Hanna Stotland Is Not Like Other College Consultants
October 8, 2025
Hanna Stotland isn’t your typical college admissions consultant. From branding herself a “Disaster Girl” to embracing the toughest cases, clients with disciplinary records, Title IX findings, or mental health challenges. Hanna has built a niche in the margins. In this profile, The Harvard Crimson traces Stotland’s transformation: her personal journey through academic struggle, her move into crisis-driven consulting, and the controversies that follow when education, accountability, and reinvention collide.
College admissions expert Hanna Stotland, JD joins Chris Bell to talk about second chances in college admissions.
Hanna Stotland, JD has been an independent educational consultant specializing in crisis management for two decades. In this conversation with Hilary Lefitz from The College Advisor, she discusses how to avoid the pitfalls of drug and alcohol abuse as student and other dangers of campus life.
A past mistake doesn’t have to end a student’s college journey.
College admissions expert Hanna Stotland, JD shares insight with U.S. News & World Report on why students should align their school choice with long-term career goals and geographic outcomes, especially outside the top-ranked programs.
Hanna’s journey and philosophy offer insight and encouragement for families facing obstacles in education.
On February 9, 2023, college admissions consultant Hanna Stotland shared her remarkable journey and unique expertise on No Vacancy News. A former high school dropout who fought her way back to graduate from Harvard Law, Hanna now devotes her career to helping students who’ve faced trauma, addiction, or other challenges find their path to higher education. Known for guiding students that most colleges would quickly reject, she empowers them to tell their stories authentically—and to get accepted into the schools where they can thrive.
College admissions expert Hanna Stotland, JD is featured in a Chronicle of Higher Education article examining modern campus culture and the consequences of expanded reporting and disciplinary systems in higher education.
Hanna shares her experience helping families manage educational crises, navigate application disclosure questions, and strategically communicate their story so students can continue their higher education dreams.
Explore Hanna's insights on how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
Students accused of sexual misconduct say Title IX isn't working — and victims agree
