We are Perkins & Murphy

In 2005, we set out to put our skills and ideas to work, and to help a few families with the complicated endeavor of college admissions. Since then, we have seen hundreds of students achieve admission to the universities of their dreams, and their parents make informed, strategic and confident financial decisions.

    What can we do for you?

    • Guide you through the maze of the college admissions process.
    • Save you time and resources.
    • Give you peace of mind.
    • Prepare students for the college admissions process in writing and in-person.
    • Work with your busy schedule. In-person meetings in our office or by phone, text and video conferencing.
    • Provide the most options for students and families.

    A few reasons to choose
    Perkins & Murphy

    • Our 15-year record of success
    • We're local. We work primarily with students from the Eastern Connecticut snd Rhode Island areas. We live in this community, and we work with a limited number of students to produce the best results for them.
    • Our packages are all-inclusive and affordable. Families can be confident that the process is under control and the student is prepared for each step.
    • We reduce the stress of this unfamiliar process by making a plan for each student, based on our years of research and experience.
    • We offer comprehensive financial aid guidance and advice.
    • We focus on making this experience positive and exciting for students – as it should be!
    • Our clients make important decisions based on facts – not anecdotal information and half-truths.
    • We help students assertively pursue institutional and private scholarships.
    • We open communication and clearly identify expectations between parents and students.

    About the founders of Perkins & Murphy:

    Betsy Perkins

    Betsy Perkins

    Betsy has worked in the field of college admissions and financial aid for over 20 years. She is a certified school counselor, and she has provided guidance for hundreds of students through the college admissions and financial aid process. Betsy also led financial aid programs at private colleges and public universities before she became an independent consultant. She has served on regional scholarship boards and advised youth development programs in the Connecticut area. Her reputation as a college admissions expert and dedicated educator is well-known to college professionals around the country. Betsy holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut.

    Tim Murphy

    Tim Murphy

    As an administrator, educator and consultant, Tim has helped hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds achieve educational and professional success. He specializes in communication and development. Partnered with Betsy’s admissions expertise, Tim assists students with preparation of essays, portfolios, interview strategies, and correspondence with athletic coaches. Tim has led successful programs in higher education, employment & training and scholarship development. He has also volunteered with Special Olympics CT for over 20 years. He holds a B.A. in English from Eastern Connecticut State University

    Get In Touch

    Private Services Help Ease College Selection Process

    Visit Our Featured Article in The Norwich Bulletin
    Read More Here
    Perkins & Murphy

    This is why we do what we do...

    I wanted to thank you guys for all that you have done to get me to where I am now. It really is incredible that you help out so many students in such an in-depth way, and deal with the uniqueness of each student’s situation. I’m really looking forward to school at the Univ. of Vermont, and I owe you guys all the credit in the world.

     
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:56:21+00:00
    I wanted to thank you guys for all that you have done to get me to where I am now. It really is incredible that you help out so many students in such an in-depth way, and deal with the uniqueness of each student’s situation. I’m really looking forward to school at the Univ. of Vermont, and I owe you guys all the credit in the world.  
    We can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for our daughter: the direction, the advice, and the encouragement made the difference for her.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:23:35+00:00
    We can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for our daughter: the direction, the advice, and the encouragement made the difference for her.
    Without all of your time, I would have never gotten into Elon, my dream school. 
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:53:00+00:00
    Without all of your time, I would have never gotten into Elon, my dream school. 
    We are feeling so grateful that our son is working with you two, especially with all that is happening in our world at this time (Covid19). It brings us peace of mind to know he will have your additional guidance through all of this.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-16T20:26:58+00:00
    We are feeling so grateful that our son is working with you two, especially with all that is happening in our world at this time (Covid19). It brings us peace of mind to know he will have your additional guidance through all of this.
    Brown said Yes!
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:36:27+00:00
    Brown said Yes!
    Although you are certainly experts at the mechanics and paper-end of this procedure, it is really on the personal side that your dedication to our sons and their futures shined through.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-16T20:45:47+00:00
    Although you are certainly experts at the mechanics and paper-end of this procedure, it is really on the personal side that your dedication to our sons and their futures shined through.
    It has been a rewarding few years and looking back, I can’t believe how much I have changed. I am looking forward to this new chapter of my life where I will meet new people, experience the college schedule, and pursue new opportunities. Thank you for everything you have done to help me get to this point. 
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:53:58+00:00
    It has been a rewarding few years and looking back, I can’t believe how much I have changed. I am looking forward to this new chapter of my life where I will meet new people, experience the college schedule, and pursue new opportunities. Thank you for everything you have done to help me get to this point. 
    My time with you guys has gone by so fast! But I just wanted to say thank you so, so, so, so much for every bit of guidance, counseling, editing, and talking me through the process. I wouldn’t have had such success and easy journey without you guys.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:59:08+00:00
    My time with you guys has gone by so fast! But I just wanted to say thank you so, so, so, so much for every bit of guidance, counseling, editing, and talking me through the process. I wouldn’t have had such success and easy journey without you guys.
    Thank you both for truly lighting the way on this most important journey in our lives. We have all learned so much and felt secure in your capable, knowledgeable hands. Thanks for always giving your all. Go Syracuse!
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:57:51+00:00
    Thank you both for truly lighting the way on this most important journey in our lives. We have all learned so much and felt secure in your capable, knowledgeable hands. Thanks for always giving your all. Go Syracuse!
    We both would like to thank you so much for all your incredible time, care, and patience for the past 2+ years! We have NO DOUBT that hiring you two to coach our daughter was the BEST THING EVER. No way would college apps and planning be done without you.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T18:00:05+00:00
    We both would like to thank you so much for all your incredible time, care, and patience for the past 2+ years! We have NO DOUBT that hiring you two to coach our daughter was the BEST THING EVER. No way would college apps and planning be done without you.
    You both have been amazing to work with and I’m so sad to be finished for now but will definitely keep in touch!
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:58:31+00:00
    You both have been amazing to work with and I’m so sad to be finished for now but will definitely keep in touch!
    Here’s a little something for helping me all these years…It couldn’t have been easy! I wouldn’t have gotten into (or found out) about my dream school without you both! I, of course, will miss you.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:52:19+00:00
    Here’s a little something for helping me all these years…It couldn’t have been easy! I wouldn’t have gotten into (or found out) about my dream school without you both! I, of course, will miss you.
    By the way, I would like you to know that retreating to your suburban alcove is becoming the highlight of my week!
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:28:37+00:00
    By the way, I would like you to know that retreating to your suburban alcove is becoming the highlight of my week!
    Thank you for keeping him focused on the finish line! He never wavered in his commitment to you and the plan you laid out for him. I am very proud of him for earning the scholarships and thank you again for all of the effort that takes.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:24:48+00:00
    Thank you for keeping him focused on the finish line! He never wavered in his commitment to you and the plan you laid out for him. I am very proud of him for earning the scholarships and thank you again for all of the effort that takes.
    Tim & Betsy are able to say the same things mom and dad say, but because it is coming from them, it holds more weight with the kids and cuts through the parent veil of stupidity. I am so proud to tell people that our daughters are Perkins & Murphy kids! 
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:27:27+00:00
    Tim & Betsy are able to say the same things mom and dad say, but because it is coming from them, it holds more weight with the kids and cuts through the parent veil of stupidity. I am so proud to tell people that our daughters are Perkins & Murphy kids! 
    I am the calmest mother in town! So many others are fretting over applications and essays, and thanks to both of you, I just smile! Our daughter is also much less stressed, again thanks to you.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:32:00+00:00
    I am the calmest mother in town! So many others are fretting over applications and essays, and thanks to both of you, I just smile! Our daughter is also much less stressed, again thanks to you.
    With both of us working full time, we wanted to make sure that our inexperience with the college application process didn't affect our son's goals. Perkins and Murphy have far exceeded our expectations. From helping to find schools that matched our son's interests, resume building, essay tutorials, application submittal, scholarship searches, and financial counseling, they have been so knowledgeable and professional! Our son was accepted to his first-choice school! Now, it's our daughter's turn!
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:55:09+00:00
    With both of us working full time, we wanted to make sure that our inexperience with the college application process didn't affect our son's goals. Perkins and Murphy have far exceeded our expectations. From helping to find schools that matched our son's interests, resume building, essay tutorials, application submittal, scholarship searches, and financial counseling, they have been so knowledgeable and professional! Our son was accepted to his first-choice school! Now, it's our daughter's turn!

    Heroes come in many shapes and sizes. Your expertise and generosity for the ‘Youth of America” is worth celebrating. We are so grateful for all you do.

    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-16T20:27:23+00:00
    Heroes come in many shapes and sizes. Your expertise and generosity for the ‘Youth of America” is worth celebrating. We are so grateful for all you do.
    I suppose you shouldn’t tell him I told you, but YES, he got into Northeastern, and YES he got a scholarship!! But I can tell you, we love you guys!! What a Christmas gift...I felt like crying, honestly. Bless you both!
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:33:06+00:00
    I suppose you shouldn’t tell him I told you, but YES, he got into Northeastern, and YES he got a scholarship!! But I can tell you, we love you guys!! What a Christmas gift...I felt like crying, honestly. Bless you both!
    We want you to know how much we sincerely appreciate the outstanding college admission consulting services that you provided our daughter this past year. In short, you are both phenomenal!
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:31:34+00:00
    We want you to know how much we sincerely appreciate the outstanding college admission consulting services that you provided our daughter this past year. In short, you are both phenomenal!
    Thank you so much for all you guys have helped me with over the past few years. I could not have done it without your constant support and guidance.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T17:57:19+00:00
    Thank you so much for all you guys have helped me with over the past few years. I could not have done it without your constant support and guidance.
    I attended the high school “College Night” tonight. I watched the scared and confused faces of parents (some of whom already have kids in college) and breathed a sigh of relief that we have you to guide the way.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-19T15:29:49+00:00
    I attended the high school “College Night” tonight. I watched the scared and confused faces of parents (some of whom already have kids in college) and breathed a sigh of relief that we have you to guide the way.
    I cannot imagine what I would have done without you while applying to college and writing my essays and everything else.
    Perkins & Murphy
    5
    2020-06-16T20:46:53+00:00
    I cannot imagine what I would have done without you while applying to college and writing my essays and everything else.
    5
    23
    Perkins & Murphy