Welcome
Archer College Counseling was founded with one clear mission: to share nearly 30 years of experience helping high school students navigate the complex world of college admissions and find the schools where they will truly thrive. Over the years, we’ve developed proven strategies and deep insights into a process that is often far more intricate than it appears.
The truth is, there are countless hidden details in the college admissions journey — nuances that many students and parents simply don’t know exist. Without the right guidance, what should be an exciting time can quickly become confusing, overwhelming, and stressful. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
At Archer College Counseling, we’re here to demystify the process, provide expert support, and help you approach each step with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re just starting to think about college or deep into applications, we’ll be by your side to ensure you feel empowered, informed, and ready for the next chapter of your academic journey.
Let us help you make this exciting time a successful one — and maybe even enjoy the ride along the way.
Bob Manning, Principal College Counselor
Bob Manning has been working with young people for as long as he can remember — in fact, his first coaching experience came while he was still a high school student, leading a team of 8–10-year-olds. That early experience sparked a lifelong passion for helping kids set goals and reach their full potential.
Over the years, Bob has coached soccer, basketball, and baseball at every level — from recreational leagues to competitive club teams to varsity high school programs — working with athletes ages 4 through 18. It was during his time as a varsity basketball coach in a Boston-area city that he first encountered students who needed support navigating the college admissions process. Many of his players came from families where no one had ever attended college, and helping them explore their options opened his eyes to the powerful impact of college guidance. Some of his athletes were scholarship-level recruits; for others, being accepted to a community college was a major milestone. No matter the destination, Bob learned the importance of meeting students where they are and helping them take the next best step.
He brings those early lessons to his work today — guiding high school students through the often confusing and stressful college admissions journey with empathy, encouragement, and deep experience. Bob believes that every student, regardless of background or ability, deserves thoughtful support in finding the college or university where they will thrive. While the path to the “right fit” can be full of twists and turns, he finds great joy in watching students grow through the process and ultimately land at schools that truly suit them.
Bob was a recruited athlete in football and went on to compete in both football and track & field at the collegiate level. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Massachusetts and later received his MBA from Babson College. After spending 25 years in the business world — including co-founding a successful healthcare technology company — Bob transitioned into education and counseling. He completed a Certificate in College Counseling from the University of California, San Diego, and now works with students across the country as they prepare for higher education.
Bob is an active member of the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC). He lives with his wife and two daughters — one of whom is currently attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison — and continues to be a dedicated advocate for students as they embark on one of the most important journeys of their lives.