Jilly Warner
College Admissions Counselor
Qualifications & Experience
13 years in college admissions and 12 years as an educational consultant
Former Coordinator of International Admissions at the University of Vermont
Specialized in international, transfer, and non-traditional applicants
Parent of three college graduates
I bring more than 20 years of experience guiding both domestic and international students through the college admissions process. At the University of Vermont, I worked with students from a variety of backgrounds, helping them transition into college life and ensuring they found the right fit for their educational journeys. I’ve also collaborated with counselors and institutions around the world to stay at the forefront of admissions trends.
Approach to Counseling
I take a highly personalized approach to counseling, focusing on each student’s strengths and goals. I believe in demystifying the admissions process and providing clear, actionable guidance at every step. Whether helping students craft authentic essays, prepare for interviews, or create meaningful activity lists, my goal is to ensure students feel confident and prepared. I also enjoy helping families navigate the complexities of college admissions, offering them the support and reassurance they need throughout the process.
I understand that every student’s path is unique, and I work to make the journey exciting and enriching. As the first in my family to attend college, I appreciate the significance of finding the right educational fit, and I guide my students with empathy, kindness, and a sense of possibility.
Areas of Expertise
- College essay writing and personal statement development.
- Supporting international, transfer, and non-traditional students.
- College list building, interview preparation, and campus visit strategy.
- Helping families manage the complexities of admissions with clarity and care.
Personal Touch
Born and raised in England, I’ve had the privilege of living, studying, and working across Europe in cities like London, Paris, and Vienna. I started my career at the International Atomic Energy Agency, where I discovered my passion for education and began traveling extensively in the United States. That journey inspired me to make the U.S. my home, and I’ve never looked back.
Working with students brings me joy, and I love getting to know each one on a personal level. Whether they’re athletes, artists, or international students, I find excitement in learning their stories and tailoring my support to their needs. As a mother of three college graduates, I’ve walked the path many parents are on, and I know how overwhelming the process can feel. That experience shapes the way I work with families, offering guidance not only as a professional but as someone who’s been through it herself.
When I’m not working, I enjoy researching new academic opportunities for my students and staying connected with colleagues across the globe. I also love learning from the bright, inspiring young people I have the honor of mentoring—it’s their energy and creativity that make this work so rewarding.
“We wanted to thank you with all our hearts for all your amazing and outstanding help with our son. You have done an absolutely fantastic job and we really couldn’t be more grateful. Your support and encouragement, both to our son and ourselves throughout the whole process meant so much to us. You guided our son skillfully through the myriad of college choices and helped him focus on what he really wanted to study. You really brought out the best in him and raised his confidence levels in himself so he was able to value his abilities and move forward. And now he has a place at a wonderful college!
— Parent, United Kingdom
“Jilly’s experience and understanding of the English and European environment have allowed her to measure up our son’s potential as a US college candidate, to support him through the challenges of applying to UK and US universities simultaneously, and to translate his achievements and aspirations into a language that was both his and that of his audiences. Jilly’s deep knowledge of the university application process is matched by her passion to support applicants, and she showed an incredible level of persistence, patience and sensitivity in her interactions with our son. She found the right way to raise his aspirations without losing sight of reality, and to motivate him in a positive, but tough way when necessary. She shared her insights without imposing her views, and always made sure that decisions were ultimately made by our son. Throughout the process, Jilly was present and available without ever being overbearing.”
— Parent, United Kingdom