ABOUT
BENJAMIN
CALDARELLI
Recognized for challenging traditional approaches to college counseling, Benjamin crafts customized plans for a wide array of students—entrepreneurial, STEM-focused, humanists, artists, and many who are undecided on their major interests. His aim is always to maximize personal growth and college options, while providing a sense of clarity and calm.
After 10 years as Co-Founder and Chief Educational Strategist at Princeton College Consulting, Benjamin now provides a concierge level of service through his boutique consultancy. In addition to counseling a small cohort of clients, he writes The Citizen Scholar Newsletter, leads in-school workshops, and speaks at private events.
A graduate of the University of Illinois, Benjamin earned an MA in English from Northern Illinois University and received training at the Harvard Institute on College Admissions. He is a professional member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling and Higher Education Consultants Association. In his spare time, Benjamin enjoys continuing his quest to become a scratch golfer and browsing his neighborhood bookstores with a strong cappuccino in hand.
CATHERINE
CARBERRY
Working with Benjamin on overarching admissions strategy, Catherine supports students through a series of steps to unearth their richest anecdotes, frame stories within a meaningful structure, and polish final drafts with advanced literary techniques. Catherine enjoys the process of collaborating with her students—helping them write powerful essays that highlight aspects of their character not necessarily apparent elsewhere in their application.
Formerly the Senior Director at Prompt, Catherine has trained hundreds of application essay coaches and led professional development workshops for high school teachers and counselors. Her own writing has earned a residency at the MacDowell Colony, won the James Jones First Novel Fellowship, and has been broadcast on NPR.