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  • Founder & CEO
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What if the key to your college essay isn't the story you tell--but the personal strength you discover while writing it?

About Decoding America

Many students don't realize how deeply their social identities shape their story. At Decoding America, we see the college application process as an opportunity to empower students to uncover these powerful connections. Through engaging workshops and one-on-one support, we guide each student to explore their identity, own their story and transform lived experience into opportunity.

Founder & CEO

Decoding America emerged from Carolyn Siegel's inquiry into identity in the college process during her Education Leadership M.Ed. at Harvard Graduate School of Education, and it was catalyzed by a presentation she gave at a NACAC (National Association for College Admission Counseling) conference, where she promoted the essential role of self-reflection in the college application process. Through Decoding America, Carolyn leverages her background in language teaching and college counseling to guide students to articulate what makes them unique from the start of the process thus strengthening their self-awareness for the journey through the application process and beyond.

Learn more about Carolyn

Our Services

student workshops

Student Workshops

Individual Support

Individual Support

Our student workshops guide students through thoughtful identity exploration and reflection to help them write meaningful, authentic college essays that stand out and truly reflect who they are. Optional post-workshop reports—available in basic and premium formats—help students take their next steps with clarity and confidence.

individual college counseling

Individual Support

Individual Support

Individual Support

Through personalized one-on-one college counseling sessions, students explore their identities and reflect deeply, ultimately crafting college essays that clearly convey their authentic selves.

Testimonials

Carolyn was an absolute delight to work with. She connected instantly with our teen, offering thoughtful insights into what to look for in a college and how to approach the application process with confidence. She built a strong, genuine relationship with her, showing true care and commitment every step of the way. More than just guiding her through applications, she helped her define what success means on her own terms—and empowered her to go after it. We are very grateful for her support and kindness.


-Parent, Los Gatos High School (Los Gatos, California)



 I felt extremely comfortable asking Carolyn questions and sharing concerns. She offered very clear and sensible insight, helpful constructive criticism and specific suggestions.


-Daphne, Madison East High School (Madison, Wisconsin)

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