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FOCUS ON LONG-TERM INDEPENDENCE
The goal is not ongoing reliance, but helping students build skills to manage college, and life, on their own.
PRACTICAL,
SYSTEM-BASED SUPPORT
Clear, concrete strategies for navigating coursework, communicating with faculty, and the day-to-day demands of college.
DEEP EXPERIENCE WITH COLLEGE STUDENTS
Over two decades working with college students, understanding where they struggle and what actually helps.
Hello, I am Maria Montaperto!
YOUR TRUSTED
COLLEGE LIFE COACH
As a professor who has worked with thousands of college students across multiple universities, I’ve spent years witnessing students struggle with the transition into college and throughout their academic lives. In after-class talks and during office hours, I’ve helped students work through challenges and build approaches that help them flourish.
I'm a first-generation college student who, from my undergraduate years through a master's and PhD, had to find my own way much of the time. Over the past three decades, I've also worked with students from a diverse range of backgrounds, each with their own unique strengths and needs. Together, these experiences have given me firsthand insight into the many different paths students take to success.
My approach is rooted in a compassion-based, student-centered philosophy that recognizes and respects students' individuality while supporting their continued growth as confident, capable, and independent adults.
WHY TRUST ME?
25
YEARS OF
Compassion-Based Mentoring
1000’s
OF QUESTIONS
asked and answered
5,000+
MOMENTS OF
reassurance given
To Parents
You want your student to succeed and truly thrive as they make their way through this new terrain. I provide a sturdy bridge between there and here, from high school, through college, to the rest of their lives.
To Students
Whether you’re entering your first year, or halfway through, you don’t have to have it all figured out. I’m here to help you think through the confusion, make decisions, and truly inhabit the adulthood waiting for you.
My Services
Five Foundations for Living College Life Well
Strengthening Academic Practices
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Study strategies and skills
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Organization and time management
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Manage course technology and digital systems
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University support and resources
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Academic and degree planning
Navigating the University Landscape
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Course registration and scheduling
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Financial assistance programs
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Communicating with faculty and administrators
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University policies and procedures
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Campus services: shuttles, dining, commuter parking, campus living
Developing a Professional Profile
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Internships and on-campus employment
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Service and applied learning experiences
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Campus networking events and workshops
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Resume and portfolio development
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Career and post-graduate planning
Free for subscribers
THE ULTIMATE WELLNESS GUIDEBOOK
I'm thrilled to offer you my latest creation, "The Ultimate Wellness Guidebook," a comprehensive resource designed to ignite your journey to a healthier, more balanced life.
Discover actionable steps to enhance your well-being, tailored for individuals at every stage of their wellness journey.
This e-book is not just a guide, it's a companion on your path to a happier, healthier you.
How it works
THE 4 EASY STEPS
A thoughtful approach to navigating the challenges and opportunities of college life.
Building Connection & Community
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Student organizations and clubs
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Departmental and campus events
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Residential life and the commuter experience
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Social life and peer relationships
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Off-campus community involvement
Supporting Holistic Well-Being
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Physical fitness and health center services
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Disability and accessibility services
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Mental health and emotional well-being
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Academic and personal life balance
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Sleep, nutrition, and self-care
1.
Semester Roadmap Session
A focused review of course syllabi, academic and personal goals, strengths and challenges, and the development of a personalized plan of action.
2.
Targeted Coaching
Collaborative sessions that provide practical support, accountability, encouragement, and guidance through the day-to-day realities of college life.
3.
Between-Session Email Support
Access to additional support between sessions for questions, check-ins, and assistance with a specific situation.
4.
End-of-term Consultation
An achievement assessment session and practical goal-setting for the next semester.
Support Options
Support packages and add-ons crafted with precision, designed to meet you where you are
and guide you forward.
Semester Foundations
Structured support at key points in the semester with a final wrap-up after coursework is completed.
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Three 40-minute Zoom sessions
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One 20-minute end-of-term wrap-up session.
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Email check-ins
Expanded Semester Support
Enhanced support through additional touchpoints for accountability and course correction, and a final wrap-up after coursework is completed.
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Five 40-minute Zoom sessions
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One 20-minute end-of-term wrap-up session.
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Email check-ins
Additional Support Add-Ons
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Additional half or full sessions available on an as-needed basis for students and/or parents.
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Targeted research assistance with degree requirements, institutional processes, and specialized campus support services.
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Small group workshops for optimizing organization, self-advocacy, digital and other college success skills.
Testimonials
WHAT MY CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT WORKING WITH ME
I would just like her to know how thankful I am to have had her as a professor. She was an amazing influence in my life during a really hard time.
Sal – Past Student
"Maria has been an incredible resource as we've navigated college with two very different students. Her guidance has made the journey feel far less overwhelming."
katherine - Parent of a College Senior & Freshman
"College can be really overwhelming at times. When I wasn't sure what to do or where to turn, Maria helped me think things through. It made everything feel a lot less stressful."
kate - College Sophomore
Get all the details
FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
College coaching involves personalized sessions focused on enhancing a student’s academic success as well as helping them with ongoing holistic personal growth. It's a collaborative process where a coach guides a student toward better understanding their goals, overcoming challenges, and achieving their aspirations.
Sessions typically last 40-45 minutes, ensuring ample time for discussion, goal-setting, and personalized guidance. The duration provides a focused and impactful coaching experience.
Yes and no. While academics remain central, I take a holistic approach that recognizes the many factors that influence student success. Along with academic concerns, attention is given to personal development, career preparedness, health and wellness, stress management, and social well-being.
My coaching is tailored, empathetic, and rooted in a holistic, whole-person approach that recognizes each student’s individuality while supporting academic success, personal growth, career readiness, and overall well-being.
Frequency depends on the package purchased. However, extra sessions are available at an individual rate.
Absolutely! Additional shorter or full sessions are available on an as-needed basis.