Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Samani.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to college counseling began when I was a college student, uncertain of my own path and unsure of how to proceed. After realizing that my original plan wasn’t the right fit, I took a career counseling course at UCLA that changed everything. Every career and personality assessment I took pointed me toward the helping professions, and I realized that guiding others through uncertainty was exactly what I wanted to do. That’s where I found college counseling. I loved the idea of being able to help people who experienced the same uncertainty I did, and to provide strategic guidance toward achieving their goals. I was drawn to the idea of combining strategy and compassion, active listening and planning, to help others find direction, build confidence, and take tangible steps toward their goals.
So I took the profession head-on and pursued an internship at the UCLA Career Center to open the door to my journey in higher education. I then pursued my master’s in counseling, specializing in college counseling and student services. I directed my path toward academic counseling in the community college setting, as I loved the diversity in the student population I’d be able to work with, and the diversity in their goals and needs. Every day was different. Whether I supported a nontraditional college student that returned to college after twenty years, a Farsi-speaking student who recently immigrated and is looking to learn English, a career changer looking to take classes to pursue new opportunities, an undecided student, a transfer student with a directy pathway, I love helping my students in finding their direction. Outside of counseling in this setting, over the years I found the opportunity to teach in the community college setting, using this as a chance to support students in navigating the college system, learning about goal setting, motivation, time management, and overall life skills to guide their academic and professional pathways. Many of my students were the first in their families to attend college, and it was deeply rewarding to watch them begin the semester with greater confidence, clarity, and connection. Teaching gave me the chance to identify my patience and passion as an instructor, and adapt my teaching style to support the varying abilities of my students.
I’ve now been working in the community college setting for about ten years.
Within this time, I also had the opportunity to expand my professional career to work for an educational technology company and develop skills in leadership, management, and program development. I served as their Director of Admissions, through which I created and managed the Medical School Admissions Program, and personally supported hundreds of students in earning acceptances to medical schools. I created accessible online counseling programs for pre-medical students, held weekly workshops for students to learn about various components of the application process, supported students through the application process, and managed a team of counselors and editors in doing the same for their students. What I learned through this process was the importance of providing individualized guidance to students and understanding their particular needs. While they all wanted to go to medical school, the path to get there varied. And that’s where I come in. My compassion and strategic guidance that supports me as a college counselor applied here as well. Through taking the time to understand my students and their strengths as an applicant, I was able to excel in this role as well.
Building on my professional experiences, alongside my counseling work in the college setting, I’ve now started my own education consulting company: Next Step Admissions. I guide students and their families at every stage of their academic journey, from high school seniors applying to college to premeds and applicants pursuing medical or other professional programs, including law, dentistry, and PA programs. My approach integrates compassion, strategy, and structure to help students clarify their goals, articulate their strengths, and present authentic, standout applications. With over a decade of experience in higher education and admissions, my mission is to create a trusting, nonjudgmental space where every student feels seen, supported, and prepared to take their next step with confidence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest turning points in my journey was taking a leap of faith and betting on myself. Starting Next Step Admissions was both exciting and intimidating. I had to learn how to build a business from the ground up, trust my instincts, and believe that students and families would see the value in the personalized support I offered.
There were challenges, late nights, uncertainty, and constant learning, but each step reinforced why I started. I still think back to something my practicum instructor told me in graduate school: “There is no growth in comfort, and no comfort in growth.” That lesson has guided me ever since and reminds me that every moment of discomfort is an opportunity to grow into something greater.
We’ve been impressed with Next Step Admissions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Next Step Admissions, we are more than an application support service. We specialize in guiding students through major academic milestones, from high school to college transitions, to premed advising, and professional school applications. Our team works closely with students and families to provide strategic planning, personalized application and essay support, school selection guidance, and interview preparation.
What sets us apart is our deep foundation in higher education combined with a highly individualized approach. With over a decade of experience in academic counseling, admissions, and program leadership, I have built a model that rejects the idea of one size fits all. We meet each student where they are, listen to their story, and create a customized strategy that aligns with their aspirations, strengths, and identity. This approach is especially meaningful for students who feel uncertain about their path and need a partner who understands both the emotional and strategic sides of the process.
Brand wise, I am most proud of the trust we have built with students and families and the measurable success we have achieved. Our students have earned acceptances to top medical schools, professional programs, and undergraduate institutions across the country. More importantly, I am proud of the environment we create: one that is compassionate, collaborative, and genuinely invested in each student’s growth and each family’s peace of mind.
What I want readers to know is this: when you work with Next Step Admissions, you gain a team that will listen deeply, hold you accountable, and provide the structure and strategy you need to submit an application that truly reflects you. For high school students and their families, we ensure parents are informed and included throughout the process. For premed and professional school applicants, we offer advanced admissions expertise, thorough editing, and strategic insight. Whatever your next step, we help you take it with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can work with me and Next Step Admissions. For students and families, the best way to get started is by scheduling an initial consultation through our website. From there, we design a customized plan that meets the student’s goals, whether that is preparing for college, medical school, or another professional program. Our services include one-on-one advising, essay and application review, interview preparation, and long-term mentorship.
I also love collaborating with schools, pre-health organizations, and educational programs that share our mission of expanding access to quality guidance and helping students find their direction. Partnerships often include workshops, presentations, and resource-building for students who may not otherwise have access to individualized admissions support.
For those who want to support our work, referrals and introductions are always appreciated. Many families come to us through word of mouth, and it means a great deal when someone shares our name with a student who could benefit from expert guidance and compassionate support.
You can also support us by engaging with Next Step Admissions on social media. We are active on TikTok and Instagram, where we share tips, admissions insights, and informational content to help students stay informed and motivated throughout their journey. Following, liking, and sharing our posts helps us reach more students and families who can benefit from our resources and guidance.
You can also reach out to me directly to get started, or with specific questions at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nextstepadmit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextstepadmissionsprep/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nextstepadmissionsprep
