Welcome!
I’m Dr. Abdalla Zanouny — The Family Friend Professor

College & Career Planning — Your Family Friend Approach

Helping families navigate college admissions without stress, hype, or scams.

As a professor with over 20 years of experience at universities, including the University of Houston and University of Wisconsin–Madison, a parent of nine children (yes, nine!), and an entrepreneur, I’ve seen just how overwhelming college planning can feel.

Why It Feels Like a Black Cloud

Everywhere you look, there are ads promising to “get your kid into the Ivy League.” They play on your fears, making you feel like if you don’t pay thousands for “insider secrets,” you’re letting your child down.

The truth? The stress isn’t about Ivy League promises. It’s about not knowing what matters, what’s true, or where to start. That uncertainty can hang over families like a black cloud.

Some questions that often create that cloud include:

  • What’s the difference between a community college and a state university?
  • How important are grades compared to extracurriculars?
  • What makes a strong college essay?
  • Is an Ivy League degree really worth the price tag?
  • What if my child isn’t sure what career to choose?

Once you get answers, the fog lifts. The road ahead becomes clear, and you and your child can plan your future with confidence—fully in the driver’s seat.

 My Approach

I don’t believe in “magic counselors” who do the work for your child. That robs them of ownership and confidence. After all—if someone else did it for them, whose success is it?

Instead, I focus on a holistic, parent-to-parent conversation that helps you:
✅ Identify the questions causing stress
✅ Get clear, straightforward answers
✅ Review your child’s materials and suggest improvements
✅ Guide your child to take ownership of their future and build confidence

Here’s what I don’t do:
❌ Write essays for students
❌ Offer “backdoor admission secrets”
❌ Guarantee acceptance into any school

 Why Work With Me

You might not even need to work with me:

  1. My articles may give you all the guidance you need.
  2. You may already be on the right track—often, all your child needs is a few key questions answered, which we cover in this session. We won’t hold back answers just to make you schedule a paid session.

But if you do decide to work together, think of me as The Family Friend Professor—someone you can call for real advice, not hype.

Unlike your actual family friend, I sometimes charge money. But don’t worry—I won’t ask you to help me move a couch or pick me up from the airport. 😉

If more guidance is needed afterward, my prices are very reasonable—because good advice shouldn’t only be available to families willing to pay thousands.

What Most Families Really Need

The truth? You may not need months of consulting. Often, just a few questions answered in a free consultation is enough to gain clarity and direction.

If more guidance is needed afterward, you can schedule additional paid sessions—but don’t worry, my prices are always reasonable, especially compared to big consulting firms.

Next Steps

  1. Write Your Questions – Make a list of the issues or questions causing stress for you and your child.
  2. Schedule Your Free Consultation Below – Bring that list to the session.
  3. Get Clear Answers – Walk away with direction and peace of mind.
  4. Plan Forward – Decide whether you need more support or you’re ready to move ahead on your own.

✅ Free Consultation

If you are able to get help during the free consultation, great! I’ve just assisted another future health professional. We do not hold back answers or require you to book a paid session—this session is meant to provide genuine, honest, and valuable feedback.

👇 [Schedule Your Free Consultation]