About STC Consulting
At STC Consulting, college admissions isn't just what we do—it's been part of our lives for more than two decades.
We met while working together in undergraduate admissions at Loyola University Chicago and have spent our careers helping students and families navigate important life decisions. Along the way, we got married, started a family, and never really stopped talking about what helps young people thrive.
Today, our daughter is in college and our son is in high school, giving us a front-row seat to many of the same questions, excitement, and uncertainty that families experience every day.
That's one of the reasons we created STC Consulting.
We believe the college search should be more than a series of deadlines, essays, and application portals. It should be a time of discovery, growth, and possibility. While the process can certainly feel stressful at times, it can also be exciting, rewarding, and even fun.
Our goal is to help students and families approach important educational decisions with clarity, confidence, and a sense of excitement about what's next—whether that's finding the right undergraduate college or taking the next step toward graduate school.
Meet Susan
Susan has spent more than 30 years helping students navigate important educational decisions, with a particular focus on undergraduate admissions and college counseling. She holds a master's degree in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago and brings extensive experience in admissions, student development, and helping high school students find colleges where they can thrive.
One parent described Susan as "the teen whisperer"… a nickname she earned through her remarkable ability to connect with students, build trust, and help them open up about their interests, goals, and aspirations.
Known for creating an environment that is both supportive and encouraging, Susan helps transform what can feel like an overwhelming process into one that is organized, enjoyable, and often surprisingly fun. Her goal is not only to help students find the right college, but to help them better understand themselves along the way.
Meet Toby
Toby has spent more than 25 years working in higher education, including graduate admissions, enrollment management, marketing, and executive education leadership at Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
He holds a master's degree in Communication from Northwestern University and has personally reviewed thousands of graduate school applications throughout his career. Having worked closely with graduate and professional programs, Toby understands how admissions decisions are made, what programs look for in applicants, and how candidates can effectively communicate their experiences, goals, and potential.
Toby particularly enjoys helping prospective graduate students think through important questions: Is graduate school the right next step? Which programs are the best fit? How can applicants tell their stories in ways that are both authentic and compelling?
His approach is practical, candid, and personalized. Whether working with a college senior considering a master's degree or an experienced professional exploring an MBA, Toby helps applicants navigate the process with greater clarity and confidence.
Why STC?
Because choosing a college or graduate program is about more than getting accepted.
It's about understanding your goals, finding the right fit, and discovering opportunities that can shape your future.
We bring decades of firsthand admissions experience, two complementary areas of expertise, and a shared belief that the process should be personal, practical, and maybe even a little fun.
Success Through Clarity.
