About Me
After receiving my BA from CSUN in Literature, I began work as a writer and production supervisor for a micro-budget film company. I also coached high school volleyball and volunteered with high school students at that time. My love for working with that age soon overtook my interest in screenwriting and working in Hollywood, so I got my M.F.A. from Queens University and work as an English teacher at an independent school in Los Angeles. While there, I helped hundreds of high school students write their college essays and find the very best school for them. When I left teaching in 2022, I started Captain Steele Consulting services, and the rest is history.
Personally, I am an avid reader, novelist, traveler, and life-long learner. I hike, backpack, rock climb, run triathlons, SCUBA dive, spear fish, play and coach beach volleyball, and surf. I also love boats. I’m married with twin daughters and live by the beach in Ventura, CA.
Professional Memberships
What I Do
My role is to walk with your child through the process of applying to colleges. Maybe they’re excited, or nervous, or a little of both. Maybe you’re feeling the same way. I want to share in their joy and alleviate their (and your) anxiety around the process
I work to serve as a kind of older sibling, if that older sibling has attended hundreds of colleges, has a deep knowledge base, is a strong communicator, and a seasoned essay coach. I seek to establish a rapport with my students, allowing them to open up, explore who they are and what they want, and then take ownership of their journey into a life of their own. This student-centered approach is designed to empower them to go after what they want, to advocate for themselves, and to be true to who they are and who they want to be. Then, we find the very best colleges for them, places that will foster their future growth and serve as homes away from home in the years to come.
From learning more about themselves, to choosing colleges, writing essays, and applying, I will be a trusted guide, source of encouragement, and knowledgeable coach each step of the way.
Specialties
General College Counseling
Let me help navigate the application process. From selecting schools that best fit your child, to writing stellar essays and submitting their applications, I guide and encourage them through each step of the process.
Counseling for Athletes
The college application process can be very different for student athletes who want to continue to play their sport at the collegiate level. I was a former student athlete and specialize in helping athletes get into college and keep playing their sport.
International Applications
If your child is interested in attending school abroad, but for longer than just a semester or year, I can help. From weighing the cost of attending school overseas, to finding the right country and university for you, let's explore options together.
My students grace the halls of
Testimonials
“Working with Mr. Steele was both incredibly helpful and very pleasant. I came to him not knowing how I should start or even what topic I should write about, but Mr. Steele’s insights into the writing process and different aspects of a strong essay allowed me to focus my scope and write a strong and unique essay. I couldn’t have done it without him.”
-Jon – Student at UCLA
“I had the pleasure of working with Adam on my college essays and again when applying for my school’s honors college. He made the writing process easy and understandable and was adaptable to my needs as I went through this process. He is a super encouraging mentor who made the essay portion of the college application process stress-free.”
-Jordan, Student at the University of Oregon
“Adam worked with our son on all of his applications, edited his essays, coached him on the interview process, and gave advice on all other parts. He is incredibly thorough and detail oriented. He helped us choose the right schools to apply to. He worked one on one with our son for months and gave him great encouragement. Our son ended up getting accepted at Princeton, so we are very happy with the results!”
-Cindy