Josie R. Alvarez
Founder, College First Consulting,
LLC
Josie is the founder of College First Consulting,
specializing in independent school and college admissions.
With over twenty-eight years of experience in independent
school and college admissions, Josie has assisted thousands
of students and their families through the admissions and
financial aid process. She understands and knows first-hand
the inner workings and nuances of admissions. This knowledge
and expertise from an insider’s view are a benefit
to students.
Josie’s
key roles have included Director of Admissions for The
Bishop’s School in La Jolla and Senior Assistant
Director of Admissions for Scripps
College, a member of The Claremont Colleges. She is
recognized for her expertise in admissions, the Independent
School Entrance Exam (ISEE), and working with a diverse
group of students and parents, including working with families
through the American
Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers
(ASSIST) Program. Her success stems from her compassionate
approach for working with students and parents. Josie possesses
the intuitive ability to recognize the unique strengths,
interests, and talents of students, which are important
for finding the best school match. She also highly values
the input and role of parents in the educational process.
Josie
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from
Pitzer
College. She is proudly married for 26 years and especially
proud of her daughter, a Civil Engineering major in the
Class of 2014 at the University
of Southern California. She is a member of MANA
de San Diego, a non-profit National Women's organization.
She is also a volunteer and mentor at the Nativity
Prep Academy. Josie is a member of the church community
at Our Lady
of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Her personal interests
include swimming, kayaking, cooking classes, gardening,
and spending quality time with her husband and daughter.
Josie
is bilingual and brings her positive approach, exceptional
ability to work with parents and students, and professional
expertise in admissions to College First Consulting.
She is passionate about helping students reach their educational
dreams, and she is committed to making education a reality
for all families! (hacer la educación una
realidad para todas las familias!)
