About

I am a graduate of Andover and Yale, an experienced educational consultant, married to a professor at NYU Stern School of Business and NYU Shanghai, and mom of a thriving recent college graduate. My family and I live in New York’s West Village.

I apply the perspectives and knowledge I gained as an executive at Pearson Education and Oxford University Press, as a school and college alum interviewer, and as a literary agent, to the rewarding work of helping young people discover and pursue their educational and life goals and distinguish themselves from other hardworking and talented college applicants.

Barbara Rifkind

Over my career in education, I have met with professors and students at over 400 North American college campuses and at schools and universities across Asia, Europe, and South America. In my executive roles, I mentored younger colleagues from first jobs through flourishing careers. As a literary agent, I helped clients craft their pitches and make successful publishing matches.

All these experiences have given me a powerful toolkit to help students and families achieve their goals. I am a graduate of UC Irvine’s Independent Educational Consultant certificate program. I am an active member of professional associations including HECA, IECA, NACAC, NJACAC, and NYSACAC, and follow their principles of good practice and professional codes of ethics.

Barbara Rifkind

Founder and Counselor,
Arise Advising

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