Meet Our Founder, Joan Koven

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Working with Joan Koven

Since founding Academic Access in 2003, I’ve brought my signature blend of expertise, intuition, and unwavering belief in each student’s potential to every family I work with. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter approaches—because no two students are the same. My role? To help students uncover and articulate their unique stories, ensuring their college applications reflect not just where they’ve been, but who they are becoming.

 

I’ve spent my career equipping myself with the tools to demystify the college admissions process, giving students and their families a sense of clarity, confidence, and even—dare I say—excitement about what lies ahead. After earning my Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College, I pursued a certificate in College Counseling from UCLA and became a Certified Educational Planner (CEP)—the highest level of professional certification in our field. I also hold a diplôme from La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in Paris. After all, crafting a successful college essay is a lot like preparing a beautiful meal—each ingredient (or idea) must be carefully selected and thoughtfully brought together to create something authentic and unforgettable.

I’m not just committed to my students—I’m dedicated to shaping the future of the college counseling profession itself. As a former Vice President and Board Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), I’ve played a role in establishing best practices and ethical standards for our field. For over a decade, I’ve been one of just eight faculty members at IECA’s Summer Training Institute, mentoring the next generation of Independent Educational Consultants. I’ve also taught hundreds of professionals through the University of California, Irvine’s Certificate Program for IECs, many of whom have gone on to build thriving practices.

 

But staying at the forefront of the industry isn’t just something I teach—it’s something I live. I’m a frequent speaker at national conferences, sharing the stage with Deans of Admissions and thought leaders in education. As an active member of NACAC and PACAC, I cultivate ongoing conversations with high school counselors, admissions officers, and university leaders—ensuring my students always have access to the most up-to-date insights and opportunities.

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At the heart of it all, my greatest joy is working with students and families just like yours. I dedicate over 20% of my time to visiting colleges nationwide, meeting with admissions directors, university presidents, students, and faculty. This firsthand knowledge allows me to guide my students toward colleges that aren’t just a “good school” but a true fit—academically, socially, and personally.

 

I believe the college process should reflect the student it represents: honest, engaging, and uniquely their own. With the right guidance, applying to college can be an exciting, empowering journey—one that helps students discover who they are and who they’re meant to become.

 

When I’m not brainstorming essay ideas or mapping out application strategies, you’ll find me hunting for vintage Americana treasures, testing out Ottolenghi recipes for festive family dinners, or exploring the world with my husband, Seth—whether it’s snowmobiling across Icelandic glaciers or drifting along Kerala’s backwaters in India. And, of course, no day is complete without a walk with my soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Finn—the unofficial mascot of Academic Access.

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