or wide-eyed freshmen, he brings such clarity to the college process. What impresses me most is how he helps students align their genuine interests with their academic goals. It's not just about getting into college. It's about finding the right fit and thriving there. His genuine care for each student's success is evident in everything he does."
"Although I didn't get into my top-choice school, getting accepted to USC turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me. Looking back, I know the application process was so much smoother because of North Star. Their guidance helped me stay focused and positive throughout the entire journey. From refining my essays to navigating school selections, they made everything feel manageable and strategic. Now having graduated from USC Marshall, I can honestly say that what felt like a 'second choice' became the perfect fit for me. North Star helped me see beyond the rankings and find a school where I truly thrived."