Our Mission

We empower aspiring STEM students in the college search and application process with highly individualized support. We guide students through a thoughtful college search process so that they can find their ‘best-fit’ college and help them stand out through solid applications that go beyond “I am good in math and science!”

Our College Advising and Guidance Approach

Our flexible one-on-one approach is based on each family’s individual needs and goals.

  • We explain upfront our practical and ethical approach and present our services.

  • We first get to know the student and family and listen to their needs, goals, preferences, and priorities.

  • We encourage self-awareness and reflection and guide students through self-assessment of their strengths, values, and interests before starting their college search.

  • We guide students through a thoughtful college search process based on their academic profiles, characters, and goals so that they can find their ‘best-fit’ college academically, socially, and financially.

  • We help families navigate through the entire application process with confidence and ease.

  • We empower students to lead the college application process, stay organized, and make informed decisions, but most importantly, we encourage them to enjoy their journey of self-discovery.

Choosing the right college or university where you will spend at least four years of your life is an incredibly important decision. To succeed, it is important to find the right college that matches your academic goals, personality type and attributes that are as unique as you.

We can GUIDE you and EMPOWER you in your college search and application journey with confidence and ease.

Who We Are

Neila Gharsallah, founder and Head Consultant of HE College Consulting, brings over twenty years of professional experience in business technology, professional services consulting, and higher education. Neila’s passion for advocating for STEM education is the main driver behind her commitment to assisting STEM students in demonstrating their unique aptitudes, skills, and interests to attain their academic goals. Neila’s multilingual and multicultural skills facilitated her work with international students when guiding them through the U.S. College application process. 

Neila holds a Master of Science degree in Management Sciences from Stanford University, a Bachelor of Science, and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University. She has earned an Independent Educational Consultant (IEC) Certificate from the University of California Irvine. The IEC certificate recognizes professionals who are committed to the attainment of the skills required to grow successful and ethical educational consulting practices. Neila has also earned a Certification of Completion from the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Summer Training Institute and she continues to further her knowledge through regular college visits, professional conferences, seminars, and online courses.

Professional Memberships and Community-Based Organization Involvement

  • HECA - Member of the Higher Education Consultants Association

  • IECA - Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association

  • The Matchlighters Scholars Program - Volunteer Counselor helping high-achieving students from low-income households in the college search and application process.

  • ScholarMatch – Volunteer College Coach guiding low-income high-achieving students through the college search and application process.

  • Women In Tech - Member and Mentor / Program Speaker of Girls In Tech (GIT), DC. (2022-2023)

Our Code of Ethics

In order to best serve the interests of students and families, our practice pledges to act in accordance with HECA Standards and Ethics and IECA Principles of Good Practice.