Annie Tulkin, MS
Founder/Director
Accessible College, LLC (MD)
What drew you to the world of college admission counseling?
I worked for several years as the associate director of the Academic Resource Center at Georgetown University (GU’s disability support office) in Washington, D.C. As a person with a background in secondary and special education, I was surprised by how underprepared students with disabilities were for the transition to college. I wanted to help students be better informed and ready for the transition before they landed on a college campus. Through my business, Accessible College, I support students with physical disabilities and health conditions with college preparation and transition. That’s what brought me to the college admissions space. As educators, we know that the key to a successful transition is to start early. I often work alongside school counselors and college consultants to ensure a holistic approach and make sure that students are thinking through all of their needs. I was drawn to this work because I love working with young adults. I enjoy the challenge, the breakthroughs, and the growth.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is working directly with students and guardians. I love watching the epiphanies and “eureka” moments! The work I do is akin to coaching, focused on empowering the student to think through their needs and ask questions. I think it’s important for students to learn to be informed consumers. As an example, many of the students I work with have medical needs that require personal care assistance, medication management, and support thinking through their independent living needs. It’s great when a student learns to take ownership and is able to smoothly transition to campus life!
How has NACAC played a role in your career?
NACAC has given me an opportunity to connect with professionals on all sides of the college admissions process. Being a part of this network has made me to think more deeply about disability and accessibility in the college admissions process. Collectively, we have a lot to learn about disability, diversity, and intersectionality in the college transition and admissions process, and I hope to help engage NACAC members in this learning by being an active member.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our profession today?
From my perspective as a professional with disabilities and health conditions and as an educator, I’d say that there is a huge knowledge gap in our profession around supporting students with disabilities with the transition to college. A recent Government Accountability Office report highlighted that 21% of college students have disabilities. This makes students with disabilities the largest marginalized group on any college campus! I think that college admissions professionals on all sides of the admissions process would benefit from more education about disability, accessibility, and inclusion.
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
I love hiking and mushroom hunting. I also just completed a stained glass course at Montgomery College, in Takoma Park, MD.
If you could be any fictional character, who would it be and why?
I think I’d be Albus Dumbeldore. He is brilliant, and uses a gentle approach to guiding his students. He allows them to go on the journey instead of giving them the answer.
Published Dec. 9, 2024