Juan-Camilo Tamayo has guided thousands of students toward achieving their educational dreams. With a 30-year career in higher education, he brings extensive experience helping families navigate the complex process of selecting and applying to colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world.

Originally from Medellín, Colombia, Juan-Camilo moved to New York City in 1991 to study English. He later transferred to Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned a BA in Communications in 1995 and a second BA in Marketing in 1998. He began his career in higher education in Clarke’s admissions office, where he coordinated international recruitment. In 1999, he joined the admissions team at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and went on to earn an MBA with a concentration in International Business.

On August 4, 2011, Juan-Camilo founded JCT4Education, a college planning firm that has made a global impact, reaching students and families in 49 countries and shaping futures through education.

Throughout his career, he has traveled to 89 countries and led recruitment tours across Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, Europe, and Latin America. His extensive travels through the Middle East and his deep knowledge of colleges and universities worldwide allow him to provide families with unmatched perspective and guidance. His professional journey has been marked by long-standing relationships with education professionals, students, parents, and high school counselors, reinforcing his ability to provide the best guidance possible.

Since 2023, Juan-Camilo has served on the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) board for a three-year term. From 2014 to 2017, he was Vice President of Government Relations for the International Association for College Admission Counseling (International-ACAC), connecting with education colleagues worldwide. In 2010, he received the CIS T. Michael Maybury Award for significant contributions to university admission and recruitment.  In 2024, Juan-Camilo was honored to join the Society of International Business Fellows (SIBF), a prestigious network of top executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals.

Juan-Camilo’s philosophy is rooted in his personal journey. He believes in the power of partnerships, understanding that students and parents must work together to find the best path to higher education. This path should foster student growth and bring family satisfaction. He recognizes the importance of nurturing independence in young people pursuing education, a journey he himself undertook. He understands that success requires preparation and goal setting, guiding families through this process with expertise and empathy.