John Raftrey

John Raftrey is an independent college counselor based in Palo Alto who works with Silicon Valley families on every stage of the college admissions process. He helps students plan their high school journey, build a tailored college list, craft a compelling personal story, and apply special strategies that can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. His clients range from families seeking one-time consultations to those needing comprehensive support from freshman year course planning through final college choice.?

John stays current on what colleges want by visiting campuses, speaking directly with admissions officers, attending national conferences, and collaborating with a national network of college consultants. He also writes the “Thinking About College” blog for the Palo Alto Weekly Online, where he shares insights, trends, and practical advice on the admissions landscape. His approach combines data-driven strategy from his corporate background with clear, student-centered guidance that helps applicants stay organized, realistic, and confident.?