Introducing Paula Friedman

Paula Friedman, founder of The Academic Match, is an experienced student mentor and facilitator.

Paula was inspired to become a college counselor after being asked to help the high school children of her friends and relatives with their college selection process, applications and essays. She enjoys assisting young adults with their college essays and admissions interviews, helping them effectively articulate their personal journeys and achievements.

Paula is a member of the National Assocation for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC). Paula attended the IECA Summer Training Institute, interned in the Newbury Park High School College & Career Center, and received her UCLA Extension College Counseling Certificate with Distinction.

Paula is a magna cum laude graduate of Duke University, where she double-majored in Psychology and French. While at Duke, Paula worked in the Duke University Admissions Office for four years, reviewing student applications and portfolios. She received her MBA from the University of Michigan Ross Graduate School of Business, where she concentrated in Marketing and worked in the Career Placement Office for two years.

As a Duke Alumni Admissions Interviewer for over 20 years, Paula interviews high school seniors who have a keen interest in attending Duke.

At UC-Berkeley in June 2011 and at University of Redlands in July 2010, Paula volunteered as a Pro Bono Writing Coach at College Summit Workshops designed to strengthen the college-going culture among low income students. Paula guided 4-6 students through the writing process, opened doors to reflection and empowerment, and helped each student to construct a personal statement/essay for college.

Paula has been a Koreh L.A. Literacy Program Volunteer at Canoga Park Elementary School since 2007. She thoroughly enjoys helping 2nd-4th graders in L.A.'s BEST after school program to improve their reading skills and social competencies.