Opus College Prep is pleased to welcome Emily Parliman into a new role as Director of Admissions Counseling.
Emily received her bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College, where she majored in English. Giving campus tours and interviewing prospective students as a student worker, she became interested in admission. Following graduation, Emily moved to Washington, DC, and started her career in education. She spent several years in graduate/business school admissions at The George Washington University and received her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from GW. She then moved into undergraduate admissions at American University. From 2015-2021, she worked as a college counselor at independent schools in DC, California, and Ohio. Besides meeting with students individually, Emily taught a college counseling class which introduced students to the nuts and bolts of the admission process. At her previous company before coming to Opus, Emily managed a team of counselors and expanded the curriculum and resources available to students.
Emily spent two seasons reviewing applications for the University of California Berkeley and two seasons reading applications for Northeastern University. Additionally, she has served as an alumni interviewer for her alma mater, Kenyon. Over her career, Emily has read thousands of applications and learned how selective universities make admission decisions. She has helped students apply to universities in the US, the UK, Canada, and elsewhere around the globe.
As a first-generation student, Emily knew she wanted to go to college– but she didn’t know how to navigate the confusing admissions and financial aid process. Thinking back on her own experience inspired her to work in admissions and college counseling. Emily wanted to help prepare other students and make the college process easier. When she worked in admissions, reading students’ essays was always Emily’s favorite part of reviewing applications. Knowing her students’ stories is incredibly important to Emily as a counselor, and she feels honored to learn about their experiences through their writing. She loves seeing students’ enthusiasm, helping them identify great-fit colleges, and watching students grow throughout their high school years.
Outside of work, Emily likes to travel, go to shows and concerts, and play with the family dogs. She stays busy checking out museums, art installations, and new restaurants. She also loves reading and always has a book (or two) nearby.
