Meet Tanja Fagan: A Trusted Guide for Your Family's College Journey
You don't need someone to take over the college process. You need someone who can help you find the right trail.
Since 2020, Tanja has helped students find colleges where they can thrive, through personalized, virtual one-on-one college counseling.
The admissions process has changed a lot since you applied. Families often reach out with the same questions: Where do we start? What actually matters? Are we doing this right?
That's exactly why I started College Trekking.
I believe there's a right-fit college out there for every student. But with so much conflicting advice, the search can feel more overwhelming than exciting. My goal is to help your student find the school where they will grow academically and personally, without straining your family financially.
And your student? I want them to learn to lead the way. So instead of handing them a one-size-fits-all checklist, we look at the map and forge the trail together.
The College Admissions Process Shouldn't Feel This Overwhelming
The Trail to a True Calling
I didn't set out to become a college counselor. This path found me, because I kept saying yes to work that mattered.
I volunteered in schools, mentored high school students, and interviewed college applicants for my alma mater.
During those interviews, I noticed that nervous students would open up as soon as I asked about their interests. Their strengths would begin to shine through. I didn't have to decide where they might fit. They told me.
I realized that more often than not, students need a trusted adult who will listen and let them lead the way.
Every student can make it up their mountain if they have the right guide. So I trained to be the best guide I could be.
I also regularly attend conferences, campus visits, and ongoing training to stay current with the fast-changing admissions landscape.
B.S., Georgetown University
J.D., Rutgers School of Law
Certificate in Conflict Management, Rutgers School of Law
Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting, UC Irvine
IECA Summer Training Institute graduate
IECA Professional Member
WOW Certified College Essay Coach
Student Athlete Advisors Credential
Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) Certified FAFSA Specialist
My training and experience include:
Professional Memberships & Certifications
How College Trekking Makes the Journey Less Stressful
Calm, Order, and a Plan That Fits Your Student
For many families, the college search becomes a source of tension and stress. My goal is to make it a source of confidence and empowerment instead.
As an experienced guide outside the family dynamic, I bring a few things to the college admissions journey that are hard to find anywhere else:
An objective perspective. Students often hear guidance differently from a trusted adult who isn't mom or dad
Order and calm. Clear timelines and steady support replace the scramble of missed deadlines and last-minute essays
A personalized plan. Every roadmap is built around your student's strengths, interests, goals, and academic profile
Honest guidance. I don’t give guarantees or generic advice. Instead, we make informed decisions, together
Most of the students I work with finish their applications with time to spare. They head into senior year feeling confident and ready. Families feel informed, supported, and certain they are making the right choice.
If you want a smoother college trek, I’d be honored to be your guide. Schedule your consultation so we can start our journey together.
