Coates College Consulting

About David Coates

Education

B.S. in Personnel Administration – Michigan State University
Ed.M. in School Counseling – University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Professional Positions

School Counselor for 30 years in the Kenmore Town of Tonawanda School District, 25 years at Kenmore East High School (1987-2017)
Chair of the National College Fairs Committee (2016–2018)
National College Fairs Committee member for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) (2014–2018)
Co-Chair Buffalo National College Fair (2015-2024)
Immediate Past President, President and President-Elect for New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC) (2011–2014)
NYSACAC 2018 President’s Award recipient for outstanding service to the organization
Vice President for Professional Development for NYSACAC (2009–2011)
High School Delegate for NYSACAC (2007–2009)
Active member of NACAC and NYSACAC (2005–present)
Attended both National (NACAC) and State (NYSACAC) conferences yearly (2006–present)
Attended the National Higher Educational Consultants Association (HECA) Conference (2019)
Facilitated and organized the HECA Tennessee College Tour (2019)
Presenter at NYSACAC State Conference (2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2023, 2024, 2025)
Member of the Local Arrangements Committee for the Buffalo National College Fair (2006–2010)
Member of College Advisory Boards for SUNY Buffalo, Michigan State University, Canisius College and Hilbert College (2007–2014)
Member of Marist College and Ithaca College Advisory Boards (2014–2017)
Member of Florida Southern College Advisory Board (2016–2018)
Committee member for planning New York State’s College Application Week (2013–2014)
Committee member for planning New York State’s School Counselor Summit (2013–2014)
Level 2 training for school counselors for the International Baccalaureate Program (2014)
Department Chair for Counseling Office at large suburban high school outside Buffalo, NY (2000–2006)
Section VI tennis chairperson (2005–2008)
High School tennis coach for over 25 years (1987–2017)
Elected to the Kenmore East Athletic Hall of Fame for coaching tennis (2020)

Professional Affiliations

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC)
Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)

Cristin Frank

“

Solid support and guidance every step of the way! When it came to approaching the college application experience we were totally overwhelmed- especially since we knew our son excelled in areas that were not always reflected in his grades. Coates College Consulting was superb in helping to draw out our son's story and presenting it to schools that would appreciate what he brought to the table. Our son was accepted at his first choice school - a university that was not on his radar when we started with Dave Coates - and after acceptance he was encouraged to apply to the honors college. Dave saw our son through this with mastery. Our son was accepted to honors college - again, something we didn't know to be possible. The value we received was beyond expectation, and it helped that Dave is totally cool and clicked so well with our son. He really understood him. HIGHLY recommend.

Francine LaSala

“

David Coates has an excellent handle on all the machinations (and there are SO MANY) of selecting and applying to colleges and was extremely helpful in the process of helping our daughter land at just the right school, including providing amazing guidance on the college essay. He gets to know both the student and parents, and tailors the experience of college search, factors that lead to decision, and everything that comes after to each individual family. I recommend him fully and will be reaching out to him again soon to help our other daughter figure out where she wants to go and how to land there.

Maris Cox`

“

We had an EXCELLENT experience with Coates College Consulting, and would highly recommend him to everyone navigating college entrance decisions. David's experience and guidance made the whole process easier for our daughter, and my husband and I. Very grateful!

Working together to find the right college to fit your child.

Coates College Consulting helps students and families navigate college admissions with a steadier process, smarter planning, and advice shaped by decades of real counseling experience.

About David Coates

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