Your educational journey is unique and starts with you.
There’s no single right path through the college search and application process.
Every student brings different interests, strengths, values, and goals, and every student deserves the opportunity to explore what comes next in a way that’s true to who they are.
At Trail Map College Coaching, I provide personalized guidance, thoughtful perspective, and practical support to help students and families navigate the process, discover possibilities, and make informed choices about where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
The college process is about more than getting in.
At Trail Map, the journey is guided by three ideas:
Know yourself
Explore your interests, strengths, values, and aspirations. What matters to you and what you hope to gain from your college experience should be clear and honored.
Understand the landscape
Look beyond familiar names and rankings. Explore colleges, programs, communities, and high-impact experiences that align with your priorities. You deserve to understand the ins-and-outs of colleges and how the landscape is changing.
Choose what fits
Bring self-awareness and knowledge together to make thoughtful decisions about your college list, applications, and next steps.
Support for wherever you are in the process
Whether you’re just beginning to explore or preparing college applications, Trail Map offers flexible services — from comprehensive coaching to à la carte support — to meet students and families where they are.
Meet your guide
Hi! I’m Julie Bustrum and I founded Trail Map College Coaching because I believe in young people — their ideas, questions, individuality, and ability to make meaningful choices.
For more than 15 years, I've worked with students and families in educational, leadership, and community roles.
My own winding career path has taught me about life-long learning and the power of curiosity, exploration, and finding a direction that doesn’t necessarily look like anyone else’s.
I bring genuine care and respect, a research-informed perspective, and a practical, organized approach to helping students navigate the college process.
Let’s talk about your opportunities
Every student’s educational journey is different. I’d love to learn more about yours and your hopes.