Ellen Richards

Ellen Richards graduated from Wellesley College in 1995, and completed graduate coursework for master’s degrees in both college counseling and child and adolescent literacy at Loyola Marymount University. Establishing a close rapport with parents and students, she has proven herself as a devoted confidant and guide for many families throughout L.A. Ms. Richards views her staff and services as an extension of herself and refers only the brightest graduates of the nation’s top schools to serve as educators and mentors to students.

As a senior in high school, Ms. Richards embarked on her own journey through the college admissions process, trying to find her way through a world of self-promotion and fierce competition. Upon realizing the intensity of the process and the impact it has on a student’s life, she became fascinated with college admissions. Her experience impelled her to take on carious roles in the Wellesley College Admissions Office. Ms. Richards maintained an active role in Wellesley admissions until September 2008, when she resigned as the Los Angeles Admissions Representative.

Ms. Richards has supported thousands of families throughout the college and middle school admissions process as well as countless other academic pursuits. As a private tutor and expert in test preparation, she serves as a valuable resource. At her roots, Ms. Richards believes in and understands the college admissions process, therefore enabling her to act as a guide for students who seek admission to the nation’s top schools and those determined to uncover the school that most resonates with their individual strengths and values. She outlines her academic support philosophy in her upcoming book titled, Authentic Admissions: How the Pursuit of Admission to College Forecasts Each Person’s Journey Through Life.

Ms. Richards is a member of the Western Association of College Admissions (WACAC), the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA). Local newspapers have feature Ms. Richards and her philosophy in articles titled “Ellen Richards Educational Services Empowers Students” (Palisadian-Post), “Educational Service Assists Students in Achieving College Admissions” (Larchmont Chronicle) and “Back to School '08 – '09” (Park La Brea News).