About Ellen

Ellen Tener is a Smart College Selection Consultant.

Ellen is a Smart College Selection Consultant whose connection to the college admissions process spans more than a decade.

Ellen's journey into college consulting began when she worked alongside a consultant who helped each of her two sons through their college applications. Watching that process firsthand, she saw how valuable steady, informed guidance could be — and knew she wanted to provide that same support to other families. Her background in education made the transition a natural one.

Now she works with teenagers and their parents to navigate the complex, and often overwhelming, college decision-making process. Families appreciate her structured approach, her clear communication, and the genuine care she brings to every student she serves.

Ellen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and English and a Master of Education from Vanderbilt University and completed the Certificate in College Admissions Consulting from the University of California, Berkeley. She has worked as a classroom educator and contributed to language arts curriculum development. As a trained Vanderbilt University alumni interviewer, she has evaluated applicants from the admissions side — giving her a nuanced understanding of how applications are read and what helps a student stand out.

Ellen maintains an active and ongoing engagement with colleges and universities across the country. Through regular campus visits and conversations with admissions professionals, she stays closely attuned to the evolving landscape of higher education. She has deep familiarity with rigorous academic pathways, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, and helps students make thoughtful choices that align with both ambition and well-being.

Ellen is an active member of the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) and the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC), both of which require adherence to strict principles of integrity, transparency, and student-centered guidance.

Having lived in several regions of the United States and abroad, Ellen brings a broad and balanced perspective to the students she serves. Most of all, she loves the energy of students ready to set out in pursuit of their dreams — and the trusting relationships she builds with them along the way.

Ellen lives in Frederick, Maryland, with her husband. In her free time, she swims, cheers on her favorite college football and basketball teams, gathers with her book club of more than 25 years, and hosts dinner parties for friends.