About
The college process isn’t just about getting in. It’s about finding your place.
We started CAPSTAR to give families a simpler, more human way to navigate college admissions.
Our Values
CAPSTAR was built on a few core beliefs:
Every student deserves a good fit.
College should feel exciting—not stressful. We help your child find where they will thrive.
You shouldn’t need a trust fund to get good advice.
Our full-service fee is clear, fair, and low. No upgrades. No extras. Just expert guidance, always.
Coaching should fit the student—not the other way around.
We adapt to each family’s goals and pace. No formulas. No hype. Just real, responsive help.
About Walter Hartwig, PhD
A career in education. A calling to coach.
Walter has spent nearly three decades working in university admissions, student advising, and academic leadership. He’s worked with over 3,000 students, mentored high-stakes learners, and knows the admissions process from the inside.
He also knows how it feels to apply to college: the stress, the second-guessing, and the fear of getting it wrong.
That’s why he started CAPSTAR. To bring clarity to families, encouragement to students, and truth to a process that’s often clouded by prestige and pressure.
Walter is a published author, a lifelong educator, and a firm believer that college should be the start of something great for every student.
Book a Call
We’re not the right fit for everyone, and that’s the point.
We only take on 25 students a year so we can offer the level of care and attention families truly deserve. If you believe the college journey can be thoughtful, meaningful, and even joyful—we’d love to talk.