The college search and application process can be overwhelming and stressful. Low Country College Counseling can help alleviate the stress of the process and help students feel confident enough to enjoy the journey through high school and beyond. Helping students to realize their potential and identify talents and interests is something that we are truly passionate about. People always talk about college “fit” and helping students to find that “fit” involves research, thoughtful discussions as well as introspection with an experienced College Counselor. Low Country College Counseling helps high school students grades 9-12 understand the entire college process from start to finish.
About Lisa Gastaldi
Lisa received her Master’s Degree in Counseling/Psychology in 1994 from Assumption University and her undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross in 1988. A National Board Certified Counselor since 2010, Lisa has worked with students for over 25 years as a College Counselor in both public and private schools all over the country. Lisa’s approach to working with students is treat them as individuals, allow them to have an authentic voice and choice as well as understand their talents and purpose. One of Lisa’s goals within the college application process is to explore options early, educate and teach the process. Lisa enjoys working with students and families to determine the right “college fit” for students as well as perform career and major counseling. As a former Division I scholarship athlete, Lisa’s niche is helping student/athletes in the recruitment and eligibility process for all sports. Lisa has visited over 400 college campuses throughout the country and has a goal every year is to visit at least 20 more. Campus visits are an excellent way to learn about the culture, student life as well as explore majors. Lisa is also a member of the following professional affiliations.
- NACAC -National Associate for College Admission Counseling
- SACAC -Southern Associate of College Admissions Counseling
- HECA- Higher Education Consultants Association
Why choose a College Consultant?
I worked as a school counselor in the public and private schools for over 25 years. No matter how large or small my caseload was, I was never able to give my students the one-on-one attention needed during the college application process. School counselors play a vital role in the high schools and are juggling many activities within the school system. As a college consultant, I can dedicate my time to the student and the process. My meetings are set up not only to give information, but to understand each student’s needs and desires for their future. My goal for students and their families is to alleviate the stress that the process can cause which will allow the student to enjoy the journey, find their perfect school and maintain their family relationships!



College Counseling Services
As a college counselor, my job is to coach and mentor students throughout the process. I am not able to guarantee admission to any one college. The process includes college research, course selection information, application and essay assistance, resume creation, career and major exploration, summer program research, interview strategies and tips as well as NCAA and recruitment advice (if needed). Our first meeting is called the “strategy meeting” and is with student and parent. From the meeting, we determine the needs of the student and create a plan to follow as well as answer any questions. After the first meeting, the time is usually spent with the student only, but parents are welcome to join at any time. Students and parents will have access to the college counselor through individual meetings, phone calls and email.
Career Counseling
- Research majors, interests, skills, and aptitudes using online assessments. Discussion about assessment results, personality type, talents, aptitudes and how they can relate to careers and college majors.
- Advise students on potential internships, job shadows, or work experiences that can clarify assessment results.
Extracurricular and Community Involvement
- Coach students on choosing a balanced activity list that can highlight and emphasize interests and will help define leadership opportunities as well as personal rewarding experiences.
- Develop, shape, and build activity resume that can be used within the college application.
- Assistance with summer opportunities and summer planning.
Academic Course Selection / College exploration
- Review and advise on course selection and monitor school progress so students can highlight interests and capitalize on academic strengths.
- Begin discussions regarding the college lists as well as the right “college fit” for the student in reference to the academic profile.
- SAT/ACT testing strategy and determination of test optional colleges.
- Test prep information.
- Support and recommend tutoring if needed.
College Counseling
- Assistance with college list creation.
- Essay topic exploration: Discussions about essay topics, supplemental questions, and school-specific questions.
- Prepare schedule for application due dates, determine, and discuss schools that require interviews, preparation of process of asking for letters of recommendation, begin working on basics of college applications (using Common Application or Coalition Application). Exploration of early decision, early action, and regular decision options.
- Determine college visit schedule and informative questions for tours.
- College interview preparation: Practice interview skills, mock interview simulations and practice questions and situations.
- NCAA recruitment and eligibility process support.
- Advisement on how “demonstrated interest” impacts college admission.
- Scholarship research including merit scholarships, and assistance with scholarship applications.
- Financial Aid support and FAFSA guidance.
Resources

- SAT – www.collegeboard.com
- ACT – www.act.org
- NACAC College Fairs https://www.nacacfairs.org/
- Common Application www.commonapp.org
- Colleges that Change Lives https://ctcl.org/
- Campus Tours https://campustours.com/
- Eligibility Center https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/
Reviews
“My son and I worked with Lisa this past year on his college admissions process and we’re so happy with the results! Lisa was knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, efficient, professional, dependable and did everything with a positive attitude and a smile. She helped my son compile his college list, provided valuable feedback on essays and advised him through the application submission process. We have already received some acceptances from colleges and can’t wait to work with Lisa to evaluate the offers and make a final decision. I would highly recommend Lisa to assist with the college application process and for you to leverage her vast knowledge and experience. It truly made the process so much less stressful and even enjoyable!”
– Kathryn
“Lisa was such a GREAT help. My daughter accomplished ALL her essays etc in the common app to get her applications in by 11/1 of her Sr year! We will use Lisa again for my junior.”
– Michelle
“Highly recommend Low Country College Counseling. Lisa is great! She worked with our daughter on everything needed to apply to college… such as essay writing, getting teacher referrals, college applications and where to find scholarships and grants. Our daughter has already received three acceptances.”
– M