Decision Drop is an independent education consulting company that helps high school students and their families navigate the college admissions process. Lisa and Josh are career-long college counseling professionals who have worked in admissions offices and led high school counseling departments. Their experience gives them a behind-the-scenes perspective that they bring to every student with whom they work. 

Together, they help students identify schools where they will thrive academically, socially, and personally. They collaborate closely with students to cut through the noise and make sense of the often overwhelming application process. Their goal is to guide families calmly through the chaos of the college admissions process. Along the way, they make the process understandable, manageable, and, dare we say, fun.

The quality of service you will receive from us is the best in the industry for two primary reasons:

With every package, you benefit from a truly collaborative approach and two expert perspectives. Josh and Lisa share every client and commit to helping them find the right fit, while bringing different strengths, styles, and insights. 

Together, they offer rare firsthand expertise from years working in highly selective university admissions offices and leading high school college counseling programs. Having seen the process from both sides, they understand how applications are read and how students can present their authentic selves in the best light possible. Their extensive experience allows them to guide students with clarity and care. We help students cut through the noise, find their authentic voice, and present themselves confidently and genuinely throughout the application process.

Known for a relational, student-centered approach, we meet students where they are and support them as brainstorming partners, editors, mentors, and guides. We empower them to move through the journey ahead with confidence. We offer a comprehensive college advising program that covers every part of the admissions journey. 

See our more detailed list of services for each class here:

• Seniors

• Juniors

• Sophomores/Freshmen

We have both worked in high schools and deeply respect the important work counselors do, often while supporting large caseloads. Our role is not to replace your school counselor, but to expand the support available by spending more time with each student and tailoring guidance to their individual needs.

Families who work with us receive highly personalized support. We take time to truly get to know each student, stay current on admissions trends, and are available beyond the school day, including evenings and weekends. We guide students thoughtfully through every step of the process, including exploring college options, shaping essays, prepping for interviews, course planning, and organizing materials.

It’s never too late, but the ideal time for most students to begin is during their sophomore year. Starting then gives us plenty of room to plan courses, consider summer opportunities, and build a thoughtful application strategy. Every family is different, and we are also happy to begin as early as freshman year (or even spring of 8th grade) if a student wants help mapping out the next four years.

No matter when you start with us, our goal is to help families stay calm, organized, and proactive. Seniors are absolutely welcome, and we offer concentrated support for essays, applications, and deadlines. Earlier is helpful, but students at any stage can benefit from one-on-one coaching.

We customize our meeting schedule for every student. Most families meet with us regularly throughout junior and senior year, with email and text check-ins in between. Some periods, such as essay season, may involve weekly sessions, while other times are more flexible. We meet virtually with most students, but in-person options are available depending on location and preference. Our goal is to make communication easy and comfortable for the whole family.

Our coaching style is fun, friendly, encouraging, and student centered. We aim to make the college process feel empowering rather than overwhelming by taking time to truly get to know each student, including their strengths, interests, and personality. We guide them with patience, positivity, and a genuine belief in their potential.

Every student works with both of us, so each college list, essay, and application plan benefits from two professional perspectives shaped by more than 40+ years of combined experience in college admission and high school counseling. We work hard and take the process seriously, while also making space for laughter and celebrating every milestone. Above all, our approach honors each student’s individuality and helps them move through the college process with confidence and clarity.

Not at all. Josh is based in Texas and Lisa is based in Florida (having previously worked in TX and OK), and we have extensive knowledge of schools like UT Austin, Texas A&M, the University of Florida, and Florida State. We also work with students across the country and around the world. Our experience includes helping students gain admission to selective national universities, Ivy League institutions, international schools, and other hidden gems across the US and around the world.

Yes to all of this! Simply request an initial consultation, and we will develop a customized plan for you.

The first step is easy. Complete our contact form to schedule a free introductory call. During the conversation, we will learn more about your student, review our services and pricing, and address any questions. If it feels like a good match, we will create a customized plan and begin working together.