4 Questions for Bonnie Rabin of College Career Consulting

Boulder Jewish News welcomes a new advertiser, College Career Consulting, LLC and a new Boulder resident, its owner, Bonnie Rabin, Ph.D. As is our custom, we asked Bonnie 4 questions to introduce her to the community.

BJN: Tell me about your business.

BR: Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to the community. 

As an Educational and College Admissions Consultant, my educational philosophy and approach encourages students to explore their interests and take charge of their educational journey.  

My practice focuses on providing pre-college and undergraduate academic advising and I invite you to leverage my extensive knowledge of the curriculum for all majors (STEM, business, humanities, arts).  I truly enjoy introducing young adults to fields of study that are unique and outside the “expected” path.   My practice connects me with students across majors and at all academic levels, starting as early as 8th grade.  I am a nationally recognized STEM specialist in addition to serving students interested in Business, Humanities, the Arts and Pre-health professions.  I very much look forward to hearing what has sparked your student’s emerging academic interests. I’m sure you have many questions about educational/curriculum planning and college admissions. Let’s chat!

My blog and YouTube videos provide information on variety of relevant topics and a solid glimpse of the knowledge and passion I have for my work with young adults.   Unlike traditional college consultants, I don’t envision College Advising success as limited to college admissions outcomes. A young adult’s experiences throughout high school should ensure a seamless transition to the undergraduate community—academically and socially. A successful Educational & College Admissions Plan creates opportunities throughout high school for academic and personal growth. My student-centered practice supports each student’s unique goals.

It is indeed never too early to begin taking steps to ensure your student has a long-term education plan that fosters their love of learning, solid time management skills and a directed and joyful path towards their undergraduate experience.

BJN: What’s your typical customer like, and how do you define success?

BR: There’s no “typical” – as every teen and family in my practice are unique and amazing.  I serve students of all academic levels with emerging interests in STEM, Business, Humanities, and the Creative Arts.  

As a college advisor– If there’s one thing I can guarantee you — it’s that there’s no magic formula for being accepted into a selective university, but I can guarantee you that building an Educational & College Admissions Plan as early as eighth grade will greatly increase the likelihood that a student will become intrinsically motivated and prepared for academic success. The data are revealing– those students who are curious- exploring emerging interests throughout middle and high school will find their “niche” – both personally and academically.  Doing so will not only increase chances of college admissions success – but more importantly- students who are curious will thrive as undergraduates and beyond. 

Curiosity is the essential ingredient to building joy, motivation and direction. EXPLORATION builds confident teens and emerging young adults!  Parents, teachers and college advisors all assume a collective role to supporting emerging young adults to finding their academic and personal path.

My educational philosophy and approach guides students to defining and learning more about the types of “problems” they might solve.  Every student has so many potential opportunities.  None of this needs to be determined at 14 to 17 years old- but being aware of the myriad of educational pathways is essential to selecting the right college to attend.

High school is a time for academic and personal discovery.  Developing and sustaining a passion for learning cannot be overstated.  Sometimes that discovery is sparked by coursework and other times it is through an extracurricular experience. My role is serving as an expert and experienced resource in selecting those experiences that help students find a meaningful and joyful educational path.  The college application process is stress free when you’ve been exploring options with an open mind throughout high school. You’re invited to leverage my 30+ years of university experience and passion for working with young adults. I’m told students are inspired by our work together and parents observe changes taking place as their emerging young adults become confident, motivated and directed high school students.  I truly look forward to the opportunity to be of service to your family.

BJN: What brought you to Boulder?

After two “reconnaissance” missions this fall –it was an easy decision to relocate to Boulder County – here I’ve found an incredibly  welcoming community, awesome weather, and an abundance of outdoor opportunities to enjoy hiking and biking.  Born in NYC (Huge Yankees Fan!!), I arrived in Ithaca, NY to attend graduate school at Cornell. After graduating and spending some time in Urbana, Illinois, our family returned to Ithaca where I spent three decades residing in a college town – active in our synagogue and building roots in a vibrant community, and raising my now two grown millennials (Carnegie Mellon graduates–Engineers living in San Francisco and Pittsburgh). 

Boulder County has so much to offer that resonates with me personally and professionally.  Whether you’re interested in working together on your student’s college plan or inviting me to join your hiking/biking/yoga or Shabbat dinner groups- please reach out to introduce yourself.  I’m also looking for recommendations on where to hear great live jazz and join a local drum circle.

BJN: Hamentaschen or Latke?

BR: LATKES!

It’s our family tradition to host a huge Hanukah gathering at our home – serving Nana Ida’s “secret” latke recipe!  The ingredients and process are unique and were handed down several generations.  As a child I helped my grandmother grate potatoes by hand. Now armed with a food processor– making delicious latkes for family and friends fills me with joy.  I hope to share our family latke recipe with my new Boulder friends Hanukah 2020/5781!

Thanks again for the opportunity to introduce myself- I look forward to meeting you!