About Diane Vater
Diane Vater, founder of Vater College Advising, LLC, has held professional and leadership positions with companies, communities, schools, and non-profit organizations for more than 30 years. She holds a BS from the University of Dayton, and an MBA in finance from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh.
Diane has focused on the college search and application process since 1999 and became an educational consultant and college admissions advisor in the Pittsburgh area in 2007. She has advised students representing a wide range of interests and abilities from public and private high schools both in the Pittsburgh area and around the country. These students have matriculated at colleges and universities throughout the United States, pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering, architecture, health care, business, and education, as well as degrees in liberal arts and sciences.
Diane is a professional member and past member of the Board of Directors of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), the nation’s leading professional organization for independent educational consultants in private practice. She is also a member of the Pennsylvania Association of College Admissions Counseling (PACAC). Diane attended IECA’s Summer Training Institute for Independent Educational Consulting and also has taken coursework through the Certificate Program in Educational Consulting at the University of California, Irvine. Diane regularly visits colleges around the country, attends professional conferences, and stays current on college admissions topics and campus life. Diane follows the strict ethical guidelines that govern a consultant’s relationship with students, families, colleges, and colleagues. Click here to read IECA's Guildelines.
In addition to serving her clients, Diane offers her services on a pro-bono basis to the community. She provides guidance and support on college admissions and financial aid to students with the Crossroads Foundation.