By: Maria Williams

College dreams are an innate part of life for most teenagers, filling young minds with excitement and anxiety. To alleviate the stress by providing practical guidance to students and their parents, Lee Norwood stood at the helm of Annapolis College Consulting (ACC) in 2019, marking the start of her mission. For five years, Lee has been relentlessly unveiling the mysteries of this next milestone, helping lost youth navigate this complex process and ensuring their choice aligns with their hopes, goals, and values. With a fusion of tailored services and geographical expansion, Lee grew the business five-fold, promising a brighter future for all adolescents.

Central to Lee’s strategy is maintaining a constant stream of relevant updates, a dedication that addresses the industry-wide problem of misinformation and lacking education. “While school counseling is a step in the right direction, these services are far from perfect. With hundreds of students to cater to, professionals aren’t able to deliver truly personalized services,” she stresses. “This is one of the most important decisions any young person will make in their lives, and the tricky nature of this landscape makes it even more stress-inducing.”

Since its establishment, one-on-one sessions have been the company’s cornerstone. By working closely with families over the course of two years, ACC’s specialists help youth identify future plans and dreams and align them with college decisions. For those looking for test assistance, the consultancy provides referrals to certified tutors, empowering students to achieve results that safeguard their way to their preferred institutions. 

This comprehensive service bleeds into students’ free time, helping them manage summer holidays and weekends most constructively without overburdening youth with responsibilities. The final stages revolve around personal statements and practical applications, helping teenagers curate outstanding writings that stand out amidst thousands of others. Determined to shatter barriers and unleash all possibilities, ACC has a financial specialist who illuminates the financial landscape and increases understanding of every student’s costs, payment and loan options.

For Lee, this motivation is personal. A former pharmaceutical expert of 23 years, she has always felt drawn to different fields, knowing she ‘wanted to do more.’ Serendipitously, she met ACC’s previous owner at a networking event, quickly falling in love with the business concept and potential. Soon after, she made the life-defining decision to purchase the business, enrolled in summer consulting courses, and dedicated her time to honing her skills and expertise.

This determination was reinforced when Lee’s daughter started looking into colleges, working alongside Lee’s previous mentor to make the ideal choice. Because of widespread misinformation and insufficient clarity, she didn’t realize Lee’s family was Pell-eligible, missing out on an opportunity to receive substantial funding and expand her college list. Though her daughter’s college fulfilled all expectations, this experience further highlighted the immense need students and parents are in.

From a small team comprising Lee and her dog to growing ACC through sharing –  videos, information, engaging reels, and authentic content – this field innovator fostered a diverse and inspiring environment that addresses all needs of students. More than expertise, Lee was looking for experienced consultants with a range of skill sets and personalities that complement the differing needs of today’s kids. For example, those with learning and emotional difficulties, home-schooled students, those set on Ivy League schools, and even those uncertain about college.

Annapolis College Consulting, a culmination of Lee’s life experiences and passion, is an impactful medium through which she channels the lessons she learned under ACC’s previous owner’s tutelage. After nearly two years of absorbing knowledge from a seasoned professional, Lee felt ready to continue this journey solo. 

As part of her efforts, Lee also curated and launched College Sharks, an accessible program that provides more affordable solutions to families across the economic spectrum. A sought-after public speaker, entrepreneur, author, and podcast guest, she shares her well of wisdom with students globally, encapsulating it in digestible, entertaining, and timely “Walking, Thinking, Sniffing, and Such” videos available on the website, where Lee shares insightful thoughts while walking her beloved white lab Fenwick.

“When it comes to growing, especially in the digital era, you must stay relevant and keep your finger on the pulse. College consulting doesn’t have to be a chore,” she adds. “At ACC, all services are vibrant, fun, and entertaining, showing all students that college dreams are within reach for everyone.”

Published by: Khy Talara