Take the Guesswork Out of College Planning
Personalized. Strategic. Guided with the College UnMazed Experts and System.
Choosing a college is not a single decision. It is a series of informed choices over time.
Our one-on-one advising is built to strengthen communication, clarify direction, and help students build a compelling and well-aligned college application — guided by the College UnMazed system.
Led by higher education and college admissions experts, our advising combines professional insight with structured tools that remove guesswork and replace it with clarity.
The College UnMazed Advising Advantage
Guided Communication
We establish consistent, structured touchpoints with the student and the family with clear next steps after every meeting.
Scaffolded College Knowledge & Decision Making
Our advising is not reactive. It is structured, scaffolded, and data-informed to build confidence step by step.
Strategic Application Development
A strong application is not just about grades and activities. It is about narrative and positioning.
The College UnMazed Experts
We offer limited one-on-one advising spots to ensure personalized attention.
Who This Is For
Families who want structured guidance instead of scattered advice
Students who are motivated but need direction
High-achieving students seeking strategic positioning
Students exploring early college or dual enrollment pathways
Families who want clear communication and accountability
What You Can Expect
Personalized advising sessions
Clear meeting agendas and documented action steps
Ongoing communication and accountability
Strategic oversight from early planning through decision
This is not just application help.
It is developmental college readiness support.
Our College UnMazed Experts
Meet Our College Advising Team
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Dr. Amanda Sterk
Dr. Amanda Sterk is a higher education professional and founder of College UnMazed who guides students and families through a structured, data-informed college planning process. She helps students build strong, well-aligned applications while making confident, financially informed college decisions.
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Dr. Timothy Poynton
Dr. Tim Poynton is a nationally recognized school counseling leader and higher education professional who specializes in college and career readiness. He brings deep expertise in student development and data-informed counseling to help students make thoughtful, well-aligned postsecondary decisions.
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Dr. Shawn Moore
Dr. Shawn Moore is an experienced educator and writing mentor who specializes in helping students craft authentic, compelling college essays. He guides students in clarifying their voice, shaping meaningful narratives, and presenting their experiences with depth and purpose to strengthen their overall applications.
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Dr. Maisy Adams
Dr. Maisy Adams is a higher education professional dedicated to helping students navigate the college search and application process with clarity and confidence. She works closely with students to align their academic interests, personal strengths, and long-term goals, ensuring their applications reflect both authenticity and direction.
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Jenna Thiel
Jenna Thiel is a college essay specialist and WOW Essay Coach who helps students transform their experiences into compelling, memorable narratives. She guides students through a structured writing process that builds confidence, clarifies voice, and elevates essays from good to exceptional.
Hear What Parents are Saying:
“When I kept seeing the number of scholarships come in we just could not believe it. Not only did Melissa have 10 colleges to choose from, but she totaled over $300,000 worth of scholarships. I am amazed at all the options our daughter has. College UnMazed changed our family’s lives.”
“I have spent yearsssss and countless hours researching, having discussions, attending workshops/seminars, printing materials..... compiling this binder to help navigate us through the college process. About two weeks ago I came across the book, College UnMazed. After about an hour of researching its contents, I ordered a copy. This book contains all the information that I have in this BIG, HEAVY BINDER and MORE......MUCH, MUCH MORE! It’s very detailed and packed with a ton of valuable resources. I have gained a deeper understanding about the high school to college process, scholarships, academic success factors and more. My only regret with this book is not knowing about it 5 years ago. ”
“My husband and I are not from the United States. The college system is very different than what we went through in Germany. But Dr. Sterk provided support and guidance at every twist and turn of the process. Our son was able to have many options. Highly recommend. ”
“Dr. Sterk believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She helped me pick the right college list, apply for scholarships, and so much more. Most of all, she just made the process so easy for me. I could not have done this without her. ”
“Did I tell you that Logan was accepted at LSU? He is over the moon and Jennifer and I are so happy! You were instrumental in getting this acceptance, especially being so late in the year and with his scores! We can’t wait for you to start with Kaitlin! Thank you!”
Our Mission Statement
College UnMazed was developed by school counselors, counselor educators, and higher education administrators who integrate research and data-informed practices to create an effective and efficient school-based curriculum that:
1) Helps students and families navigate the college-going process, and
2) Provides practitioners with the tools and resources to foster the necessary conversations to build college knowledge and higher order thinking skills.
Ready for Clarity?
Whether you’re just starting or deep in the process, College UnMazed provides the structure, strategy, and support your family needs.