Your College Game plan
Next Step College Coaching LLC
Personalized college admissions planning for students and families—guiding every step from college list to acceptance.
Empowering Students, Guiding Futures
Next Step College Coaching LLC was founded with a simple yet powerful goal: to provide personalized, comprehensive support to students and families navigating the complex college admissions journey. With over 20 years of experience in school and college counseling in North Carolina and Virginia—including more than a decade as a high school counselor—I bring a deep understanding of academic systems and admissions requirements.
More than just a service, my coaching approach creates a safe and encouraging environment tailored to each student’s unique strengths, goals, and values. Whether meeting in person or virtually, I help students evaluate their academic profile, build compelling applications, and confidently pursue colleges that fit their future. My passion lies in helping students realize what’s possible and take their next step with clarity and confidence.
Coaching that Works
My Services
Next Step College Coaching provides personalized, strategic support throughout every stage of the high school to college journey. Whether your student is just beginning high school or preparing to hit “submit” on college applications, I provide the tools and guidance needed to succeed.
- Individualized Strategy Sessions – Tailored planning with students beginning freshman year to review academics, extracurriculars, goals, and personal aspirations.
- College List Development – Creation of a well-matched college list based on academic, career, and financial fit.
- Resume & Activity Review – Enhancement of resumes and activity lists to highlight strengths, accomplishments, and experiences.
- Academic & Extracurricular Advising – Guidance on course selection, testing plans, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular engagement.
- Essay Writing Support – Step-by-step coaching through brainstorming, drafting, editing, and polishing personal statements and supplemental essays.
- Application Management – Detailed oversight to ensure accurate, thorough completion of college and scholarship applications and deadlines.
- Interview Preparation – Mock interviews and constructive feedback to build confidence and improve performance.
Why Choose Next Step College Coaching?
At Next Step College Coaching, I believe that every student deserves tailored guidance that reflects their goals, personality, and potential. With a background in both school counseling and college advising, I offer a strategic yet compassionate approach to admissions that empowers students and supports families.
Decades of Experience
Over 20 years of counseling students in both North Carolina and Virginia
Flexible Support Options
Available for in-person and virtual sessions
Student-Centered Philosophy
Coaching that builds confidence and highlights what makes each student stand out
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalms 37:23 NLT
In addition, she played a key role in guiding us through the process of creating a well-balanced list of colleges that are best suited for my daughter, taking into account her academic goals, interests, and preferences. My daughter shared that she felt supported and more confident throughout the process, and she appreciated Suzanne’s encouragement and practical advice at every step.
Suzanne is everything we could have hoped for and more in a college coach and working with her took the stress and uncertainty out of the college application and scholarship application processes for our daughter and ourselves… Both my husband and I agree it was the best money we have spent in a long time because it helped our daughter in many ways, and it also helped us from having to try to figure everything out on our own.
I will continue to recommend Suzanne to anyone with a high school student trying to navigate their way through post high school education. Suzanne is the best!
The timeline you created that was both doable and fit into her rigorous academic schedule, in addition to your flexibility surrounding her extracurriculars, made this process seamless. I have such an appreciation for the goals that were set and met during each meeting. Your communication was top notch!
The best part of working with Suzanne was learning more about myself and my writing process. I would leave every session feeling accomplished and happy with my work.
Contact INfo
Email: suzanne@suzannestines.com