Ms. Shah is an experienced college and career counselor with over 15 years of expertise guiding students through the college admissions process. She has led private counseling firms and co-founded a college counseling company in India, supporting thousands of students in gaining admission to top universities across the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Europe.
She holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate diploma in Mass Communication and Journalism from Gujarat, India. This multidisciplinary background enables her to blend analytical planning with strong storytelling skills—helping students articulate their academic strengths, personal values, and long-term goals through thoughtful and compelling applications. Ms. Shah completed the UCLA College Counseling Certificate Program and remains actively engaged in the profession through international conferences and ongoing professional development. Her work is informed by current trends and best practices in higher education, allowing her to provide strategic, up-to-date guidance to students and families.
At BASIS Independent Fremont, Ms. Shah worked closely with students and families throughout the admissions journey. Her approach is highly personalized and hands-on, focused on walking students through each stage of the process while keeping their interests, aspirations, and well-being at the center. She is passionate about helping students identify institutions that align with both their academic profiles and future ambitions. Ms. Shah is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel confident, informed, and empowered as they plan their next steps. Ms. Shah is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.
Outside of school, she enjoys exploring new Bay Area restaurants, shopping, and cooking for friends and family.
Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your college counseling philosophy or approach?
My college counseling philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student’s journey is unique. I take a personalized, hands-on approach—guiding students through each step of the process while keeping their individual interests, strengths, and long-term goals at the center. My goal is to guide high school students through both academic planning and college applications, helping them make thoughtful, well-informed choices about colleges that reflect who they are and where they want to grow.
How do you support students with different interests, goals, and pathways after graduation?
I support students by taking the time to understand their individual interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Whether a student is pursuing a traditional four-year university, international options, or alternative pathways, I help them build a plan that aligns with both their academic profile and future aspirations.
Are there any thoughts that you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community?
Joining a new school community and thinking about the college journey can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone in this process. My approach is to support students and families every step of the way, from course selection and summer planning to navigating college applications, so the journey feels clear and manageable. By working closely together, we focus on thoughtful planning rather than pressure. My goal is for students and families to feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they move forward.
BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Dublin community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.
