Unlocking your college future, together

About Us

Uplevel Admissions guides students and their families on their college admissions journey with a deep knowledge of the process, empathy, humor, and a commitment to personalized success. We are deeply committed to helping students find their best-fit college; an environment where they will thrive, grow and succeed. 

We know, first-hand as parents, that the college admissions process can feel challenging, competitive and stressful (and not just for the student). Our role is to help demystify the process, relieve some of the pressure and help students feel confidence in their applications, college decisions and themselves.

How We Can Help

  • Develop a well-balanced college list based on student preferences, needs and goals; determination of admissions expectations for colleges on list (reach, target and likely schools)

  • Transcript assessment and class selection guidance–ensure courses meet requirements for colleges of varying selectivity levels 

  • Guidance on student’s activities resume and list of achievements with personalized recommendations for future extracurriculars and summer activities

  • Development of a standardized test strategy

  • Discussion + assessments of potential college majors and careers

  • Determination of best application strategy (early decision/early action/regular deadlines)

  • Comprehensive guidance on Personal Statement and Supplemental Essays, including group essay writing workshop, brainstorming on topic and content, editing and strategy

  • Application and essay project management

  • Financial aid and scholarship guidance

  • Prioritize and plan college visits 

  • Interview preparation

  • Evaluate offers of admission as well as develop a strategy for waitlist and deferral decisions 

About Vanessa Bortnick

  1. I’m a mother of a college-bound student; I know the process in and out as a professional, but also as a parent (and parents need emotional support through this process, too).

  2. I love working with teens! I find them utterly enjoyable, complicated and poised to impact our world in incredible ways. 

  3. I’ve been trained, educated and coached by the best when it comes to college admissions advising. I earned UC Berkeley Extension’s College Admissions Counseling and Career Planning Certification; am a WOW Certified Essay Coach; have successfully completed College Essay Guy counselor training courses in How to Write a Personal Statement and How to Write the College Application.

  4. Prior to college admissions counseling, I founded and ran an internal communications consultancy, working with a range of clients from Fortune 500 companies like 3M to well-loved retailers like Mattel and Nike to fast-growth companies like Instacart and LinkedIn. I partnered extensively with company leaders to help them write and deliver effective, impactful and meaningful communications.

  5. Even before that, I was Vice President of Communications and Brand for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, where I developed my love and appreciation for food from some of the country’s best chefs. I also learned that peanut M&Ms are, by far, the best mini-bar snack.

AND A FEW FUN FACTS

What makes me laugh really, really hard: Practical jokes and blooper reels

Happy Place: Swimming in the ocean (heaven). I swam from Alcatraz to the San Francisco bay during Sharkfest. I was beat by a black lab.

Biggest Fear: Swimming in the ocean and bumping into a whale (absolutely terrifying)

Unrivaled Treat: Cookie dough (Raw. Always.)

Most Beloved Book: Zen Shorts by Jon J. Muth (it’s a children’s book that I wish humans of every age would read)

  • We take a students-first approach.

    We’re all about asking questions, listening and finding out what’s important to each student. We are, first and foremost, champions of students and are obsessive about helping them map out their future.

  • We are equal parts optimistic and realistic.

    We’ll be candid and honest while also encouraging students to aim high and reach for the stars (while ensuring they have a balanced list and practice self-care).

  • We double down on integrity and ethical approach.

    Your student’s voice will shine through on their application…because it will be written and crafted BY THEM! We are guides and advisors. Every student we work with is an original and that’s an exceptional thing.

  • We care for our local community.

    We are passionate about equitable access to college for low-income and first-generation students, as well as those in groups that have been historically underserved by higher education. We volunteer through ScholarMatch and offer some no-fee spots on our client list each year.