Best Words Forward.
Empowering Students. Building Futures.
Let’s get real.
The college application process has become overwhelming.
We’re here to help.
Beyond The Perfect School.
It’s no wonder the Princeton Review reports rising stress levels among students and parents alike. The pressure to find the “perfect school” and say all the “right things” in a college essay can feel paralyzing.
And here’s the kicker: What does a “perfect” school even mean? The “perfect” school on paper might not even be the right fit for you.
Navigating The Uncertainty.
Many students pour their energy into what they think admissions officers want, losing sight of their own strengths, values, and goals.
Families chase prestige over personal fit, and the process becomes more about performance than purpose.
That’s where BestWordsForward comes in.
Empowered And Confident.
We’re not just here to polish your essays (though we’ll do that too).
We’re here to empower students to lead their own college journey—with thoughtful planning, a personal voice, and expert guidance from our team.
Our approach balances insight and action, helping students uncover who they are, what they want, and how to communicate that to college admissions officers with confidence.
How We Help
Here’s how we guide students—without taking the pen out of their hands.
Exploring YOU First
College Fit Mapping
We help students articulate their “why”, identify strengths, and get clear on what really matters in a college experience.
We start with self-discovery, collaborating with parents & advisors to build a targeted college list.
Essay Coaching
List Creation
We talk real dollars. We’ll guide the search and help students apply for funding aligned with their goals and situation.
From testing to recommendations to applications—we help students stay on track (with gentle nudges, not micromanaging).
We co-create a personalized school list based on your criteria, not just rankings—and refine it together.
We help you craft authentic essays that showcase you, not what you think colleges want to hear – from brainstorming to editing.
Deadline Gameplan
Scholarship Strategy
About Your Coach
Margaret is a former teacher, school district leader, and education researcher who’s spent her career helping young people navigate school, college, and beyond.
Today, she works directly with students and families to guide them through the college admissions process—with a strong belief that every student has a story worth telling.
Margaret Sullivan
Certificate in College Advising, Columbia University
M.P.P., Georgetown University
B.A., University of Virginia
You are enough. Admissions teams want the full picture—and we all shine in different ways.
Your essay matters. Don’t be afraid to be honest, quirky, or vulnerable. Your story is your strength.
There’s no perfect college. Focus on what really matters to you—not someone else's checklist.
What She’d Tell Her Younger Self:
Outside of college advising, Margaret is also a nonprofit grant writer focused on education and economic mobility, a music and nature lover, and a proud mom of two energetic boys.
Start with a Free Consultation
Let’s see if we’re the right fit. Our first 30-minute session is always free.