Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Putter.
Hi Rebecca, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into college counseling started with an early love of learning. I was the kid who couldn’t wait to go shopping for new binders, pens and notebook paper. In middle school, I began to realize that many students didn’t share my same joyful (read: nerdy) experience with academics. I started tutoring my friends in the subjects they struggled with and helped out as an assistant teacher with classroom set up before school. I loved helping my friends gain confidence in their academic abilities.
While studying political science at NYU, I became an educational consultant for a NYC boutique educational company specializing in supporting students with learning differences. There, I helped students develop executive functioning skills to not only master content but also understand the learning strategies they would need to be successful both in and outside of school.
Later, while earning my Master’s in Higher Education at UT- Austin, I worked as a pre-law advisor helping college students navigate the law school admissions process. I can’t tell you how many tissues we went through in my office. I was shocked by how many accomplished and motivated students would come into my office feeling insecure and hopeless. It was then that I realized so much of their negative paradigm about academics didn’t start once they got to college. The second-guessing of themselves and their strengths started when they were in high school, trying to figure out who they were and where they wanted to go.
In 2014, I became an independent college counselor to help students of all GPAs and test scores build self-confidence and get into the college of their dreams. I haven’t looked back since.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I actually moved to Austin in 2010 to attend UT Law School. As a political science major and a lover of learning, I intended to marry those two passions by working in education reform. I knew pretty quickly that law school wasn’t the right fit for me. I had the chops to make it in law but classes and my legal internship were unfulfilling.
As an achiever and perfectionist, it wasn’t easy to give up on the dream I had for so many years. But by following my gut, I was able to find the perfect program in Higher Education Administration at UT-Austin and move into educational consulting, which has been incredibly rewarding work.
I love sharing my story about pivoting with my high school students because they are under so much pressure to have it all figured out at 17. My story is a reminder to them that oftentimes the real work, the hard work, is in taking the longer more circuitous path.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder and lead college counselor at PACE (Putter Academic & College Experts). I work with students grades 8-12 helping them navigate the high school and college admissions process. I help students explore their passions, define their academic interests, build a balanced college list, and apply to their dream schools.
As a former executive functioning coach, I employ many learning skills and strategies into my work with students to help them become independent learners.
I’m proud of the work I’ve done to help students build their confidence, find their voice, and become who they are destined to be.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
While I’m based in Austin, my work is 100% remote and so I enjoy working with high school students from all over the country.
I believe in a collaborative approach, so I typically work closely with my student’s therapists, psychologists, tutors, etc. to build a comprehensive admissions plan.
If you know a high school student interested in learning more about what it might mean to work with a college counselor, they can set up a complimentary consult on my website www.rebeccaputter.com.
Contact Info:
- Email: rebeccap@collegewise.com
- Website: www.rebeccaputter.com
