College admissions & educational consulting

Find a college where you don’t just get in — you thrive.

Personalized guidance for students and families through every stage of the college journey, with a specialty in supporting neurodivergent students.

Led by Dr. Rachel Kraushaar — college professor, educational consultant, and parent of a neurodivergent young adult.

Where families get stuck — and how we help

  • Finding the right-fit college, not just a “name” one
  • Applications & essays that sound like the real student
  • Understanding accommodations & support programs
  • The transition to independent college life

Services

Guidance for every stage of the college admissions journey

Work together on the pieces you need most—or partner from first college list to first semester.

01

College fit & list building

Identify colleges where your student can gain admission and genuinely thrive—weighing academics, support services, culture, and independence.

02

Applications & essays

Craft compelling, authentic applications—including essays that sound like the student, not a formula—while keeping the timeline calm and on track.

03

Accommodations & support programs

Understand disability services, documentation, and specialized support programs so families know what to ask for and where it’s truly available.

04

Transition to college life

Prepare for the leap to independent college life—self-advocacy, executive-function systems, and the routines that make the first year work.

Explore all services →

Dr. Rachel Kraushaar, founder of Beyond Common Consulting

Meet the founder

Dr. Rachel Kraushaar

English professor, essay coach, and educational consultant with 30+ years in secondary and higher education — and the parent of neurodivergent young adults. Her guiding belief: the goal isn’t just to get in. It’s to find the place where your student will thrive.

Ph.D., Columbia University  ·  M.Ed., The George Washington University  ·  30+ years in education  ·  IECA member

Meet Dr. Kraushaar →

Results & reviews

Students have earned their place — at colleges where they thrive

Every admissions decision belongs to the college. But with the right essays, strategy, and support, students Dr. Kraushaar has worked with have earned places at schools like these — a deliberate mix of highly selective universities and colleges known for the advising, structure, and support that help neurodivergent students flourish.

  • Harvard University insignia Harvard University Ivy League

    Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

  • Elon University insignia Elon University Standout student support

    North Carolina university known for close advising and hands-on, mentored learning.

  • Columbia University insignia Columbia University Ivy League

    Ivy League research university in New York City.

  • College of Wooster insignia College of Wooster Mentorship‑driven

    Every senior completes a year-long independent project with a faculty mentor.

  • George Washington University insignia George Washington University Selective research university

    Research university in the heart of Washington, D.C.

  • Kenyon College insignia Kenyon College Small & close‑knit

    Small residential liberal arts college in Gambier, Ohio.

“I’m very grateful to Dr. Kraushaar for the guidance and encouragement she gave me in writing college essays. She really helped me hone my essays and clearly articulate what I wanted to say. She was kind and patient, with great ideas and suggestions. She is awesome!”
Sara F. · Harvard University, Class of 2029

College names and insignia are the property of their respective institutions and are shown for identification only. Beyond Common Consulting is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any college listed.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Do you only work with neurodivergent students?

No. Supporting neurodivergent students is a specialty, but Beyond Common works with any student and family looking for thoughtful, personalized guidance toward the right-fit college.

When should we start?

Earlier gives more room to build a strong list and applications without the last-minute rush—but families join at every stage. Reach out and we’ll tell you honestly what makes sense for your timeline.

How does consulting actually work?

Engagements are personalized. Some families partner on the full journey; others come for a specific piece—list building, essays, or understanding accommodations. We’ll scope it together on an intro call.

Can you help us understand college accommodations?

Yes. Understanding disability services, documentation, and which support programs are genuinely strong is a core part of what we do—so families know what to look for and what to ask.

Let’s talk

Start with a free introductory call

Tell us a little about your student. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and share honestly how Beyond Common can help.

Book a free intro call

[email protected]