Thousands of brides-to-be (and grooms) have joined The Knot.
The one-stop wedding planning site is packed with information on everything nuptials-related: tips on how to plan a budget, send invitations and set up a registry; links to venues, caterers, photographers, DJs, officiants and transportation.
Of course, you can set up your own wedding website on The Knot too. It’s all very meta.
But what about something even more expensive than a wedding: college?
Sure, there are educational consultants, test prep companies and tutors — all with their own websites.
But so much more goes into college. Financial planning. Summer programs and internships. How to live with a roommate.
And of course, where to get the best swag for your school of choice.
Students — and their parents — must manage that on their own.
At least, they did.
Now there’s a “college concierge.” It’s a one-stop college shop — an academic version of The Knot.
And there’s a strong Westport connection.
Ali’s friend Robyn.
In 1989 — the summer before her senior year of high school — New Jersey student Ali Dorfman was in Israel. A close friend named Robyn was killed in an automobile accident. Devastated, Ali planted a tree there, in her memory.
Ali wrote movingly about that experience, in her college application essay.
Last December — after spending most of her career as a producer with CBS News, and owning a few small businesses — Ali was thinking about her next chapter.
With a freshman at Staples High School and a 7th grader at Coleytown Middle School, the topic of college was creeping up.
Ali — a storyteller at heart — thought she might make a good essay coach.
One day, she spotted a Facebook post from Robyn’s older sister Jill. It said “Your College Concierge.”
Ali and Jill had not spoken in decades. But as they chatted, Ali learned that she and her husband Peter live in Florida, where for 18 years they’ve owned a company by that name. They helped thousands of students navigate the college admissions process.
Ali loved the word “concierge” — and saw an opportunity to expand what Jill and Peter had developed. There was nothing, they realized, like it anywhere.
In January they hired a web designer. Now they are relaunching YourCollegeConcierge.com as the go-to destination for all things college.
Ali Dorfman (2nd from left), with her husband Peter, and partners Jill and Peter Ratzan.
Their platform includes everything from service providers (admissions consultants, essay coaches, test prep companies, financial guidance) and shop owners (college gifts, swag, dorm décor) to lifestyle tips and tricks (how to eat healthfully, the best places to stay while visiting college campuses).
The goal is to be a nationwide site. But as Ali builds it out, there is a strong Westport presence.
Local service providers include Nicole Kelman’s New England Ed Consulting, Tami Benanav’s Campus View Consulting, and essay coach Sara Robbin.
Expert advice comes from women’s health coach Andrea Robinson, digital influencer Dr. Tania Elliot, designer Jen Berniker, travel expert Jodi Gordon, and Safe Travels Med founder Dr. Deborah Mogelof.
Lauren Axelrod of Sweet and Accepted offers acceptance gifts.
Screenshot from Your College Concierge.
Your College Concierge charges businesses $99 to be listed. Users pay nothing.
“Knot” too shabby.
(Click here for the Your College Concierge website. Click here for their Facebook page. Their Instagram is @yourcollegeconcierge.)
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