About Us
Our Philosophy and Story
Kerrie Lineweaver, Co-Founder
Maria Colbert, Co-Founder
At College Connect, we firmly believe that by focusing on the student from the outset, we can help articulate goals, identify a varied list of schools that fit these objectives, and develop strong applications. We strive to connect students to their true best matches.
Our aim is to make the admissions journey more meaningful and productiv
At College Connect, we firmly believe that by focusing on the student from the outset, we can help articulate goals, identify a varied list of schools that fit these objectives, and develop strong applications. We strive to connect students to their true best matches.
Our aim is to make the admissions journey more meaningful and productive for the student and less stressful for the entire family.
Maria and Kerrie have known each other for almost 20 years. While their backgrounds are different, they have always shared a passion for education and helping students navigate their individualized academic career.
Maria Colbert, Co-Founder
Kerrie Lineweaver, Co-Founder
Maria Colbert, Co-Founder
Maria Colbert, Co-Owner, holds a BA, MA, PhD in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University and has been an Independent College Consultant since 2023. She taught for over 10 years at Harvard University and Colby College and worked 4 years as a Fellowships Advisor for competitive postgraduate awards (including Rhodes, Marshal
Maria Colbert, Co-Owner, holds a BA, MA, PhD in Romance Languages and Literatures from Harvard University and has been an Independent College Consultant since 2023. She taught for over 10 years at Harvard University and Colby College and worked 4 years as a Fellowships Advisor for competitive postgraduate awards (including Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, etc) at Harvard. In addition, she has 10 years experience as a homeschool teacher and is the co-author of high school and college textbooks. Maria enjoys reading, coaching basketball, walking the dogs, and cheering on her kids from the sidelines and in the theater.
Kerrie Lineweaver, Co-Founder
Kerrie Lineweaver, Co-Founder
Kerrie Lineweaver, Co-Founder
Kerrie holds a BS in Marketing and International Business, with a minor in Art History, from the University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce and an MBA from the University of North Carolina, Kenan Flagler Business School. She spent 15 years in sales and marketing strategy with IBM. Kerrie has over 10 years of volunteering with th
Kerrie holds a BS in Marketing and International Business, with a minor in Art History, from the University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce and an MBA from the University of North Carolina, Kenan Flagler Business School. She spent 15 years in sales and marketing strategy with IBM. Kerrie has over 10 years of volunteering with the UVA McIntire School of Commerce and Alumni Association, Junior Achievement, Art Appreciation, and with her local high school. In addition, she has served for 4 years as a PTA Board Member. Running, reading, live music, skiing, and walking her rescue dogs are some of her favorite past times.
Our Services
Prepare
Identify
Prepare
Academic coaching and course planning throughout high school. Suggesting activities, classes, and experiences that support ambitions and encourage students' growth.
Explore
Identify
Prepare
College consulting services that help students clarify, articulate, and prioritize their values and goals. Research and manually select data to enable students to make informed choices.
Identify
Identify
Strategize
Identification of colleges that are strong matches and fit the student’s criteria, abilities, and objectives.
Strategize
Strategize
Strategize
Services to determine timing of application submission, standardized testing, as well as
areas to supplement an application
and enhance chances of acceptance.
Implement
Strategize
Implement
Personalized application guidance. Help students brainstorm essays, present their achievements, and identify themes to craft a compelling narrative that makes their application stand out.
Our Results
What our Clients are Saying
"It was a daunting task to start my college essay, but Maria made the whole process smooth and successful. She helped me to brainstorm a compelling topic and then offered suggestions that allowed me to highlight my strengths and improve my writing — but all in my own voice. I was really proud to send it in!" (Student)
Our Admissions
American University, Boston College, Columbia, Drexel, Fordham, George Mason, George Washington, Haverford, Indiana University, James Madison, Loyola Maryland, Michigan State, Penn State, Rutgers, Smith College, St. Joseph's, University of Alabama, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Pittsburgh, University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wesleyan, William and Mary