I began Hirko Consulting in San Diego in 2006 having missed my role as a high school English teacher after moving from Michigan. I love helping students find their voice, recognize their stories, teach them better writing strategies and find colleges where they are a great fit!

I combine my teaching background, professional writing and editing skills with my now twenty years of experience as a college admissions consultant, to help students set themselves apart in an applicant pool. I've also visited more than 250 US college campuses, remain current with today's admission practices and maintain an active role in professional organizations. All of this informs my mission to help families understand the importance of early planning while remaining true to a student's interests and goals.

I am proud to continue my commitment to the American Institute of Certified Educational Planners as it denotes a level of professionalism realized by those in the field who have extensively traveled touring campuses, participated in continuous education through workshops, conferences and webinars and been a professional presenter.

• Certified Educational Planner, AICEP, 2015; Re-certified every 5 years

• Certificate in College Counseling, UCSD, 2006

• MA from U of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1995

• BA from Indiana University, Bloomington, 1992

A mother of two, I appreciate the role the entire family plays in the admission process, communicating frequently with parents to minimize anxiety and stress. I work with each student providing guidance and individual attention and personally overseeing application content. I provide my students with a plan and arm them with information to demystify the admission process.  I have the experience to know what colleges are seeking and how to present students in their application packages.

Office:  Hera Hub, San Diego: 6170 Cornerstone Court East, Suite #100

Amanda Hirko, M.Ed.
Certified Educational Planner