“What is the College Pragmatics philosophy?”
Pragmatic. Though you would never start a college essay this way, the word pragmatic is an adjective, and can mean: Practical. Sensible. Rational. Realistic. Straight Forward. Matter-of-Fact. Logical. What I’ve learned in my long career is that there is no real science to college admissions.
You can try to ‘game the system’, but ultimately a successful college search requires a pragmatic approach. Let’s get to work!
Tanya Keeney
M.Ed, Founder, College Pragmatics
What can we talk about?
- COVID -19 Concerns
- Career Planning
- Gap Year
- Transfer Admission
- LGBTQ+
- Residence Life Concerns
- ADA Concerns
- Mental Health Support
- 4+1 and BS/MD Programs
- Schools that Focus on Sustainability
- Athletics
- Honors Programs
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Religious Inclusivity
- Summer Programs
- Support for Students with Disabilities
- Academic Support and Tutoring
- The College Essay
- The College Application
- Mock Interviews
- Letters of Recommendation
- Pre-Professional Programs
- High School Course Selection
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- And Much More!
Let's Get to Work
Contact College Pragmatics
Please email [email protected]
I am a licensed school counselor who has helped over 700 students navigate their own unique college application process. I work closely with both students and their parents/guardians using a family systems counseling approach to create a college application plan that works for all stakeholders. I want to hear and empower students while understanding the specific needs and concerns of the parents/guardians. Having worked as both a school counselor and a college admissions counselor, I have personally visited over 200 colleges and universities. Understanding colleges and college admissions is both a vocation and a hobby. I endeavor to match students with the institution that will become their home away from home – where they will thrive, and where they will ultimately graduate.
- 25+ Years Higher Education Experience
- Counselor Education Graduate Faculty Member
- Honest, Ethical, and Principled
Testimonials
Our first child is now college bound!
"From the moment we first met with Tanya on FaceTime, we were immediately comfortable with her easy going style and clarity in conveying important information. Tanya carefully considered all of the information from the pre-work questionnaire, and truly heard us, as evidenced by the detailed report and suggestions for schools. Any time we had a question, Tanya got back to us quickly, alleviating our anxiety and concerns. Her suggestions for the college essay proved invaluable. Ultimately, our first child is now college bound, and we have Tanya to thank for that, 100%.."
Parent, Fairfield, CT
We are very grateful to Tanya!
"I can’t say enough about Tanya and how invaluable she was to my family during the college application process. Both of my sons are in college today, because of Tanya. I had so many worries about our sons managing the process but was told by Tanya “not to worry, she had my back.” And she did, as well as my two sons’ backs. My husband and I had little to do with our sons getting into college. When we had questions/concerns, we would reach out to Tanya, she would connect with our kids, get back to us, and/or assure us that she was dealing with whatever they were questioning. When I asked each of my sons what Ms. Keeney did for them, they both had the same answer “everything!” They are both very grateful to Tanya, as are my husband and myself."
Parent, Sharon, MA
Our first child is now college bound!
"From the moment we first met with Tanya on FaceTime, we were immediately comfortable with her easy going style and clarity in conveying important information. Tanya carefully considered all of the information from the pre-work questionnaire, and truly heard us, as evidenced by the detailed report and suggestions for schools. Any time we had a question, Tanya got back to us quickly, alleviating our anxiety and concerns. Her suggestions for the college essay proved invaluable. Ultimately, our first child is now college bound, and we have Tanya to thank for that, 100%."
Parent, Fairfield, CT
I couldn’t have done it without Tanya!
I had 14 different application supplements to write during the month of August. Tanya helped me organize the writing prompts, and we brainstormed how to best augment my main application essay with my responses to the supplements. It was so overwhelming, but Tanya helped me break everything down. We even had fun while doing it!
Student, Minneapolis, MN
We are very grateful to Tanya!
We can't thank Tanya enough for all she did for our son during the college application and decision process. Somehow she knew which school would be a great fit for him, and it sure wasn't on my radar screen! Tanya’s depth of knowledge about colleges and universities and the entire application process is unbelievable!! My son always knew he could count on Tanya to guide him, even when we as parents had no idea what we were doing. She has a magical blend of patience, optimism, and pragmatism that was extremely helpful in keeping him motivated and calm along the way. We are so very grateful.
Parent, Sharon, MA
