Why BCA?

Choosing the right college consultant can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Each consultant brings a different background—some are former admissions officers who focus primarily on the application process, others are current college students offering insights from their own experiences, and some are teachers balancing consulting as a side job.

The key is finding the right fit for your student—someone who understands their unique goals, strengths, and aspirations. A great consultant does more than just guide students through the application process; they help them discover and develop their passions in meaningful ways. The best outcomes happen when students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to pursue opportunities that align with their interests, whether that means leading initiatives, engaging in research, or making an impact in their communities.

Brookhaven College Advisors offers not just expertise, but also mentorship—someone who will empower your student to grow academically, personally, and as a leader.

Bea Varona-Farach

Founder | College Advisor &  Financial and Merit Aid Specialist

Bea Varona-Farach is an independent educational consultant who guides students through the college admissions process in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Spain. She helps students identify their aptitudes, strengths, and interests, strategically cultivating them throughout high school to stand out in the competitive college application process.

As a first-generation college student and daughter of immigrants who valued education as a pathway to opportunity, Bea understands firsthand the importance of the college planning process and the significance of finding the right fit—academically, socially, and financially.

With years of experience advising highly motivated U.S. and international students, first-generation applicants, and multicultural families, Bea understands the diverse needs of today’s college-bound students. Many of her students pursue careers in STEM, Engineering, Architecture, Business, Nursing, Liberal Arts, Pre-Law, and Pre-Med. Her goal is to help each student find a best-fit college where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally, setting the foundation for lifelong success.

Given her finance degree and previous career in investment management, Bea takes a strategic approach to college affordability, helping families understand the financial realities of higher education. She has developed expertise in college financial planning, merit aid, and navigating financial aid options, ensuring families have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

Bea has successfully guided hundreds of students through the college application process, both as a high school counselor and an independent educational consultant. Over the past eight years, her students have secured over $12 million in scholarships.

She is an active member of the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC), the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), adhering to their ethical and professional stands and staying at the forefront of evolving college admissions trends.

Bea earned her BBA in Finance from Emory University and transitioned into education in 2011. Based in Atlanta, GA, U.S. and Burgos, Spain, she brings a strategic, student-centered approach to college advising, empowering students to reach their highest potential while helping families make financially sound college choices.

MY MISSION

My mission is to empower students to discover their passions, cultivate essential life skills, and approach education as a pathway to realizing their full potential. I guide students to see learning as more than just academics—it’s a foundation for personal growth, leadership, and making a meaningful impact on their generation and beyond. Through thoughtful self-reflection, I encourage students to find universities that align with their personal, academic, and professional goals—ultimately leading them to a fulfilling and happy future.

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS!

Read what students and parents say when students maximize their admission chances and get into their best-fit university.

She struck the perfect balance between support and challenge, pushing him in ways that we simply couldn’t (or let’s be honest, in ways he wouldn’t accept from us). I can’t overstate my appreciation for the number of family arguments she saved us from having during the application process.

Bea’s depth of knowledge was invaluable, from helping him narrow his college choices to providing specific, insightful guidance on his essays. She always responded quickly to our questions and concerns, making what could have been an overwhelming process feel manageable and structured.

Most importantly, our son felt supported and confident throughout the journey.  We are all very aware that having Bea in his corner made a huge difference in how he approached these competitive applications and ultimately, in the outcome.

I wholeheartedly recommend Bea to any family navigating this process—she’s a true expert and an even better guide. We consider it money well spent.

Amanda H., Parent Bennett H., Class of 2025

Thank you for leading both my daughters to achieve their college dreams! You understood their strengths, needs and positioned them for college acceptance success!

Your essay coaching was exceptional which led them to gain admission to their first-choice colleges - Boston University and Wake Forest!

In addition, your guidance regarding the financial aid process and targeting universities that would meet my family's financial needs led to full rides at both universities!

Deidre J., mother of Jemeya J., class of 2025 & Jabea J., class of 2026

Your advice, support, and available resources made Garrett's search for a college unique to his individual requests, interests, and expectations.

Without your guidance and continued confidence in Garrett this process would have been painful.

Your dedication to our son and your continued communication was impressive. 

You made this senior year a smooth process for all of us.

Deneen M, Parent of Garrett M., Class of 2025

I have some exciting news... I got into my first choice, Bowdoin College in Maine! I could not have been more excited to receive the news. The first thing I wanted to do was reach out to you as you have been such a big part of my journey. I cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me and all the help you’ve given me throughout this college process. I feel like I’ve worked towards the idea of college for so long, and I’m finally here! You are such a major pillar in my college application journey, and I am so so grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for all that you’ve given me.

Anna T., class of 2021

Hi Bea!  I got into UPenn!  Thank you so much for your help! I could not have done it without you!

Camille G., Class of 2025

My daughter just texted you to share the great news! You were the first person she mentioned when she received the acceptance! Thank you so much for everything!

Your record is strong!  Thank you so much!

Caroline G,. Mother of Camille G., Class of 2025

12 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an IEC

(and my answers)

  • Absolutely not. No ethical independent educational consultant (IEC) should make those promises. Admissions decisions are made by colleges, not consultants, and scholarships depend on a variety of factors. My role is to help students find the right-fit schools where they can thrive—academically, socially, and financially.

  • Staying informed is a top priority. I dedicate 20% of my time to professional development, regularly attending college admissions conferences, networking with admissions officers, and visiting 30+ colleges a year across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Spain. I also follow industry news and research to keep my students informed of the latest trends.

  • Yes! I’m a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC). Membership in these organizations ensures I stay up to date with best practices and highest standards in the field.

  • Yes! I attend multiple national and international conferences each year, present on key topics in college advising, and participate in ongoing training to stay ahead of admissions trends and policy changes.

  • Never. I work for students and families—not schools. My only goal is to help students find the best-fit college based on their unique needs, without outside influence.

  • Yes. Families receive a clear breakdown of services and fees before we begin working together—no surprises, no hidden costs.

  • No. These applications represent you, and colleges want to see your authentic work. However, I’ll provide guidance, structure, and feedback to help you present your best self in your applications and essays.

  • I’ve been advising students for nearly a decade, working with high school students, first-generation applicants, and international families.

  • I earned my BBA in Finance from Emory University and worked in Investment Management before transitioning to education in 2011. My experience in finance also allows me to guide families through the financial aspects of college planning, ensuring they make informed decisions about affordability.

  • No. I know many admissions officers, but college decisions are based on merit, not connections. My goal is to help students craft compelling applications that showcase their strengths, so they are admitted based on their own achievements.

  • Yes! I work with students across a wide range of academic interests and talents, from STEM and business to nursing, pre-law, pre-med, and liberal arts. I also specialize in advising students with learning differences, athletes, international and first-generation students.

  • 100%! As an IECA professional member, I adhere to the highest ethical standards in private college counseling, ensuring that students receive honest, unbiased, and professional guidance throughout the process.