Chicago North Shore Moms is pleased to bring you a very special Small Business Spotlight with the lovely Alexa Micley, mom of three adorable littles and the founder of Alexa Micley Education, a boutique college consulting firm that empowers students with unique essays and expert application strategy.
The college admissions process has never been more competitive—or more overwhelming. That’s where Alexa Micley comes in. As a mom of three little ones and the founder of Alexa Micley Education, she understands the pressure families face when navigating this high-stakes journey. A former high school English teacher with a passion for storytelling, Alexa helps students craft standout applications, find their unique voices, and approach the process with confidence. After years in Chicago, she now calls Maryland home, but she remains deeply connected to Chicagoland families through her virtual consulting work. In this interview, Alexa shares expert insights on when to start, what really matters, and how to make the process less stressful—so parents can focus on supporting their kids without losing sleep over applications.
Hi Alexa! Please introduce yourself.
Hi! I’m Alexa Micley. I’m a mom of three young children, which means life is never dull! My family recently moved to Potomac, Maryland for my husband’s job, but before that, we spent six and a half amazing years in Lakeview. Chicago still feels like home, and we’re still very connected to our community there.
What are one or two fun things to know about you?
I’m a power-walker. If there’s a way to get somewhere by foot, I’ll take it. You can usually spot me pushing a stroller, even in the dead of winter.
What are your favorite local places to hang out and/or dine?
When I lived in Chicago, my go-to brunch spot was Southport Grocer and Ella Elli or Ema for dinner/drinks.
Let’s play “this or that… “
Coffee or tea? Coffee, always
Red vines or twizzlers? Red vines
Potato chips or tortilla chips? Tortilla chips
Scary movies or romcoms? Romcoms
Airplane or RV? Airplane
Skiing or chilling on the beach? Chilling at the beach with a good book in hand
Let’s get down to business. Please introduce Alexa Micley Education? What is it? When did you start it? Why did you start it?
Alexa Micley Education offers full-service college application support to a small cohort of students annually. I guide students holistically—helping with college lists, coursework recommendations, test prep suggestions, extracurricular guidance and, my area of specialization, application essays. As a former English teacher, I love helping students find their voices and tell their stories in compelling ways.
I started my business (AME) in 2021, but have been in this field since 2013. During my time in graduate school at Columbia University, I began offering freelance application support and continued doing so alongside my work as a high school English teacher. While I’m no longer in the classroom, I love connecting with students one-on-one through my work as an application consultant. I’m grateful to be running AME full-time today.
What are some early steps high school students can take to start shaping a compelling college narrative, even before they begin their applications?
The most important thing students can do is find an authentic interest, whether that be academic or extracurricular. Having a niche or area of passion can always help a student stand out.
How do you help students identify and highlight their unique strengths and stories in applications, especially in today’s competitive admissions landscape?
I use lots of techniques, from a very detailed brainstorming guide with journal prompts honed over the years, to extensive interviewing. A lot of it is about actively listening, paying attention and connecting the dots. When we start the essay writing process, many students say, “There’s nothing interesting about me!” But I find people endlessly fascinating. I love peeling back the layers and helping a student feel seen in their uniqueness.
Can you share tips on balancing strong academics with standout extracurriculars to create a well-rounded application profile?
Admissions officers consistently report that academics – grades and course rigor – are highly considered in the application process. I encourage students to focus first and foremost on this component, which is really the backbone of the application. That said, good grades are simply not enough in today’s admissions landscape. What you do beyond the classroom (in your school as well as outside of it) matters, and instead of spreading yourself thin, aim for depth and impact in a smaller subset of activities.
What advice would you give parents on when to start SAT/ACT prep and other key test preparation?
I recommend using the PSAT as a diagnostic and starting SAT/ACT prep in the summer before junior year. The summer is a great time to get ahead without school distractions. Whether through self-study, a course, or a tutor, having a clear and structured prep plan is key. Many colleges are reinstating testing requirements, and while test-optional policies still exist, strong scores are increasingly becoming an asset as more students choose to report them.
How do you assist students in navigating merit-based scholarship applications and writing effective scholarship essays?
College is an exorbitant expense, and there is no greater feeling than helping a family alleviate that burden. The truth is, there are so many scholarship opportunities out there. Motivated students who are willing to put in the work — and yes, that often means extra essays — can have amazing financial resources at their fingertips. I help students locate scholarships that match their backgrounds and interests, as well as brainstorm how to present themselves in ways that will resonate with scholarship committees.
I’m sure you often hear from parents, “we didn’t have college application consultants and we did just fine.” Why do parents these days often turn to college application consultants for help with this entire process?
The application landscape is constantly shifting, and is more competitive than ever. College is also more expensive than ever. And while there is unpredictability in this process, a good consultant can help you navigate it strategically so that you are informed and empowered with the best options.
After nearly twelve years of working with students nationwide, I have countless case studies. A consultant provides a valuable zoomed-out lens to identify ways to strengthen an applicant’s profile.
Finally, hiring a consultant can be helpful for Shalom Bayit, a Hebrew saying which translates as “peace in the home.” The college application process involves a great deal of work and careful planning. Having a consultant who is your “sherpa” through the process makes it possible for parents to step back and relax, knowing their child is putting their best foot forward.
What is the recommended age to start all of this?
I do not work with students younger than 9th grade. Anything before high school, in my view, is simply too young and could compromise a student’s sense of play, exploration, and mental health.
Beginning in 9th grade, it can be helpful to begin developing a relationship with a consultant to help overview certain priorities — such as course rigor and extracurricular development — in a way that will position the student for success later on.
In terms of college list-building, the recommended time to begin is in a student’s junior year, and for college essays, it’s that summer before senior year. I work intensively with students during those summer months so that they can return to school with as many applications complete as possible.
What are your contact details including social for those who want to reach out?
No company social accounts, but you can contact me via my website: www.alexamicleyeducation.com. My work is fully virtual, and I love supporting Chicagoland students and families. Please reach out for a complimentary consultation.
