Fifteen years on both sides of the admissions desk: roughly ten years inside the office reading thousands of applications, five years guiding families through the search. Calm, informed help for the Classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029.
To redefine college counseling by guiding every student toward a place where they truly belong, academically, socially, and personally. Success isn't measured by rankings, but by finding a college that feels like home: where a student's strengths are valued, their goals are supported, and their potential can thrive.
I spent roughly ten years inside the Providence College admissions office reading applications and helping build classes. Then I spent five years on the high school side, supporting students and families through the same process. I know what colleges look for, and I know what families need.
The best college isn't the highest-ranked one. It's the one where the student belongs, academically, socially, personally. That's the school where they'll thrive, graduate, and build a life. That's the school we're looking for.
The college search shouldn't take over your family's dinner table. With a real plan and someone in your corner who's done this before, it doesn't have to.
Big schools and small, near and far. A snapshot of the colleges and universities where students I've worked with have earned acceptances.
Auburn University
Amherst College
Boston University
Boston College
Bucknell University
Clemson University
Columbia University
Florida State University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Indiana University Bloomington
Lynn University
Marist University
Northeastern University
New York University
Providence College
Rowan University
Rutgers University
Sacred Heart University
Santa Clara University
Stanford University
The College of New Jersey
The University of Alabama
University of Tampa
U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
U.S. Naval Academy
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
My interest in college admissions started young. My dad was the Dean of Admission at Manhattan College, and later the Director of Guidance at the high school level. Two of my brothers are high school counselors. Family parties usually turned into the four of us comparing notes on the latest trends in admissions.
I followed the same path: through Providence College as an undergrad, into the admissions office there for roughly ten years, then back to the high school side for five. Along the way I've read thousands of applications and counseled hundreds of families.
I started Brennan College Advising to help families approach this process the way it should be: thoughtfully, calmly, and with someone in their corner who knows what colleges actually look for.
Read the full story →“Thank you, Mr. Brennan, for all of your help. You made the process much easier and less stressful.”
A Student“Working with Mr. Brennan was one of the best decisions we made during our son's college application journey. He took the time to understand our son's strengths, helped him present his authentic story, and guided us through every step. We couldn't be happier, and highly recommend Patrick to any family navigating the process.”
A ParentWhether you need a one-time conversation about your college list or full support from junior year through committing, I'll meet you where you are.
A flexible, on-demand option. Bring your most pressing question (college list, course selection, test plan, an essay you're stuck on), and we'll work through it.
The blank page is the hardest part. So is the final edit. I'll help you find a topic that sounds like you, and shape it into a personal statement, supplement, or scholarship essay that holds up.
End-to-end strategy from building a college list through committing, including course planning, testing, applications, essays, and the final decision. The full partnership.
Tell me a little about your student and what you're hoping to figure out. I'll be in touch within one or two business days.