Welcome to ACCESS SUCCESS LLC

Academics, College Counseling & Educational SUCCESS Services


HELP 203-788-5971

​Biography:

I am the blessed parent of four great kids: 3 of whom I homeschooled through 8th grade (at which point they attended various private secondary schools) and a 4th who will graduate from our local public high school in 2026. My eldest, did her undergrad studies at St. Lawrence University and completed her MA in Museum Studies at Johns Hopkins University. She lives and works in Wyoming as a museum registrar. My second oldest completed her BS in Mechanical Engineering Tech at Purdue University where she was on an NROTC scholarship. She is now a Lieutenant JG serving in Hawaii. My son graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a BS in Web Design & Mobile Computing and teaches at Trinity Pawling School in Pawling, NY.


As an educator, homeschooler and tutor for more than 25 years and as an academic advisor and college counselor for the past 13 years, I work very closely with students and parents to understand and meet the needs of each child and family. Whether I am providing in-person grade school tutoring, conducting a financial aid seminar for parents of college-bound children, editing a common application essay online for a student in California, scoring the AP English Lang & Comp exam for the College Board, or providing course selection advice to a high school student, I make myself available to assist my clients in their educational journey and in reaching their full academic potential.

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As an independent educational consultant, I visit a number of colleges and universities a year where I meet with Admissions Representatives and Directors to explore, first hand, what they seek in an ideal applicant. I have no hidden agenda. I love working with all students. I want to get to know you and your interests, achievements, aspirations and goals. Most students this age have no idea what they want to major in. and that's fine. You don't need to!  Whether you're an A+ or a C student, whether you scored in the 95th percentile on your SATs or didn't take them at all, whether you play four instruments or are a three-season athlete, there is at least one college or university out there that's right for you. I want to help you to identify, apply to, get accepted to, afford, and attend THAT school.


I'm here to aid you with any one or combination of these tasks:

  • prioritizing your college admissions TO-DO list and keeping you accountable for it
  • focusing your search parameters based on a number of criteria
  • determining what standardized tests to take, when and how often
  • test preparation and tutoring
  • developing an academic resume, if necessary
  • choosing who best to write letters of recommendation
  • writing, editing and revising application essays
  • completing and submitting online applications including the Common App
  • reviewing application supplemental materials (required by some schools)
  • understanding and filing for financial aid using both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile
  • researching, finding and applying for scholarships and grants
  • planning and prepping for college tours, interviews, overnights, etc.
  • setting realistic expectations based on your interests, abilities, achievements, experiences & finances


Francesca has a B.A. from Loyola University Maryland and an M.A. in English Literature from Iona University and has worked in various industries over the past 30 years including software, education, the not-for-profit sector, fitness, and hotel management. Francesca is the founder and owner of Access Success. She also works with middle schoolers and their parents on researching and applying to independent private secondary schools, and provides tutoring for students in grades K-12. 

​Testimonials:

"[Our son] is so fond of you and talks so highly of you and how you respond to and teach him. He felt so respected and valued by you. You made learning so important to him while his confidence was being rebuilt." - Montessori Middle School Parent, Connecticut


​​"I cannot recommend Francesca and Access Success highly enough. She gives detailed, personalized guidance and expert advice on every aspect of the college admissions process, from the Common App to the college essays, to identifying, expanding, or narrowing the school selection list. We sent both of our kids to her and they left feeling confident and ahead of the curve on applications, which can be a stressful process when navigating without that kind of guidance and support. Even with knowledgeable and supportive parents, kids often need to hear from someone outside the family to get it. The real testament to the value of her bootcamp is that it is consistently the kids who have attended who recommend it to their friends and younger siblings- and they start senior year without that added pressure because everything is done! I’d give six stars if I could. Worth every penny." - Julia T., Connecticut​​

Francesca Morrissey

Founder, Owner, Independent Educational Consultant, College Counselor, Tutor