Hi, I’m Angela Byrd, MBA, CEP - founder of Next Level Consultant, LLC.
I work with thoughtful families who want personalized guidance through the college planning and admissions process — especially families trying to balance opportunity, affordability, and student well-being in today’s increasingly overwhelming college landscape.
I believe students do not need to be perfect to find colleges where they can thrive.
Many of the students I work with are:
My goal is to help families make thoughtful, informed decisions while reducing unnecessary stress throughout the process.
My Approach:
Every student is different, which is why I believe college planning should never feel one-size-fits-all.
Together, we focus on:
Supporting Families Across North Carolina and Beyond:
I work with students applying to colleges across the country, including many public and private universities throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. From the UNC system to regional private colleges and merit aid opportunities, I help families navigate the process with a practical and personalized approach rooted in fit, affordability, and long-term goals.
Why I Created Next Level Consultant, LLC:
I created Next Level Consultant, LLC because I saw how overwhelming the college process had become for many families. Between rising tuition costs, changing admissions expectations, and constant online advice, many parents feel pressure to make “perfect” decisions without clear guidance. I wanted to create a calmer, more supportive experience where students and families could receive personalized guidance, honest feedback, and practical support throughout the process.
My Educational Background:
Education has shaped my own path in powerful ways, and I bring that perspective into every coaching relationship:
Professional Memberships
I am a Certified Educational Planner and stay current and connected through my involvement in industry leading professional organizations:
Let’s Start the Conversation
Whether your family is just beginning the process or trying to regain clarity during a stressful season, my guidance can help students move forward with greater confidence and direction.
*I adhere to the ethical guidelines for private counseling established by the National Association for College Admission Counseling
I work with thoughtful families who want personalized guidance through the college planning and admissions process — especially families trying to balance opportunity, affordability, and student well-being in today’s increasingly overwhelming college landscape.
I believe students do not need to be perfect to find colleges where they can thrive.
Many of the students I work with are:
- strong students who may not see themselves as “elite”
- still exploring majors or career interests
- overwhelmed by the admissions process
- looking for colleges that are the right academic, social, and financial fit
My goal is to help families make thoughtful, informed decisions while reducing unnecessary stress throughout the process.
My Approach:
Every student is different, which is why I believe college planning should never feel one-size-fits-all.
Together, we focus on:
- building balanced college lists
- exploring majors and career interests
- creating practical admissions strategies
- helping students stay organized and accountable
- finding colleges that fit both the student and the family financially
Supporting Families Across North Carolina and Beyond:
I work with students applying to colleges across the country, including many public and private universities throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. From the UNC system to regional private colleges and merit aid opportunities, I help families navigate the process with a practical and personalized approach rooted in fit, affordability, and long-term goals.
Why I Created Next Level Consultant, LLC:
I created Next Level Consultant, LLC because I saw how overwhelming the college process had become for many families. Between rising tuition costs, changing admissions expectations, and constant online advice, many parents feel pressure to make “perfect” decisions without clear guidance. I wanted to create a calmer, more supportive experience where students and families could receive personalized guidance, honest feedback, and practical support throughout the process.
My Educational Background:
Education has shaped my own path in powerful ways, and I bring that perspective into every coaching relationship:
- University of California, San Diego – Certificate in College Counseling
- University of Scranton – Master of Business Administration
- Hampton University – Bachelor of Science in Biology
- California State University, Dominguez Hills – Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Professional Memberships
I am a Certified Educational Planner and stay current and connected through my involvement in industry leading professional organizations:
- American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP)
- Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)
- Higher Educational Consultants Association (HECA)
- Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC)
- Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
- Gap Year Association (GYA)
Let’s Start the Conversation
Whether your family is just beginning the process or trying to regain clarity during a stressful season, my guidance can help students move forward with greater confidence and direction.
*I adhere to the ethical guidelines for private counseling established by the National Association for College Admission Counseling