About Lisa…

Lisa Sohmer is a dedicated and experienced college counselor who has been guiding students and families through the college admissions process since 2016 as the founder of Sohmer College Counseling. With a student-centered approach, Lisa has supported young people from across the United States and around the world—including Argentina, Austria, Canada, China, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, Thailand, and Uruguay—as they navigate the complex path to higher education.

Before launching her private practice, Lisa served as Director of College Counseling at Garden School in Jackson Heights, NY for 20 years, where she worked closely with students and families, helping them find the right academic and personal fit for college. Her ability to connect with students and her deep knowledge of admissions have made her a trusted mentor and advocate.

Lisa has held numerous leadership roles in the field. She is a past President of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC) and was honored with the organization’s President’s Award in 2008. From 2006 to 2009, she served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), where she contributed to national initiatives supporting students and counselors alike.

Committed to professional development and empowering others in the field, Lisa co-directed the NYSACAC Summer Institute (2010–2012), chaired the planning committee for NACAC’s National College Fair in New York City (2012–2016), and currently co-chairs the NYSACAC Women Empowering Women Special Interest Group (SIG). She also serves on the NACAC Women Empowering Women SIG executive board and is the co-leader of its membership committee.

Lisa is a respected voice in the profession and a frequent speaker on college admissions, the transition to college, and supporting students in finding their paths. Her insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Newsweek magazine, CBS’s “Up To The Minute,” The Daily Beast, The Chicago Tribune, Good Housekeeping magazine and more. Her writing has appeared in both NACAC’s Journal of College Admission and Fundamentals of College Admission Counseling textbook.

This “Glossary of College Counseling Terms” is one of Lisa’s “passion projects,” first created in 2003 and updated every year since. Lisa is gratified to know that it has been used by countless counselors, students and families for more than twenty years.

Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Government from Connecticut College and a master’s degree in Journalism from New York University. Her career reflects a deep commitment to student success, professional leadership, and advancing equity and excellence in college admissions.