About Passport College Consulting

Meet Colin Baxter

Hi, I’m Colin Baxter — a school counselor and college consultant passionate about helping students find clarity and confidence in their next steps. For more than a decade, I’ve guided students and families through one of life’s biggest transitions: what comes after high school.

I’ve celebrated those first college acceptance letters, supported students through essay rewrites and application deadlines, and sat side by side with families navigating FAFSA and scholarships. I know firsthand how overwhelming this process can feel — and that’s exactly why I started Passport College Consulting. My goal is simple: to make the journey to college more understandable, less stressful, and completely achievable.

Education

  • Bachelor’s of Arts from UCSD, Master’s in Educational Counseling

  • UCSD College Counseling Certificate.

Why I Do This Work

Every student deserves to feel confident about their future. But too often, the college process feels like a maze — filled with uncertainty, pressure, and mixed messages. I’ve seen how that can take the joy out of what should be an exciting time.

I founded Passport College Consulting to change that. My role is to walk with students and families every step of the way — to answer questions, steady the path, and help uncover each student’s unique direction. I believe in every student’s potential, and I’m here to make sure they do too.

What Makes My Approach Different

I’m not just a consultant —I still work as a high school counselor. That means I understand how transcripts, course choices, and testing really connect with what colleges value. It also means I understand the impact these decisions will have on each student and family. I bring both practical insight and a counselor’s heart to every conversation.

I’ve guided students from all walks of life — including first-generation college students and I know that everyone’s path to success looks different. My approach is grounded in empathy, strategy, and encouragement.

Because college consulting shouldn’t just be about getting into college — it should be about preparing for what comes next, with confidence and purpose.

  • "Passport College Consulting provided expert, practical guidance throughout my college search and application process. From the very beginning, I felt comfortable, and understood, which made an otherwise stressful experience feel manageable. Colin Baxter's thoughtful feedback greatly improved the clarity and impact of my essays, and his deep knowledge of financial aid helped ease a lot of my anxiety. With his help, I was able to narrow my college options and confidently choose a school and major that was the right fit for me. I highly recommend Passport College Consulting to any student looking for knowledgeable guidance and genuine support while navigating college admissions."

    — Meena | High School Senior, Class of 2026

  • "Working with Colin for our high school sophomore's college guidance is such a positive experience. We had an idea of what to expect, but he has exceeded our expectations by taking seemingly complex ideas and breaking them down into approachable goals for our child’s individualized needs. His genuine care, professional understanding, and the expertise he’s provided have been invaluable to our family and we would highly recommend him to anyone seeking academic guidance for a better future."

    — Tim | Parent of a High School Sophomore, Class of 2028

  • "We are incredibly grateful for the guidance and support Passport College Consulting provided our daughter throughout high school and the college application process. Colin Baxter helped our family thoughtfully navigate high school course selections, ensuring our daughter was both challenged and well prepared for her future goals. His expertise was especially invaluable during the UC application process and in coordinating athletic recruiting for track. Throughout the process, our family felt informed, supported, and reassured, which made a significant difference during an otherwise complex and stressful time. Thanks to his insight, organization, and steady encouragement, our daughter graduated from UCSB and successfully competed on the track team all four years. Beyond college acceptance, Colin supported her in developing confidence, self-advocacy, and decision-making skills that continue to serve her well today. We highly recommend Colin Baxter and Passport College Consulting to any family seeking knowledgeable, compassionate college counseling support."

    — Jackie | Parent of UCSB Graduate 2024

  • “Colin helped me throughout High School, not just during college applications. He consistently supported me with making good decisions in school, choosing the right classes, staying on track, and improving my GPA. With his guidance, I was able to stay motivated and graduate as a top 10 student out of a class of 350. When it came time to apply to colleges, he made the process less stressful by helping me stay organized, helping me apply to the schools I was considering (including when I was deciding between Sac State and UCSD), and showed me how financial aid and scholarships work. I’m genuinely grateful for his support and I would recommend him to any student who wants someone who truly cares and gives honest, helpful advice.”

    Hamza | High School Class of 2025
    CSU Sacramento, Class of 2029 (Health Science)

A Guide for Your Journey

No matter if you’re just starting to think about college or racing toward deadlines, you don’t have to do it alone. With the right support, this journey can feel clear, manageable, and something you’re proud of.

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