Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W. Partner, College and Graduate School Advising The Bertram Group

Deena Maerowitz, J.D., M.S.W.

Partner, College and Graduate School Advising

Deena uses her background as both a lawyer and an MSW to support students and their families throughout the entire admissions process, planning both undergraduate and graduate educations. Her clients rely on her expertise as a former Associate Director of Admissions at Columbia Business School and her skills in helping students learn to advocate and position themselves in the admissions process, while she helps to reduce the anxiety and stress that is part of applying to college and graduate school.

Deena graduated magna cum laude from Mount Holyoke College and received her law degree and Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. She has served as a Counsel in the U.S. Congress, where she focused on education issues, and in the private sector for national public interest organizations, such as the Children’s Defense Fund. Prior to becoming an educational consultant, Deena was Associate Director of Admissions at Columbia University Business School, where she reviewed hundreds of applications and gained keen insights into what makes a candidate stand out.

Deena’s many years working with students, her “insider” understanding of the admissions process, and her focus on the myriad details and nuances help her students to find colleges that are the best fit and where they can thrive.

Professional Affiliations include:

  • Professional member, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

  • Member, National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC)

  • Member, Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)

Deena in the Press:

“Summer Jobs for Teens: Do They Still Need Them?”
Family Circle Magazine, May 2019

“What Graduate Schools Think About Your College.”
U.S. News & World Report, May 23, 2019

“Summer Break? I’m Working On It.”
New York Times, May 27, 2009

Deena’s Presentations & Podcasts:

What families say about working with Deena:

  • "Hey Deena! I called a couple days ago to share the Yale news. I’m doing great. My whole family is ecstatic and we really can’t thank you enough for helping me get to this point. Really could not have done it without you." 

    —Student 

  • “Deena Maerowitz made all the difference for 2 of our children during the college admissions process. She focused on the strengths of each child and provided invaluable guidance that only years of experience could provide. As concerned parents, we appreciated Deena’s’ depth of knowledge, sensitivity and strong communication skills. The process completely empowered both my children in their college search and application process. The guidance and preparation she provided maximized every opportunity and got them into the best college possible. If I had been 'guiding' my sons, it would have been much more stressful (and difficult on our relationship). The deadlines and structure that Deena provided my sons was perfect for them. They both had a much more positive and manageable experience than many of their peers. She gave us much needed peace of mind and wonderful results.” 

    —Parent

  • "My daughter was terrified of the college interview process; therefore, we decided to get her a college coach.  After 1 or 2 sessions with Deena, we were amazed at how confident and poised she became.  She felt very comfortable and empowered during her college interviews.  We cannot thank Deena enough for the professional coaching she provided to our daughter.  Ultimately, she was accepted Early Decision at Wellesley!" 

    —Parent

  • "What I wanted in a consultant was someone who could steer my son through the essay writing process without the drama.  We had had our fair share of family arguments about what to write, when to write and what sort of thing schools expect.  Our son's nerves were getting increasingly frayed.  Deena's sensible approach diffused a lot of the anxiety.  The initial meeting was conducted via skype because of time constraints and Deena quickly put my son at ease.  Deena provided a clear sense of what she does and how she worked.  Her guidelines for turnaround time and clear boundaries set the tone for her interactions with my son.  Throughout the process Deena was professional, patient, knowledgeable and focused.  She was flexible while keeping my son focused on his goals.  Her critiques were clear and to the point resulting in essays that were concise but thoughtful.  She is not only an expert editor she is also extremely knowledgeable about the college process and was able to help my son think through the selection of essay topics.  Her patience as she highlighted areas that need strengthening or simplifying was much appreciated by my son.  Deena does not write the essays but she facilitates the process and my son's writing is much stronger as a result.  Deena is patient, flexible and highly experienced in working with adolescents.  In short she is a highly competent professional." 

    —Parent

  • "It should go without saying that I certainly couldn't have done any of it without you and your outstanding guidance, advice, and scrupulous edits! Obviously, I'll be sure to recommend you without the slightest hesitation to anyone and everyone I know who's considering applying to business school going forward"

    —Candidate upon admission to Wharton 

  • "Thank you so much for all of your help with our daughter and her essays and moral support! She is beyond thrilled and could not have done it without you. Your calm manner, rational approach, and wise words were truly amazing and we are all so appreciative!"

    —Parent on her daughter's early decision acceptance to Duke