Private, one-on-one advising for students and the parents who want to help them thrive — from Ivy League candidates to late bloomers.
"I've helped students from Ivy League candidates to 'underachievers' find a place at the right school for them. I'm confident I can do the same for you."
My name is Danielle Bianchi Golod, and I have been helping students and parents navigate the sometimes difficult college preparation process for more than 25 years.
In that time I've worked with every kind of student — the driven, the uncertain, the quietly talented — and I've learned that the goal is never simply "get in somewhere." It's to find the right school, the one where a particular student will actually flourish.
I keep my practice small on purpose. When you work with me, you're not one of hundreds. You get my full attention, my honest read, and a plan built around your family — not a checklist.
Most students begin with me their freshman or sophomore year, but I also help juniors and seniors with test prep, a custom college timeline, or their personal statement.
I usually speak with parents in advance to understand the student's goals, strengths, and where they feel stuck — before anyone commits to anything.
Once it's clear it's a good fit, I sit down with your student — in person here in Austin, or by video — to dig into interests, strengths, and the plan ahead.
From there it's steady, one-on-one work: a custom timeline, test prep, essays, and school selection — paced to the student, not the calendar.
Pick a single piece or the whole journey — advising is always tailored to what your student actually needs.
My proven, one-on-one approach to preparation and admissions — refined over decades of real students.
Personalized SAT preparation built around each student's strengths and gaps.
Focused ACT coaching for steady, confident score improvement.
Choosing the right classes and level of rigor each year, so the transcript reflects your student at their best.
Guidance shaping an essay that sounds like the student — authentic, not manufactured.
A custom, year-by-year roadmap so nothing important sneaks up on you.
Building a balanced list of schools where your student can genuinely thrive.
Mock interviews and coaching so students walk in calm and prepared.
Planning for college gets a little harder every year you wait — but you don't have to figure it out alone. The best first step is simply a conversation. No pressure, no obligation — just a chance to see if I'm the right fit for your family.
If you have questions — or you're not even sure what you're looking for yet — please don't hesitate to reach out. I read every message myself.