Welcome to Creative College Connections!

In the 1990’s I was sitting around an admission committee table saying “no” more than I wanted to say “yes.” In those years working in college admission, I learned what it takes for students to stand out. I learned that there is a human factor in college admission. I learned that good grades and scores are not always enough to make the cut. When I moved to Leesburg, VA, in 2009, my neighbors started saying to me, “you know college admissions? We need help!” I founded Creative College Connections in 2010 in order to help local students expand their college thinking, discover their best-fit colleges, and help them through the college application process. Since then, Creative College Connections has grown to a team of four consultants serving students across the United States (and even some abroad!).

      Hannah Serota

Creative :

I like to think of myself as a creative person and a creative thinker. My dad was an artist. I was a musician growing up. I like finding the less obvious solutions to problems. I really like matching students with colleges they may not have previously considered. I bring my creative sensibilities to my work.

College :

I’m a college admission wonk. I love visiting colleges - I see 20 - 30 each year. I also love learning. College admissions is my world. Not a day goes by when I don’t read or talk with someone about colleges, education, or college admission.

Connections :

It’s quite simple - seeing students enroll at colleges they are excited about makes me happy. I like to think of myself as a matchmaker.

At Creative College Connections, we focus on:

1. Reducing anxiety by demystifying the college admission process.
2. Identifying "best fit" colleges for the student: those that fit academically, personally, and financially.
3. Breaking down what seems to be an overwhelming task (applying to college) into sensible and manageable steps.
4. Helping families maintain a semblance of "normalcy" through the college admission process.

Vision Statement

We believe that the path to college should be stress-free and set teens up for success in college and beyond.

Mission Statement

To provide teens and their families with exemplary professional guidance, tools, and strategies that inspire confidence and joy on the path to acceptance at best-fit colleges.

Core Values

·      Fit is everything

·      Education is transformative

·      Learning and personal development are lifetime endeavors

·      College fit is more important that college prestige

·      Experience and expertise matter

·      Value each person as unique and special

·      Treat people with warmth and hospitality

·      Our clients are part of our community

·      Be authentic

·      Approach life with optimism

·      Listen as much as you talk

·      Put into the world what you want to receive back

·      Do the right thing

·      Laughter, joy, and friendship are essential... always

Rooted in our vision, mission and values, we celebrate and honor the differences we see among ourselves and others.

We seek to work with students and families without bias as to gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, place of origin,

religion, class, learning and physical differences, and diverse ideologies or viewpoints.