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White-Glove Admissions Strategy & Advisory

$360/hour
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About
Selective. Strategic. Outcome-driven. Admissions decisions are not random; they reflect institutional priorities. My role is to help students present their strongest and most authentic candidacy within that context. Clients range from high-achieving applicants to gifted, unconventional, and twice-exceptional learners whose strengths require thoughtful positioning. My work focuses on three core areas: institutional fit analysis, narrative positioning, and full application architecture, with strategic guidance and proven results across undergraduate, graduate, and transfer admissions. BA/BS • BS/MD • JD • PhD • MD • DDS • MA/MS • (E)MBA • specialty programs Together we craft cohesive and compelling application submissions that clearly communicate each student’s strengths, experiences, and ambitions, qualities selective programs consistently reward. By the end of the process, students present an intellectually grounded profile demonstrating meaningful impact in a compelling voice, conveying thoughtful academic trajectories aligned with institutional priorities. To maintain the highest level of strategic involvement, I work directly and closely throughout the process and intentionally limit the number of applicants I advise each year. Exceptional outcomes across Ivy League universities, Top-20 institutions, and leading liberal arts colleges are consistently achieved, with admits to: Stanford • Harvard • MIT • Princeton • Yale • Columbia • Penn • Brown • Duke • Northwestern • UChicago • Berkeley • UCLA • Pomona Additional selective admits include: Amherst • BC • BU • CMU • Colorado College • Dartmouth • Denison • Emory • Georgia Tech • Northeastern • NYU • Pepperdine • Purdue • Reed • Rice • Tulane • UMich • UMiami • USC • UT-Austin • Villanova • WashU • Williams My PhD background in psychology informs a highly individualized approach to narrative development and student positioning, with extensive experience advising gifted, twice-exceptional (2e), ADHD, dyslexic, and spectrum students. While many begin working with me well in advance of application deadlines, I also take on a limited number of applicants facing compressed timelines when thoughtful strategy can still materially improve outcomes. Discreet | Responsive | Savvy ____________________________________ Career Advancement: In addition to admissions strategy, I have advised professionals on high-stakes career advancement and negotiation strategy, helping clients secure hundreds of millions of dollars in cumulative compensation gains, including executive offers, salary increases, benefits packages, and long-term retirement structures. Collaborative | Intuitive | Bold ____________________________________ A Final Note: There is a meaningful distinction between price and value. I work with individuals and families who understand the importance of strategic guidance and are prepared for a substantive conversation about outcomes. If you are not yet ready for that conversation, I respectfully ask that you refrain from contacting me. Thank you.
Overview

Hired 774 times

Serves San Francisco, CA

Background checked

1 employee

26 years in business

Business hours

Sun12:00 am - 11:59 pmMon12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Venmo, and Zelle.

Top Pro status

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2020

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2019

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2018

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2016

Services offered
Services needed
Student's grade level

High school Freshman

High school Sophomore

High school Junior

High school Senior

Work location

My customers travel to me

I travel to my customers

I work remotely (phone or internet)

Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

403 reviews

5

96%

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pro avatar
Maryam A.

Dec 1, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

The care, time, knowledge and passion Dr. Kovan puts into her services are exceptional. She was instrumental in my son’s acceptance into several of his dream major universities. There is NO WAY I could’ve helped my son with his essays and college applications up to this level. She spent so many hours on the phone with my son, guiding and walking him through the steps. Words cannot express my gratitude, I am in tears. Thank you

Details: Writing essays • Selecting colleges • Completing applications • High school Senior • More than once a week • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

College Admissions Counseling
pro avatar
Carson W.

Sep 21, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

Dr. Kovan was as professional as it gets. The care and passion she puts into her craft are exceptional. What started as help with my college applications quickly became a family process that eased all our nerves during the admissions journey. She made sure everyone was on the same page, and she genuinely wanted me to get into my dream schools just as much as I did. From start to finish, she guided me in the best possible way—helping me clearly convey my story and aspirations. The conversations, interviews, and everything in between allowed us to build a meaningful relationship in such a short time. She’s taught me plenty about the process, myself, given me a professional resume going forward, and most importantly, the opportunity to achieve a part of my dreams. Ultimately, with her guidance, I was accepted to Pepperdine and USC—my dream schools—and I’ve chosen to attend the University of Southern California. Deepest gratitude to Dr. Kovan.

Details: Completing applications • High school graduate • Cadence recommended by professional • Remotely (phone or internet)

College Admissions Counseling
pro avatar
Mohamed S.

Aug 23, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

Rebecca was amazing to work with! She’s incredibly patient and always took the time to answer my questions clearly. Her guidance made the college admissions process so much less stressful, and I felt supported every step of the way. I couldn’t have asked for a more helpful and encouraging mentor—highly recommend!

Details: Completing applications • High school Senior • Once a week • Remotely (phone or internet)

College Admissions Counseling
pro avatar
Addy Y.

Aug 21, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

Rebecca was so beyond amazing in my college transfer process. She helped me with everything you could possibly think of in regard to college applications from my resume to essays and more. She also is great with responding punctually and giving any help needed at any time. Thanks to her I’m finally at my dream college!

Details: Completing applications • High school graduate • Cadence recommended by professional • Remotely (phone or internet)

College Admissions Counseling
pro avatar
Andrew L.

Sep 12, 2025

Becca was wonderful! I hired her to help my daughter with college essays for the University of Michigan. Becca helped to mold her essay into a thing of beauty, guiding her into acceptance at this very prestigious school. I wholeheartedly recommend Becca to everyone!
Credentials
Background Check

Rebecca Kovan, Phd

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