GREEN MEANS GROW
Take the stress out of college planning.
The college search and admissions process can be overwhelming. I aim to partner with families to guide them through each step. I get to know my clients so I can help them build a college list that is an academic, social, and financial fit. I also coach them through each step of the application to help them put their best foot forward!
JULIE SMITHEY, PHD
I have always loved the process of building college lists; I did it old school for myself with a copy of US News and World Report and a stack of brochures procured through a land line and snail mail. I received my PhD in Education from the University of Michigan and my undergrad and masters from Vanderbilt (clearly I am a sucker for a beautiful campus). I love working with high school students and helping them through this important transition. It’s a fun job!
Why Green Means Grow?
It’s a weird name, I know, but it has become my catch phrase. I have always edited in green instead of red, and it’s an intentional choice. I believe that mistakes, setbacks, and suggestions aren’t to be feared! I run a practice that helps students relax, develop a growth mindset, and strive towards finding their voice, rather than for overly styled perfection. Colleges respond to authenticity!
How I Work
I’m a flexible, easygoing person. I am here to take stress out of this process so that it can be a special time for families. I believe in strong communication; after every meeting, students and parents will receive a summary of what we accomplished, a timeline of what’s coming up, and any homework to be done before our next meeting. Students and parents are always welcome to email, call or text me anytime!
What My Clients Have to Say
I did it! I got in! Your help was a huge part of my acceptance. Thank you for the countless hours you poured into my essay and being a positive and encouraging part of the stressful college process!
Lydia K.
When people ask me about the college application process... I tell them about Julie. My daughter is fiercely independent and this was not the time for me to step in. Julie is the expert, she knows her stuff. She took the time to really get to know my daughter which allowed her to assist my daughter to craft an excellent application. All the schools we visited said “ be authentic”. Julie takes the time to know her clients and that makes all the difference.
Nancy M.
Julie Smithey provides a holistic yet personalized approach to the college application process. Her passions and talents translate to helping you pursue yours. Julie’s expertise is invaluable for any student looking to fulfill their full potential in the college application process. Julie helped me craft an authentic, polished, and unique application, which helped me gain admission to my dream school!
I can’t speak enough about how much Julie helped my son figure out his path, write amazing essays, and get into the schools he wanted to while maximizing his scholarship potential!! It’s the best college prep decision we made and took the pressure off of us. Julie helped him completely own this process, and it was exciting to watch him grow and flourish!!!
Lily M.
Lori S
CONTACT ME
Please contact me if you have any questions. I've never met a question I didn't like.
615-483-5033