College Admissions Counselor Mark Montgomery
Mark Montgomery, PhD, is a college admissions counselor in Denver, and the CEO and Founder of Great College Advice®, a global college consulting firm.
Mark has been a high school teacher, a college professor, an admissions officer, and a senior college administrator. He created Great College Advice® in 2007 to share his insider knowledge to demystify higher education and deliver solid guidance to students and their families.
Mark uses his knowledge of schools and experience as a professor and administrator to advise students and their families through the college preparation, selection, and application process.
College Admissions Expert and University Insider
Former Associate Dean at the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies, admissions counselor for Fort Lewis College, and an external evaluator for teaching and learning programs at other universities, including the Yale University and University of Kansas.
An Award-Winning Educator
College professor at the University of Denver, teaching award from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, instructor at Harvard University, high school teacher at Saint Mary’s Academy in Denver, Fulbright teacher in France, and a leadership award from the Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers (CCFLT).
An Empathetic Coach
A Global Thinker
Fulbright grantee and high school teacher in Grenoble, France; college professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Masters and PhD degrees in international relations from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; lived in Mexico for a year with his wife and children.
Professional College Admissions Counselor in Denver
Education
- Dartmouth College: BA Cum Laude
- Tufts University, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy: MA and PhD
- University of Northern Colorado: Professional Teaching License in Secondary Education, Coursework in Educational Administration
- Independent Educational Consultants Association: Summer Training Institute for College Admissions Counselors
Personal
Mark is married to a wonderful woman named Laura, who directs an after school program for talented–but under-resourced–college-bound youth. They have two sons. The family enjoys skiing and hiking together in the Colorado Rockies, as well as traveling around the country and abroad. Mark and Laura enjoy ballroom dancing together, and they also enjoy hiking, camping, and learning foreign languages. Mark also sings tenor, reads The Economist religiously, and listens to NPR.
To reach Mark Montgomery, please complete our contact form or call 720.279.7577.
TESTIMONIALS
Mark’s best trait is that he brings absolute calmness to your child and family situation. He made everyone feel fantastic and at ease throughout the process. Mark is as good as it gets when it comes to serious college advice. When Mark sent us the final bill, I asked him to increase the fee because of the magnificent job he did for our family. My only advice is to hire him ASAP.
I met Mark 10 years ago when I first started applying to college. I was struggling with the application process and did not have a strong support network at home as my dad had passed away and my mom spoke very little English. I reached out to Mark for his help as a college advisor and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. With Mark's help, I received a full scholarship to one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. He is more than just a college advisor: he continues to be a trusted friend and mentor.
Mark helped me explore the college options beyond the biggest names. My ultimate college selection was one that I never would have even heard about without his assistance, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for me and an amazing launching pad for my future studies and career. Mark also ensured that I had autonomy throughout the process and that my search was authentic to myself and my goals, which I greatly appreciated and respected as a young person still coming to grips with his own independence.
Back when I was applying for college, Mark was a great resource with finding a college that fit with my needs as well as getting through the application process successfully! I loved my undergrad experience and wouldn't have found my alma mater without his help.
TESTIMONIALS
What I found most helpful were all the 1-on-1 chats and calls I had with Mark where he was able to talk through all the ideas I had in my head and turn them into something that was actually actionable. His guidance and wisdom was invaluable in helping me find a college that was just the right fit for me and one where I felt I could thrive. I would recommend Mark for anyone looking for an outstanding college advisor!
Mark did an amazing job counseling me through the admission process 4 years ago. He understood my priorities and concerns and did everything he could to help me find a great fit. His caring and personal approach made the process very smooth. I especially appreciate that we remain in touch and that he is someone I can always go to for advice.
Your guidance and support all along has made our life much easier. To us, it has been a valuable journey during which we developed a better understanding of Christie’s needs and feelings, and we have also learned how to relax and let go in terms of our parenting. Now that she is more confident and relaxed, and we enjoy a much better relationship with each other than before.