About

Hi, I’m Jackie Postelnick — a college planning consultant based in Crystal Lake and the founder of Conscious College Planning. I work with busy parents who want the best for their teen but feel overwhelmed by the college admissions process. If that’s you, you’re not alone — and I’m here to help.

With over a decade of experience, I offer personalized guidance to help students confidently navigate every step: from choosing the right college major and building a strong application list to planning SAT/ACT timelines, writing standout essays, and applying for scholarships. Every plan is tailored to fit your teen’s goals and schedule, with full transparency so you, as a parent, always feel informed and empowered.

All services are virtual, so your student can get expert coaching from the comfort of home, whether you're in McHenry County, Chicagoland, or anywhere in the U.S.

In addition to my college consulting work, I serve as Secretary on the Crystal Lake Chamber Foundation Board, where I help raise and award scholarships to local students. This gives me valuable insight into what scholarship committees (like ours) are really looking for — and I bring that perspective directly into my work with students.

Let’s take the stress out of college planning! Call me today at 815-669-0150 or schedule your free strategy session at www.ConsciousCollegePlanning.com — I’d love to meet you and hear more about your teen’s journey.