HILARY MCILVAIN
Founder of HBM College Advising
Independent college advisor guiding students and families through the college search and admission process — at your kitchen table.
Hilary Mcilvain is an independent college advisor and owner of HBM College Advising. She helps students and their parents navigate the college search and admission process with ease and excitement rather than stress and uncertainty.
Her personalized approach provides a customized plan for each student's academic planning, college search, and application organization. The overall goals are for each student to find their best school fit, present their best self in the application, and feel confident in the process.
After spending 11 years in undergraduate admission at SMU, including more than four years as Director of Admission for the Cox School of Business, Hilary founded her independent college counseling practice in 2017. She's also an adjunct faculty member at SMU Cox. Drawing on her years in higher education and her perspective as the mother of three, Hilary brings both professional expertise and genuine understanding to every family she serves.
In-Home Meetings
Advising sessions happen at your kitchen table — a familiar setting where families feel comfortable and focused. If you're outside the Dallas area or simply prefer to meet online, virtual sessions are always an option.
Fully Personalized
No templates. Every plan is built around the student's academic strengths, interests, and goals.