About College By Design
Founder Lindsay Berg is a passionate and knowledgeable educational consultant with over a decade of experience working with teens.
About Me
For the past fourteen years, my work as an independent educational consultant, tutor, teacher, and free-lance editor allowed me to take an active role in various milestones for my students. Working with families from 45+ high schools, both public and private, I’ve helped over 300 students with their college applications and essays to hundreds of colleges around the country.
Areas of Specialty
I specialize in essay assistance and help my students produce compelling, dynamic, and unique essays that showcase their individuality—pushing them to be raw, humble, and honest. In helping my students find their unique written voice, I try to impart writing skills and techniques that will carry them through college and into the workplace.
My clients look to me for
Educational consulting and planning
All aspects of the college application process: List building, applications, essays, resumes, scholarship applications, navigating financial aid, visiting schools, and preparing for interviews
Comprehensive essay assistance
Guidance on extracurricular activities/summer programs
Tutoring (English, American history, writing)
Support, trust, and friendship
Relatability
Working with teens on a daily basis keeps me grounded as I support clients throughout this complicated and often overwhelming process. With more and more families seeking out advice and guidance, I try to cultivate an atmosphere of trust, empathy, and always place myself in my students’ shoes to view and acknowledge their perspectives in a meaningful way.
Educational Background
I graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in History, a minor in Studio Art (I studied at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica in Venice, Italy), and wrote my thesis in the Religious Studies department. After college, I spent a year abroad awarded the Thomas J. Watson fellowship where I traveled the world collecting narratives on cooking traditions. Since returning to Minnesota, I’ve (i) taken multiple courses through the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, (ii) ran a writing group based in Minneapolis, (iii) worked with students/adults on aspects of their writing, (iv) earned my certificate in Independent Educational Consulting, (v) helped students and families navigate every facet of high school planning and the college application process, and (vi) guided students through fellowship and graduate school applications (medical school, law school, masters, and PhD programs).
Certificate: Independent educational consulting
I earned my Certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California-Irvine.
Ethos
I adhere to the principles of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and make it a priority to stay up to date with admissions and the college world through continuing education and visiting colleges.
Giving Back
College By Design leads by example through philanthropy, empathy, and pro bono work. A percentage of every client fee goes to supporting college bound students in need, and bi-annual donations to student causes. College By Design is committed to giving back to Minnesota’s vibrant and diverse community, and ensuring that opportunities for higher education are available to everyone.