About Dianne Keilholtz

My passion is assisting students and their families through the increasingly complex and expensive college admissions process. That’s why in 2014, after retiring from the Frederick County, Maryland public school system, I created Launching College Success. My years as a high school counselor were extremely rewarding, and I wanted to continue to support students through the college process

And my goal was to offer services at the highest professional level, which is why I am a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Higher Educational Consultants Association (HECA) and the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC), along with other regional professional association. I am also the national coordinator for all regional reps with HECA.

Professionally, the IECA, HECA and NACAC have strict ethical guidelines that govern the actions of consultants in their relationships with students and families, schools and colleges, and with colleagues. They include a responsibility to understand each student’s special strengths, values and needs, while striving to include all family members in the educational planning process.

More About Dianne Keilholtz

Why Dianne

Parents and students alike appreciate my deep knowledge base and ability to relate to students and break the complex college admissions process into logical steps. Here’s what one parent said:

Dianne is extremely knowledgeable in the college admission process, as well as providing scholarship information. She shared information with high school juniors and seniors and their parents at a special workshop at our church. She is a true professional and knows the process inside and out.

“She speaks frankly and makes the information understandable. As a parent who used her services, I found she worked with my daughter on her own level and was respectful of her ideas and opinions. The investment was well worth our time. She went above and beyond what we expected.”

~ Kim S. (Florida Parent)

During my career, I also spent eight years as a special education teacher, and my knowledge of the IEP and 504 processes gives me additional expertise in advising families and students with physical or learning differences.

I also helped support more than 1,500 students with their college admissions process during my time in public education. I spearheaded the AASPIRE Project, a program that advised Frederick’s African American community about the importance of Advanced Placement classes and rigorous academics in college admissions.

Through the years, I’ve organized and facilitated many evening events on various aspects of college admissions, including SAT and ACT Tests, financial aid and scholarships.

The First In My Family To Attend College

As the eldest of eight, I was raised outside of Washington DC and was the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college. This experience has given me a special affinity for working with first generation college students, and I’ve done special programs for hundreds of those students.

I received a Bachelor degree in special education from Hood College in 1984, and earned my Masters of Science degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland in 1995. A National Certified Counselor, I work with clients in Florida, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and now Texas.

When not doing the work I care deeply about, I love spending time with my family. This includes Fred, my husband of 33 years, my four children, and my six beautiful granddaughters.

Proud Member Of

Here’s a complete list of the professional organizations and associations I belong to:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Work In Conjunction With My Child’s Guidance Counselor?

Yes, if possible. Many school guidance counselors are open to working with outside consultants (as are many admissions officers), and I prefer to have their buy-in and be able to tap into their knowledge and experience. But, if they see the hiring of an independent consultant as a negative reflection on their ability to do their job, it can be better for us to work behind the scenes.

When Should I Hire An Educational Consultant?

The sooner, the better. As soon as you know that you or your child will be applying to high schools, colleges, or universities, be in touch! By starting earlier, I can inform your choices of academic classes and non-academic pursuits to maximize later options. In addition, beginning a relationship earlier allows us to get to know one another without the immediate pressure of applications looming over our heads. Finally, because I can only do this work well if I have a limited number of clients at a time, my slate fills up quickly.

Do You Do Test Prep?

No. Whereas I am very familiar with the tests and can advise you on which one(s) to take when and whether or not you need test prep, my services focus on the admissions process. However, I am happy to help you decide if you need test preparation and which type of test preparation to use based on your location, strengths, needs, preferences, and budget. I refer clients only to the best tutors in the country.

If You Do Not Have Openings For Comprehensive Clients, Or If We Cannot Afford The “full Package,” Is There Anything Else You Can Do For Us?

Yes. I work with a limited number of students each year, and if my docket is full, I can certainly refer you to other good independent educational consultants. If you cannot afford my Comprehensive Package, you should at least consider taking advantage of an Individual Assessment.

Get In Touch!

Do you need help understanding the college admission’s maze? College is NOT what it was 20 years ago. Let us show you the ropes so your kid has a stronger chance of getting into college with less stress and less anxiety.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me on my calendar or click the “contact us” button and I will get in touch with you. I look forward to connecting with you soon.