Ms. Cara Ahola
About
Cara earned a B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania (1991), and a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School (1994). Cara practiced law for twenty seven years, the first 6 with law firms in New York and Boston, and then in-house for over 21 years with The TJX Companies, Inc., based in Framingham, Massachusetts. Cara brings her wealth of experience and knowledge as an attorney to the college admissions process; she uses her analytic and organizational skills, logical and creative problem-solving abilities, careful attention to detail and impeccable writing credentials to help students successfully navigate all aspects of the college application process.
Cara guided both of her children through the college search process, helping them choose institutions that were the perfect intersection of academic fit and athletic opportunity (Williams College for her older daughter Payton and Colby College for her son Carson), and since the inception of All About Admissions, has also assisted dozens of others with their college admissions journey. Along the way, she immersed herself in learning about all aspects of college consulting. She advanced her knowledge and training through the UCLA Extension School Certificate Program in College Counseling, earning her certificate with distinction, she completed the IECA Summer Training Institute (2021), and obtained practicum experience working with McMillan Education in Boston. Cara has also experienced college admissions through another perspective: as an alumni interviewer for Penn.
Cara has lived in Sherborn, Massachusetts since 2000 and has been an active member of the community. She was President of Dover Sherborn Girls Lacrosse for three years and most recently served as the Vice President of the Dover Sherborn Boosters Association for four years. Cara is also on the New England Regional Advisory Board of Facing History and Ourselves, and has volunteered on various Town of Sherborn committees.
Cara is a member of HECA, an Associate Member of IECA and a Professional Member of NACAC.
