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Educators at Heart: A Student-Centered Approach to Academic Support and College Admissions

Meet Abigail Hillman & Associates, a team of educators and mentors offering personalized academic & application support for families in Philadelphia, around the Main Line, and Bucks County.

The team at Abigail Hillman and Associates offers a distinct perspective on academic support and the college admissions process. Their mission is to develop the kinds of interesting, inquisitive, and passionate young people that admissions teams are seeking.

While many of their students gain admission to elite schools (including Stanford, Yale, Brown, Harvard, Duke, MIT, Columbia, Princeton, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Dartmouth, UPenn, and so many more), the team maintains a holistic ethos. As Abigail puts it, “Primarily, we are educators and mentors working to give students the skills and desire to make an impact in college and beyond.”

Abigail Hillman & Associates was named a Main Line Parent 2024 Family Favorite Honoree for College Admission Prep thanks to nominations from local parents in our Community who love and trust them.

“Abigail provided just the right amount of guidance, helping my daughter develop her college essays while maintaining her own voice within them.”

– Main Line Parent Community Parent

Abigail Hillman & Associates works with families across the Delaware Valley Region and beyond:

“Abigail and her team are second to none. After an exhaustive search, we retained Abigail and she didn’t disappoint. She helped my son throughout the whole application process – assisting with the best approach for each unique essay. She did not write the essays for my son – she just guided him to use his voice and ideas. It gave him the confidence that he was approaching his applications in the most effective manner. To that end, my son’s success with acceptances came as no surprise. I highly recommend this team.”

– Philly Family Community Parent

“This process from my standpoint has been so amazing. My son comes away from meetings with [Abigail Hillman & Associates] lit up and energized. When I get to read what he’s written and see his realizations about where he’s at right now and where he’s come from, it truly brings tears to my eyes. It’s priceless seeing him find his voice. It’s a true gem in this harrowing process of entering adulthood.”

– Bucks County Parent Community Parent

A Lifelong Educator

Abigail Hillman, the founder, brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a history degree from Yale University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University, Abigail’s background as a classroom teacher forms the cornerstone of her philosophy.

“I approach the application process as an opportunity to teach students how to identify and tell their own stories, a skill they will carry forward into the workforce and beyond,” Abigail reflects.

“The value of the process lies not simply in getting a student into college, but in helping them recognize what makes them special, then guiding them to express these strengths in their own words.”

Abigail’s services proved so successful that she could not keep up with demand. She began to expand her team and train them in her methodology. Today, Abigail Hillman and Associates offers a comprehensive suite of educational support, including test prep, academic tutoring, college matching, career exploration, private and graduate school admissions, and executive function coaching. The team understands the importance of taking the stress off of families. They also serve clients of all ages with offerings like career counseling and executive function coaching. 

Abigail Hillman and Associates Guiding Principles

What sets this team apart from traditional college consulting firms? 

1. Approaching the college application process as a learning experience in which students identify and articulate their own values. 

2. Nurturing a student’s authentic interests and challenging them to be curious and socially conscious.

3. Supporting students in their educational and emotional journey by offering services in mindfulness and executive function. 

4. Making sure a student’s college list matches their learning style, academic interests, and social desires. 

5. Refusing to believe there is one singularly perfect school for any given student.

6. Amplifying strengths rather than dwelling on deficits.

7. Partnering with families to fit services to the student, rather than fitting the student to their services.

Invitation for the Main Line Parent, Philly Family, and Bucks County Parent Communities

If this approach resonates with your family’s values, schedule a free consultation with Abigail Hillman and Associates. Their team is eager to support your child’s educational journey.

Special offer: Mention the Main Line Parent, Philly Family, or Bucks County Parent Community when booking your free consultation to receive $200 off any package or service.

The team at Abigail Hillman and Associates has been offering targeted, specialized support for students on the Main Line and beyond for almost twenty years and are ready to jumpstart your student’s academic growth and ensure a stress-free application process. Learn more at abigailhillman.com.

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