Independent Educational Consultant · Richmond, VA
The college search doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — for you or your student
I’m Rebecca Crutcher, an independent educational consultant working with Richmond, Virginia families. I help students plan their high school courses, find colleges that genuinely fit, write honest essays, and get through applications without the stress taking over.
College consulting for the Richmond, Virginia area
Sound familiar?
The process is intimidating. It doesn’t have to be.
I know how overwhelming the college process can seem, and my desire is to help alleviate the stresses and questions that can come and to help it be an enjoyable experience!
My job is to move your family through the process with ease and take the tension out of it — so your student has a plan, and you have someone experienced to ask.
How I help
Steady, personal guidance from high school planning through college decisions
A plan instead of a scramble
We start with where your student is right now and build a clear timeline, so junior and senior year stop feeling like a series of surprise deadlines.
A college list that fits
Together we look at academics, interests, and what your student actually wants out of the next four years, then build a college list around that.
Essays that sound like your student
From brainstorming through final review, I help students find the story worth telling and write it in their own voice.
Someone in your corner
I meet with your student one-on-one, keep track of progress, and take the nagging off your plate so you can just be the parent again.
College consulting services
Comprehensive college planning for Richmond-area students
My comprehensive Junior & Senior Year Plan walks your student through the entire journey. I also offer high school course planning for 8th graders and underclassmen who are just getting started.
View all services- Personalized action plan, timeline, and checklist
- Monthly one-on-one meetings with your student
- College preference and college search guidance
- Academic, extracurricular, and transcript review
- High school course selection and testing recommendations
- College essay brainstorming, development, and review
- Application support and decision-making help
- High school course planning for 8th graders and underclassmen
About Rebecca
A consultant who has walked this road as a parent, too
I came into educational consulting after guiding our own two daughters through high school and college planning — one homeschooled, one in public school — and genuinely loving the research and the conversations along the way. Since then I’ve worked with nearly 100 students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds.
- UCLA Certificate in College Counseling
- Associate Member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
- Member, Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC)
- B.S. Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude, Virginia Tech, 1993
“Mrs. Crutcher cares about and takes time to know each of her clients. She gets into the details, and isn't afraid to push you when you need it. She's helped me make sure I know what I want to do, and how to do it well.”
— Student J.S.
“Rebecca has been a lifesaver! My wife and I felt lost at the prospect of leading our first child through the college application process. But Rebecca stepped in and we couldn't be happier. Not only is she knowledgeable and wise about the proper steps, she is that outside voice our son needed.”
— Parent J.B.
“When I started to meet with Mrs. Crutcher, I didn't even know what I wanted to be doing or if college was for me. I had so much anxiety about my future that I was doing everything wrong. But then I met Rebecca and she put all of my worries to rest. I feel so grateful for meeting her.”
— Student F.E.
Professional affiliations
Trained, credentialed, and connected to the admissions community
Let's talk about your student's next step
We'll sit down together in person, talk through where your student is today, and figure out what kind of support would help most.