What you should know about me….

Maria Furtado was an immense help as my family navigated the college search process for my two daughters. She spent time getting to know both girls and listening intently to their hopes and dreams. She asked pertinent questions to help my daughters focus in on the key areas that would allow them to have productive, happy experiences at the college level. Hearing both my daughters say, “I feel like I belong here,” as they decided on their respective colleges allowed me, as a parent and educator, to feel confident that each one was in the best place to grow intellectually and as individuals. Thank you, Maria, for all the care and guidance you have given our family. We are ever grateful.
— Parent of Two Girls

Maria has a breadth of experience that is rarely found in college counselors. With three decades in the college admissions and counseling profession, her comprehensive knowledge, and wealth of contacts with colleges, universities, and professional organizations, she is able to be an effective advocate for students and families. She approaches college counseling with the enthusiasm, empathy, and dedication that comes from doing not only what she intimately knows, but also what she loves.
— Chief Enrollment Officer and Dean of Admissions

I have always observed Maria encouraging students to ask the hard questions to help them focus beyond “getting into college” and instead to figure out how their talents, interests, and dreams will help them get the most out of their college choices. Her professionalism, expertise, and calm counseling demeanor, coupled with a ready sense of humor, can only result in a college search process for students that is not only successful but also enjoyable.
— Co-Director of College Counseling,
Los Angeles area independent school