Meet A Mom: Meet Bari Norman, Ph.D. of Expert Admissions | Hamptons Moms

What is your connection to the Hamptons?

I come out east to breathe the fresh air and take things at a slower pace than at home (on the Upper West Side of Manhattan). 

How long have you been coming out east?

I’ve been visiting friends for several years, but this summer is the first summer my family and I have come out on our own. 

What is your favorite thing about the Hamptons?

I love that it feels removed, yet still has all of my creature comforts. And that fresh air… 

Favorite Month to be out east?

June or July, mid-week, when it’s still relatively quiet. 

What do you do for a living?

I’m the Head College Counselor and Co-Founder of Expert Admissions, an admissons advisory firm. I work privately with students and families to help students best prepare for the college process. Whether it’s choosing classes or extracurricular activites, deciding what to do for the summer, creating a standardized testing plan, building your college list, or working on all the essays as part of the application process…I help with it. As the Head College Counselor, I also manage and mentor our other counselors, all of whom are former admissions officers from highly selective universities.

How did that come about?

I started out as an admissions officer at Barnard College/Columbia University. Then I switched to “the other side of the desk.” My job now is to bring transparency to the admissions process, provide individualized guidance, and increase students’ chances for success.

How has motherhood changed you?

Being a mother has enabled me to intentionally slow myself down in a way that nothing else has. I’m more patient, but beyond than that, I’m more understanding and forgiving.

How has being a mom changed how you view the Hamptons?

I now focus on the simpler parts.

How many children do you have?

I have an 8-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter…and both are incredibly delightful!

Favorite place to bring kids to in the Hamptons?

Simple is good with us. We love to grab ice cream on Main Street in Sag Harbor and then stroll down and sit by the water. Actually, my husband and I do most of the sitting; the kids run around!

What do you want people to know about you that you think they don’t already know about?

In the past year, I’ve taken up dance and piano. I’m not good at either, and I don’t care one bit. I’m just there to have fun!

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