Created by Allie Pierson, a college admissions specialist with a master’s in counselor edu- cation, Magnolia Academic Planning is a results oriented approach to college admissions, focusing on finding the right college for the right student for their brightest future.
“I see the client first, then explore college fit through the lens of – who is this person? What do they value? Where and how will they thrive,” says Pierson. “My clients know I care about them, and the parents with whom I partner know I see the unique qualities and strengths their child brings to the process.”
With clients admitted to dozens of colleges across the country, including Cornell, Dartmouth, Penn, MIT, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, Dartmouth, Washington & Lee, Notre Dame, and so many more, Pierson has developed her method over twenty years; adapting to rapidly shifting college application norms, expectations, and inclusivity. Through her one on one consultations, as well as utilizing social media for a wealth of free information resources; Pierson has become the trusted local source for parents looking to navigate the hectic admissions process. She is currently onboarding clients for the high school classes of 2027 and 2028.
“As we embark on this journey together, I take on many roles; advisor, organizer, tutor, cheerleader, and friend, but the role that has shaped my practice most, is being a mother,” says Pierson. “My promise is to treat each child with the same attention, love, and care as my very own.”
Transitioning into a full time practice in 2021, Pierson has grown along with her clients. While college application numbers continue to skyrocket across the country, Person has plans for a massive expansion of services by bringing on additional consultants, introducing personalized, well-curated college list building to the college tour space, and building custom college tours for high schools around the country.
Able to serve more clients than ever, Allie Pierson and Magnolia Academic Planning are ready to prepare generations to come for their next academic adventures.
FUN FACT:
College admissions is not what it used to be. I have so many parents who want to compare their own college admissions experience to their child’s journey. Not only is this not an appropriate point of context, but comparing admissions experience to my clients from even 2-3 years ago is irrelevant. The college admissions landscape has been dramatically influenced by test-optional policies, financial strains on universities, changes to the FAFSA, and even Supreme Court decisions. All of this has to be closely examined when considering what college is a great fit for my clients and, more
importantly – what our strategy is to get my clients into the school of their dreams. I determine early on my client’s areas of expertise and find ways to deepen those areas of impact so that they stand out in what is the most competitive college admissions climate of my 25-year career.
magnoliaacademicplanning.com // allie@magnoliaacademicplanning.com
