Hannah Serota

college counselor, matchmaker, visionary

A former college admission professional, Hannah offers expert testimony about what colleges want to see in applicants. And she gladly shares that insight with her McLean charges.

One of the activities Hannah organizes— a mock admission committee—lets students see first-hand that every applicant has different strengths. “A big part of my job is to encourage students and parents about their ability to manage the college admission process,” she says.

She assures McLean families that multiple good matches exist for every student. Then she helps them discover those right fits. “It’s like a fun puzzle for me,” says Hannah, whose son Ben attends McLean. “Students—and parents—should approach the college search with an open mind.”

From community college to Ivy League, Hannah’s ultimate goal remains the same: “What’s important is that McLean graduates enroll at colleges and universities where they can continue to grow, learn and enjoy this next step in life with confidence.”