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Rebecca Besthoff

College Admissions Consultant She/Her/Hers
Rebecca Besthoff Bright Horizons College Coach
College Admissions Consultant
Former admissions officer Bowdoin College
Former admissions officer Cornell University
Former admissions officer Harvard University
Former admissions officer Barnard College

My Background

I joined College Coach after working for many years in college admissions at various institutions. I began my career at my alma mater, Bowdoin College, where I was in charge of applications from northern California, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, and the New England states, as well as the transfer admission program. While I was an associate director of admission at Cornell, I oversaw recruitment in New England for all seven of Cornell’s undergraduate colleges. I reviewed every application that came from the region and sat on the selection committees in the College of Engineering and the College of Architecture, Art and Planning. At Harvard, I personally evaluated every application for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and international territories. I enjoyed being a strong advocate for students in an extremely selective admissions process. My most recent position was senior associate dean at Barnard College, where I was responsible for all aspects of the international admission program. I recruited in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Rebecca was extremely helpful to us. She kept us moving towards deadlines and was always positive...Her attention to detail in editing the application and essays was outstanding. Five stars!
Parent of a Boston College student

Why I Joined College Coach

What I most loved about my years in college admissions was making a meaningful connection with students and communicating good information to families. I really wanted them to feel empowered and confident when they submitted applications to any school. At College Coach I have an even greater opportunity to know students well and to guide families through a complex and intimidating process. Searching for the right schools will often reveal a student’s growth in surprising ways. Creating an application that reflects an applicant’s unique talents, qualities and values can seem overwhelming, but it can also be one of the most memorable projects a student will ever do! I feel it is a privilege to be a part of this personal process with young adults and their parents.

Get to Know Me

My Education

Bowdoin College Bachelor's in Psychology and French
I have worked with students interested in:
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biochemistry
  • Business
  • Communication
  • Computer science
  • Dance
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Government
  • Honors programs
  • Humanities
  • International relations
  • Ivy league
  • Journalism
  • Large State Schools
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Political science
  • Pre-law
  • Pre-med
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies/Theology
  • Research universities
  • Science
  • Small liberal arts colleges
  • Social Sciences
  • Teaching/education certification
  • Technology
  • Theater
  • Women's colleges
I have also worked with:
  • Athletes
  • First-generation students
  • Gap year students
  • Home schooled students
  • IB program
  • International students
  • LGBTQIA+ students
  • Non-traditional students
  • Students with learning differences
  • Transfer students
Rebecca Besthoff

Some of my favorite pastimes

Telemark skiing, choral singing, road biking, international travel, watching movies with my family

Interested?

Interested in learning more about how our college admissions counseling services can help your student succeed?

Call 877-402-6224 or complete the form for information on getting your student started with one of our experts.

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