Who will you work with?

Hi! I’m Emily Rawers, owner of Next Step Collaborative. I was a Director of Recruitment & Admissions at a large public university for 11 years, including work within both a medical school and an engineering and applied science college. I'm also a licensed independent social worker. High School students are some of my favorite people and I think it’s imperative for students and families to have someone they can lean on and trust throughout the college Search and admissions process.

My background has given me extensive experience working with selective admissions processes, academic expectations, and the qualities that make students successful applicants to competitive programs and schools.

My goal is to meet you where you are and find the ultimate best fit for you.

I work with a wide range of families and students, but I specialize in the following areas:

Engineering
Pre-med
STEM
First child going to college
Families & students who stress out easily
Parents and teens who don’t see eye to eye
Students looking for inclusive campuses
Transfer students

Credentials:

Completed the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Summer Institute
11 years in higher education as Director of Recruitment & Admissions in engineering, medical school, & BS/MD program
Licensed Independent Social Worker
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Family Studies, 2007

To read more, check out my LinkedIn profile!

Why use an
educational consultant?

Receive personalized expert advice, strategy, and clarity.
Educational consultants are constantly reviewing research & data, reading articles & books, attending trainings, and going on campus visits, so they have insider knowledge and key insights on the rapidly changing realm of higher education.
Students and parents will have access to a digital platform that will keep everyone organized through the school search and application & admissions process.
Provide well-vetted resources like books, articles, and scholarship recommendations.
Decrease levels of stress for student and family and assist in keeping everything on track and on schedule.
Students learn new skills regarding communication, independence, and organization + they learn more about themselves.
Some students don’t know if college is for them. We can explore whether going to a 4-year institution or following a different path is best for the student.

What I do to best serve clients

Next Step Collaborative Services played a key role in helping my son navigate the college admissions process. Their thoughtful review and support with the Common App and supplemental essays provided the structure, clarity, and encouragement he needed during what can be a very overwhelming time.

With their guidance and careful oversight, the entire process became much more manageable and far less stressful. We truly felt that we were in good hands every step of the way. Thanks in part to their support, my son was accepted into an Ivy League university, and we are incredibly grateful for the role they played in helping him present his best self.

-Dawn M.

Visit colleges and universities
Attend trainings and certification programs
Understand and stay updated on the current state of higher education
Attend professional conferences
Member of several professional organizations
Network locally and more broadly with colleagues and schools
Draw on numerous years of professional experience in higher ed

Ultimately, I’m dedicated to continually educating myself so I can best educate you.

Recent presentations and trainings that I have attended or will be attending:

2026-2027 FAFSA Walkthrough
Cut Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)/Student Aid Index (SAI) in Half
Researching Colleges When Your Child Has an LD, ADHD or ASD
10 Step Wow Essay Writing Process
The Future of Student Support: Fortifying Pathways for Pre-Med, Grad School and Beyond