Helping students find the college where they can truly thrive.
Matt brings more than 15 years of school counseling experience, a lifelong connection to athletics, and a deeply personal commitment to helping students make thoughtful decisions about their future.
Experience shaped by education and athletics
Matt Howard grew up in Weston, Massachusetts, as a lifelong athlete and learner. Baseball eventually took him to the University of Maine, where he competed at the Division I level while earning his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise science.
That experience taught him lessons that continue to shape his work today: preparation matters, growth is rarely linear, and the right environment can make an enormous difference in a young person’s confidence and development.
After college, Matt earned his master’s degree in school counseling from Northeastern University. He went on to build a career helping high school students navigate academics, personal development, college planning, and major life transitions. He currently serves as a guidance counselor at Wells-Ogunquit High School.
“The best college is not simply the most recognizable name. It is the place where a student has the strongest opportunity to grow, contribute, and be well.”
A more complete way to think about college choice
Matt’s approach begins with the individual student. Academic profile matters, but so do interests, personality, maturity, family priorities, financial realities, and overall well-being.
Rather than pushing students toward a predetermined list or a narrow definition of success, he helps them explore options honestly and identify colleges where they are likely to feel challenged, supported, and genuinely at home.
- Academic readiness and desired level of challenge
- Interests, goals, and potential areas of study
- Personality, independence, and maturity
- Campus culture and social environment
- Athletic opportunity, when relevant
- Affordability and long-term family considerations
Counseling experience families can trust
Local perspective, flexible support
Matt lives in Southern Maine with his family and works with students both in person and virtually. His local knowledge is paired with a broad, student-centered view of the college landscape, making Full Ride accessible to families nearby and beyond.
Outside of counseling, athletics remain an important part of his life through coaching, family, and the lessons he continues to draw from competition and teamwork.
Every student’s path is different.
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your student’s goals, timeline, and the support that may be most useful.