When You Leverage
Our Service Center
You plug your clients into our proprietary college planning system.
You instantly create a team of college planning experts to tout as your own.
Focusing on the details:
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Career
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College
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Forms
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Awards
We know how to help families get what they need and want to make college affordable.
CORI MURPHY
Manager
With 20+ years of providing private college consulting services and overseeing college planning operations and success for college planners and families across the country, Cori has developed the unique ability to break down complex college planning and financial matters and translate it all in an easy-to-understand manner. Cori is associated with a nationwide network of college planners who for years have used proven strategies to help students find and select colleges that fit, maximize financial aid and scholarships, and financially plan with parents to make college affordable.
CRYSTAL TATE
Manager
With 15 years of providing private college consulting services, Crystal is laser focused on how to gain admissions and secure funding. Crystal visits college campuses through the year, gaining valuable insights in the academic and social fit for our prospective students. Crystal is a Certified Sparketype® Advisor and has several professional memberships including the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC), Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and served on the board of the National College Affordability Group (NCAG).
Danielle
Lacoste
life Coach
With over 15 years of experience as a college planner and 25 years in education and coaching, Danielle supports students through one of the most important transitions of their lives, going beyond applications and admissions. At her core, she is a life coach for teens and young adults—helping them build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive in college and beyond.
Danielle specializes in executive function, time management, social development, campus connection, and emotional regulation. Her approach is both practical and deeply personal, equipping students with real-world strategies while supporting their growth as independent, capable individuals.
Danielle hold a master’s degree, teaching credentials and a professional coaching certification, which allows her to blend educational expertise with a holistic, student-centered coaching style.
Outside of her work, Danielle is a proud mom of twin girls and loves traveling and experiencing live music whenever she can.
judith weston
Essay &
College Coach
Judith Weston earned her PhD in Comparative Literature from the University of Pennsylvania in 2025, specializing in French and Italian literature, early printed books, and medieval manuscripts. She also holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Oxford, a master’s degree from the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris, and a BA from Emory University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. A Fulbright recipient, she conducted doctoral research in France and has taught courses in medieval literature, French language, and digital humanities while contributing to major library research projects.
Alongside her academic career, Judith has worked as an admissions consultant, helping students secure places at top graduate programs and competitive scholarships in the US and UK. Her mentoring began as an ESL and writing tutor, supporting international students in crafting clear, compelling application essays. She is known for combining rigorous standards with warmth and empathy, helping students present sophisticated yet authentic narratives. Outside her work, she enjoys traveling, exploring museums and antique markets, and spending time with her small but fearless dog, Callie — preferably with a croissant in hand.
ALAIZA
BECERRA
College Coach
Alaiza holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education and brings more than five years of experience working across university admissions, enrollment advising, and public service environments. As a first-generation college graduate, she understands firsthand the challenges many students face when navigating educational pathways and is committed to helping families approach the process with greater understanding and confidence.
She currently works as a Graduate Admissions Advisor at the University of Southern California, where she supports prospective students through admissions requirements, program selection, and enrollment planning. Her professional background also includes advising students through university partnership programs and supporting individuals and families in accessing community resources through public sector roles. These experiences have strengthened her ability to guide students through complex systems, ask thoughtful questions, and provide practical next steps that move students forward.
Alaiza has worked with a wide range of students, helping them explore academic options, prepare for application milestones, and evaluate postsecondary choices. Her approach emphasizes clear communication, organization, and steady support, ensuring students remain engaged in the process without feeling overwhelmed.
Families value Alaiza’s approachable nature, responsiveness, and dedication to student progress. She prioritizes creating a supportive partnership where students feel comfortable asking questions, building confidence, and taking ownership of their goals as they prepare for life after high school.
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ruka
olunlade
college Coach
Ruka brings to SCHOLARS a PhD in Organizational Leadership, a master's degree in Higher Education, and a bachelor's degree in psychology and, along with over five years of experience in college counseling and student advising.
She has supported hundreds of high schools students through the admissions process, helping them identify best-fit universities, build strong applications, and make confident postsecondary decisions. Drawing on her background in student development, academic advising, leadership, and career exploration, Ruka helps students align their academic strengths, personal interests, and long-term goals.
Students and families appreciate Ruka's clear guidance, thoughtful approach, and ability to simplify complex admissions processes while keeping students focused, motivated, and prepared for success.
dary
picken
College coach
Dary has worked over 14 years as a college counselor at an independent high school. He also worked for two years as an admission officer at Centre College. Dary holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Alabama, and a BA in English from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky.
For fifteen years, Dary was in the classroom as a 12th grade English teacher, covering a wide variety of topics in AP Literature, and special topics electives on Monsters and Film Adaptation, as well as a course called Liner Notes that used albums from different musical genres as texts. He is a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS), and the Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling (KYACAC). He used to coach tennis and cross country, but got old and fat (his words), so now just enjoys watching. His favorite bands are Wilco and Bon Iver, and his favorite television shows are Arrested Development and The Wire.
A Message From Dary: Click Here
Testimonials: Hear What Our Clients Say
Choosing the right school is an important process, but the logistics of the financial aid forms are often the most overwhelming to families. The Scholars team provides a way for planners like myself to offer support in this area to clients without us having to take on the time, software, and effort involved in preparing financial aid forms.
Claire Frey
Cadeau College Planning
Cori Murphy, SCHOLARS, and the team have been providing our families with unparalleled expertise in the college funding arena. Specifically, saving our clients tens of thousands of dollars by re-positioning their assets, making certain that ALL financial aid forms are filed in a timely and correct manner, providing an in-depth awards analysis to determine the fairness of any award, and finally preparing the family for any appeal process for additional funds from the college.
Joe and Jo-Ann MacMunn
College Funding Solutions
Our partnership with Scholars has proven to be a tremendous success in helping more students and their families achieve College Planning, Admissions, and Funding Goals. These skills and professionalism are what I would be seeking as a credentialed candidate from the HECA.
Eric Flaten
Founder & Wealth Coach
Why Partner with SCHOLARS Service Center?
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Comprehensive Support: From college selection to financial aid and test prep, we cover all aspects of the college planning process.
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Expert Guidance: Receive detailed coaching on how to present and explain these services to families.
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Affiliate Support: Join our calls for affiliates to get your questions answered and stay informed about best practices.
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Wholesale Rates: Access our services at competitive wholesale rates, adding value to your overall package.
To learn more about how SCHOLARS Service Center can support you and your clients, schedule a time with our liaison, Cori. Let’s work together to ensure families receive the best college planning assistance available.
