Democratizing College CounselingOne Student at a Time
Born from witnessing inequality, built with purpose, and powered by the belief that every student deserves access to world-class college guidance regardless of their financial situation.
Growing Up in the World of College Counseling
James Hamilton, a current USC student (Class of 2029), grew up with a unique perspective on college admissions. His mother worked as a college counselor, and throughout high school, James witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that professional guidance could have on a student's college journey.
But James also noticed something troubling. Many of his equally talented friends couldn't afford professional college counseling services, which often cost thousands of dollars. He watched as these students struggled through the process alone, making preventable mistakes and missing opportunities that proper guidance could have helped them avoid.
"Students with identical grades and test scores would have completely different outcomes based solely on whether their families could afford professional help. I realized that the money you spend to get into college shouldn't be a determining factor in your success. That's why I made Counsely."
James Hamilton
Founder & CEO
Meet the People Behind Counsely
A dedicated team of counselors, educators, and innovators working together to democratize college guidance
Charlie Hamilton
Co-Founder
Charlie Hamilton, a University of Virginia student (Class of 2029), brings strategic vision and operational expertise to Counsely. As co-founder, Charlie works alongside James to expand the platform's reach and ensure that every student has access to quality college counseling. His commitment to educational equity drives the company's mission to break down financial barriers in college admissions guidance.
Garrett Ip
Media Manager
Garrett Ip, a Williams College lacrosse player (Class of 2029), leads Counsely's media strategy and communications. Balancing his athletic commitments with his passion for helping students, Garrett manages the brand's digital presence and ensures that Counsely's message of accessible college counseling reaches students nationwide. His unique perspective as a student-athlete brings valuable insights to the team.
Kelli Hamilton
College Counselor
Kelli Hamilton is a certified Independent Educational Consultant whose expertise and passion for student success inspired the creation of Counsely. With over ten years of experience strategically assisting students through the college application process, Kelli has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of proper guidance. Her dedication to helping students from all backgrounds and learning abilities achieve college success forms the foundation of Counsely's approach to democratizing college counseling.
Misdee Jacobs
College Counselor
Misdee Jacobs brings extensive experience in college counseling with a focus on personalized student development strategies. Known for her ability to identify each student's unique strengths and potential, Misdee specializes in helping students craft compelling narratives that showcase their authentic selves. Her holistic approach to college counseling ensures that students not only gain admission to their target schools but also develop the confidence and skills needed for long-term success.
Melissa Clemens
College Counselor & Essay Specialist
Stanford University graduate, serves as Counsely's premier essay specialist. With her deep understanding of what top-tier universities look for in application essays, Melissa helps students craft compelling personal statements that stand out in competitive admissions pools. Her Stanford background and expertise in essay development make her an invaluable resource for students aiming for highly selective institutions.