Stephanie D’Souza

COLLEGE PLANNING CONSULTANT

With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Stephanie brings a wealth of expertise to Advantage College Planning. Having worked with both U.S. and international students, her background spans key roles, including her time with the Fulbright Program and in Duke University’s Undergraduate Admissions Office. This diverse experience has equipped her to guide students through every stage of the undergraduate and graduate admissions process.

Stephanie is passionate about helping students find their “best fit” college and showcasing their authentic selves in personal statements and applications. She understands that the college application process can feel overwhelming, and her goal is to empower students and their families, offering guidance and support that alleviates stress and fosters confidence. Drawing on her extensive experience evaluating applications from both large public high schools and prestigious private institutions nationwide, Stephanie knows exactly what makes an applicant stand out when decision time arrives.

Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Dickinson College. She is also an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA).

When she’s not helping students find their perfect college match, Stephanie enjoys yoga, running, and thrift shopping. Her happy place is the mountains of Western North Carolina, especially on crisp fall days with a cup of coffee in hand. As a mother of three children aged 12 to 18, Stephanie has firsthand experience in navigating the college search and application process—ask her about the journey of helping her oldest child find his "best fit" college!