About the Founder

StartSmart U was founded by Michelle Prestwich, an experienced academic advisor with more than two decades of experience in Ontario post secondary education.
 

Michelle has worked extensively in academic advising, program development, student success initiatives, and work integrated learning. She understands not only how admissions decisions are made, but how academic progression unfolds after students arrive on campus.

Her experience provides families with insider knowledge of prerequisite planning, program competitiveness, progression risks, and strategic course sequencing.

About StartSmart U
 

StartSmart U was founded on a simple belief. Strong post secondary decisions are not made in Grade 12. They are built over time.
 

Too often, students approach applications reactively. Course selection, extracurricular choices, and program research happen without a clear strategy. By the time applications open, families are navigating deadlines, uncertainty, and unnecessary stress.
 

StartSmart U provides structured, grade by grade academic planning designed specifically for Ontario students. Our approach integrates academic mapping, competitive program analysis, and long term positioning so that students apply with clarity and confidence.

​
 

​