Nick Dawes

Nick Dawes is a college admissions consultant, teacher and published academic with more than twenty years of experience mentoring high school students through their academic development and college admissions journeys. As the founder of Dawes Academic Consulting LLC, he works one-on-one with students to identify best fit colleges where they will thrive both academically and socially. His approach combines academic tutoring in reading, writing, history and test preparation with personalized college counseling that helps students discover their passions, reflect on their goals and turn their interests into potential careers. By the end of the process, his students have become confident, independent learners who know how to advocate for themselves, manage their commitments and pursue postsecondary education with purpose.

Nick holds a Masters degree in History from San Francisco State University, where he became proficient in academic research, historiography and the theoretical foundations of the social sciences, and published a historiographic piece on the study of the American Revolution. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in American History with a minor in Philosophy and Ethics from the University of California, Davis. His teaching experience spans middle school literature and composition at Stratford School, individualized tutoring and SAT prep at C2 Education, and substitute teaching in public school districts. He has also trained and mentored new teachers, developed curriculum and led special SAT prep programs at local schools, bringing both content expertise and pedagogical skill to his work.

In addition to his academic credentials, Nick holds a Certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley Extension, ensuring he stays current on best practices and trends in the college counseling field. His work is informed by a commitment to engaging students, building strong writing and critical thinking skills, and fostering the kind of self-awareness that leads to thoughtful college and career choices. In his spare time, Nick practices and competes in target archery and is looking to learn to golf, bringing discipline, focus and a commitment to continuous improvement to both his professional and personal life.