Advisors

I graduated from the University of Chicago with degrees in public policy and statistics. While at UChicago, I participated in the Neighborhood Schools Program where I helped local high school students with standardized test preparation and college essays. Upon graduating from UChicago, I have worked for three years as an Admissions Counselor where I have read and evaluated 2,000+ first year and transfer applications. I have led many workshops with students, parents, and high school counselors on holistic admissions, essay writing, and highly selection admissions processes. I am currently working toward my MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I am excited to work with bright and motivated students who are eager to take the next step in their education.

With extensive experience in both College Counseling and Special Education, Monique is committed to helping students achieve success in their academic and career paths. Since 2019, she has been dedicated to guiding families through the college admissions process, offering application support, essay reviews, and financial aid guidance. Her approach is student-centered, and she remains informed on the latest education policies and trends to ensure her support is relevant and effective.

College Counseling Expertise
● College application support
● Essay reviews and feedback
● Financial aid and scholarship guidance
● Staying current with admissions trends and policies

Before transitioning to college counseling, Monique worked as a Special Education teacher and coordinator in multiple school districts. She developed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and provided tailored support for students with diverse learning needs. Monique has collaborated with educators, families, and school staff to create inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.

Monique’s expertise in both special education and college counseling equips her to guide them toward successful academic and professional futures. Whether helping students with disabilities navigate their college journey or providing general college admissions support, Monique is dedicated to helping ALL students succeed.

Upon graduating from Harvard, I was determined to pursue a career in college admissions, dedicating myself to helping families achieve their educational aspirations. Although I later obtained an MBA and a doctorate in Higher Education, my passion for college admissions remained steadfast. For the past seven years, I have served as a full-time Independent Educational Consultant, specializing in guiding first-generation U.S. students. Additionally, I have experience working with international students, particularly those from India and China. Prior to my consulting career, I spent over ten years as an admissions director at universities in the Boston area. This extensive background enables me to provide valuable insights to students, drawing on my experience reviewing hundreds of applications and working closely with numerous families throughout the application process.

My clients typically pursue majors in fields such as computer science, pre-med, pre-law, neuroscience, biology, engineering, and business. I take great pride in answering the questions of both students and parents, especially as a first-generation American from New York City who understands the challenges of navigating the admissions process. It is incredibly rewarding to witness my students gain acceptance to Ivy League schools and other top-tier institutions, ultimately realizing their academic and professional dreams.

I hold an MBA from Cornell University and a double Bachelor's in Communications and Government & Politics from St. John’s University, where I graduated with honors. My career over the past 10+ years has been dedicated to supporting students, entrepreneurs, and professionals in achieving their academic and career goals. I have worked extensively in higher education, with a focus of mentoring students on strategic growth, storytelling, and positioning themselves for success. Previous to joining CollegeAdvisor, my journey in admissions began at Columbia University, where I served as an Admissions Officer and later as Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment. My work there involved counseling students to find the best-fit programs and pathways to admission, as well as evaluating applications and assisting department heads in making admission decisions. I also worked at Cornell Tech, supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and building strategic partnerships to encourage and fund post-graduate startups. These experiences have refined my ability to help students navigate complex application processes and showcase their unique strengths in compelling ways. Outside of my work at universities, I've tutored students of all ages for test preparation, helped them navigate building college lists and submitting applications, and even mentored undergraduate students on making plans for their graduate degree education. Now, I serve as a Platform Manager for a non-profit foundation, providing post-investment support to underrepresented founders of startup companies. On a daily basis, I aim to help entrepreneurs access the resources and knowledge they need to have the best chance of success with their business - which, if you think about it, isn't all that different from helping students navigate the path of applying to college! At CollegeAdvisor.com, I am passionate about guiding students through the college admissions process, helping them craft applications that reflect their authentic selves. My goal is to make the journey to higher education not only successful, but also exciting for students and their families. I know firsthand how daunting the process of figuring out life's next steps can be, and am an empowering and encouraging partner to students who are considering this path.

In my free time, you can find me traveling with friends, discovering the best coffee shops and restaurants, exploring street art, thrifting, and visiting botanical gardens.

I earned my B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and my M.Ed. in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California (USC). My passion for education and student support led me to a career where I guide students through the exciting yet often overwhelming college application process. Currently, I work as a College Bound Academic Advisor with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. In this role, I support students from diverse backgrounds by helping them explore their educational and career goals, build confidence, and navigate the path to higher education. I assist students with researching colleges, creating school lists, writing personal statements, preparing for interviews, and understanding financial aid. I also guide students through completing the FAFSA, applying for scholarships, and reviewing financial aid offers. One of my proudest moments was helping a high school senior overcome personal and academic challenges to apply to top-tier universities and competitive programs. Seeing my students gain confidence and celebrate their successes, including acceptances to schools such as the University of California campuses, Princeton, and other prestigious institutions, is what motivates me every day. As a former transfer student, I understand the challenges and opportunities students face as they transition into higher education. I use my experiences to create an empathetic, encouraging, and supportive environment for every student I work with.

I am passionate about helping students and their families feel confident throughout the college application process. This is a pivotal time in a student’s life, and I strive to make the journey exciting, empowering, and successful. I look forward to working together to achieve your college goals!

I recently graduated from MIT in 2024, completing both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science within three years. Currently, I am working as a Quantitative Researcher at a hedge fund based in New York. My experiences have fueled a strong commitment to education and mentorship, which I now bring to my role as a college admissions advisor, guiding students through the process with clarity and purpose. During my time at MIT, I served as a Peer Career Advisor, where I guided underclassmen to graduate students in creating compelling resumes, cover letters, and applications for internships and research opportunities. I provided tailored academic and career advice, helping students identify and achieve their goals. Additionally, I worked as a Teaching Assistant and Lab Assistant for several computer science courses, gaining valuable experience in mentoring students with diverse learning styles and academic interests. Before college and pursuing computer science, I was deeply interested in pursuing medicine and gained admission to multiple competitive 7-year BS/MD programs with full undergraduate tuition scholarships. This experience gave me firsthand insight into the application process in presenting a cohesive and authentic narrative.

My mission as a college admissions advisor is to leverage my experiences—both as an applicant and a mentor—to help students craft their unique stories. Whether it's through brainstorming personal statements, refining supplemental essays, or preparing for interviews, I aim to make the application journey not only successful but also rewarding and reflective of each student's individuality and aspirations. The college application process can seem daunting, but with a positive outlook and proper support, it becomes a chance to embrace the next chapter of your life!

I am a graduate student at MIT, pursuing a Master of Engineering in Computer Science. I graduated last spring with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science (Department of EECS) & Business Analytics (MIT Sloan School of Management). Academically, I specialize in economics (econometrics, competition, behavioral, public) and machine learning (natural language processing, computer vision, algorithmic theory). I love working with big data to solve complex problems. Prior to joining CollegeAdvisor, I worked closely with students across five admissions cycles, offering one-on-one guidance in essay editing, test preparation, resume building, and college interviews for top-tier schools nationwide. I have also worked with over four education companies, developing and teaching AI, computer science, STEM, and math subjects to middle and high school students across the world. My role as a Teaching Assistant for multiple economics courses at MIT has further deepened my experience in mentoring students and helping them thrive academically. Growing up in a small town in Mississippi, I understand the transformative impact of access to quality resources and am passionate about supporting others as they navigate their educational journeys.

At school, I served as chair on the executive boards of the Undergraduate Economics Association and the 300-member dance group (Asian Dance Team) on campus. Professionally, I've worked in consumer pricing, cloud infrastructure, decarbonization of energy systems, and AI research. In my free time, I am experimenting with new recipes, exploring restaurants, and enjoying high-adrenaline outdoor activities.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2023 with a degree in Systems Engineering, a certificate in Law from Penn Law, and minors in Math and Engineering Entrepreneurship. While at Penn, I discovered my passion for guiding students through their educational journeys, especially the college admissions process. Over the years, I have worked with numerous high school students, providing personalized support in college essay writing, extracurricular planning, and academic advising to help them achieve their dreams of attending top universities. My experience includes helping students refine their writing skills to craft essays that authentically showcase their stories. I’ve assisted students in brainstorming, drafting, and editing personal statements, supplemental essays, and resumes, ensuring their applications stand out to admissions officers. I also specialize in helping students plan extracurricular activities that align with their passions and highlight their leadership and impact. In high school, I was very involved with scientific research/paper writing, academic quiz bowl, competition math (AIME, etc), US National Chemistry Olympiad, and I founded my high school's Society of Women Engineers chapter. I was also a Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist in 2019. I'm eager to work with students with interests/questions in these areas as well. I’ve had the privilege of working with students pursuing a wide range of academic interests, including Engineering, Pre-Law, Business/Finance, and STEM. Whether it’s breaking down complex essay prompts, organizing application timelines, or offering advice on how to balance academics and extracurriculars, I’m dedicated to making the college admissions process as approachable and enjoyable as possible. Outside of advising, I worked as an Investment Banking Analyst in NYC, where I developed skills in strategic thinking, communication, and attention to detail. These skills translate directly into my ability to guide students through the intricate process of crafting well-rounded applications. This past admissions cycle, I also served as an Alumni Volunteer Interviewer for ED and RD candidates for admission to Penn. I understand how overwhelming applying to college can be, but I firmly believe that every student has a unique story to tell. My mission is to empower students to present their most authentic selves in their applications while easing the stress for both them and their families. I was the first in my family to attend college in the US, so I can relate to the unique expectations and feelings that arise with students going through a similar experience. I am also applying to law school this cycle, so I especially can relate to the toll of an admissions season!

When I’m not working with students, I enjoy doing workout classes like SoulCycle, running, perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe, and reading. I am excited to bring my experience, dedication, and passion for mentorship to CollegeAdvisor.com, helping students and families navigate this transformative chapter of their lives with confidence and success.

I have ten years of experience as a Chief Enrollment Officer, and thirteen more years of experience as a senior enrollment leader. I have also worked at and with independent schools, advising middle school through college level students as part of a non-profit community-based organization, REACH Prep (RP). At RP, I oversaw a 15-month academic and co-curricular enrichment program for middle schoolers looking to be admitted into HS at college preparatory, highly selective independent schools. For scholars at independent schools, RP offered outdoor leadership programs, connection to summer opportunities, and programming for parents/families. While at RP, I was proud to serve as a founding member of the National Partnership for Educational Access. I've held Assistant, Associate, and Director of Admission and Financial Aid roles, in addition to Associate Dean, Executive Director, Associate Provost and Assistant and Associate Vice President roles in undergraduate institutions, graduate schools of education, state systems of higher education and women's colleges. I am a first-generation college grad and champion of inclusive excellence who has served as a Black Student Recruitment Coordinator and Director of Minority Recruitment. I have much experience in diverse pipeline building having worked with Quest Bridge, Posse and KIPP. Leveraging my undergraduate study of English and graduate study contextualized in journalism, including media training, along with years of admission and alumni interviews, I can help prep students to best advocate for themselves in writing and in person. Charged with rendering decisions on admission applications and participating in admission committees, I can demystify the admission process for students and families. Finally, as a long-time nationwide recruiter, I have researched and understood the academic and personal settings from which many applicants hailed, by meeting students, literally, where they are.

My journey in education began as a Programs Manager with the American Council for International Education, where I had the privilege of working with students from all corners of Uzbekistan. Traveling to both urban and rural areas, I helped recruit participants for U.S. State Department-sponsored exchange programs. This experience was truly eye-opening and sparked my passion for guiding students through the transformative power of education. One of the most impactful chapters of my career was my time at the University of Southern California International Academy. As Admissions Manager and Principal Designated School Official, I spent nearly a decade managing admissions for a variety of programs, ensuring visa compliance, and forming partnerships with universities and scholarship organizations worldwide. Most rewarding of all was my work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds—helping them navigate their academic journeys, achieve their dreams, and grow into the next chapter of their lives. These experiences have shaped my unwavering commitment to supporting students as they explore the exciting and sometimes daunting world of higher education. With my multilingual background and personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by students, I’m passionate about helping students and their families make confident, well-informed choices about their educational paths.

I hold a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with a specialization in Student Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With extensive experience in education and admissions, I’ve led strategic initiatives to increase student success and help students achieve their dream of a college degree. Currently, I serve as the Director of Student Recruitment & Campus Visit Experiences at a large public university in the south. In my current role, I manage a team of dedicated admissions professionals as we create human centered enrollment strategies to admit the best and brightest students from across the world. We also get to host thousands of students on campus for fun events to learn about the university. Previously, as an Associate Director of Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, I oversaw a subset of goals where our admissions philosophy encouraged us to know each students name and story through the admissions journey. At the University of Texas at Austin, I got a chance to work with talented and ambitious students who wanted to change the world. Earlier in my career, I held impactful roles at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I worked with students on learning how to balance the fun and memorable experiences that come along with the academic rigors of being in college. Beyond my professional life, I enjoy playing with my dogs, exploring new worlds in video games (currently playing Hogwarts Legacy #Ravenclaw) or building elaborate LEGO sets, and fun game nights friends and family.

I'm Hannah, a current junior at MIT pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Data Analytics and Business. I have previously worked in Private Equity, Data Analysis for Sustainability, and Economic Research and currently serve as the VP of MIT's Consulting Group. I attended Phillips Academy Andover for high school where I was the captain of the Mens Crew team and President of Andover's Climate group.

I am a recent graduate of the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University from which I obtained my Master’s of Science in Business Analytics. This degree has enhanced my data knowledge and broadened my education of a business purpose with regard to data analytics. Prior to obtaining my Masters I attended Fairfield University for my Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Mathematics while minoring in Black Studies. In addition to obtaining this degree, I was a Division I college athlete which gave me lifelong skills around work-life balance as well as staying focused in pursuit of my degree. While pursuing my Masters at Fairfield University, I was a teacher apart of the Upward Bound program held on campus. This program provides academic resources for students who may either be first generation college students or want extra guidance along the way. As a teacher in this program I taught 9-12 grade Science as well as provided mentoring for my students around the College Application process. I have experience in both Credit Industry space, currently working as a Risk Management Analyst for American Express as well as Sports Industry experience where I worked in the Data Engineering department, focusing on Platform services that Major League Baseball offers.

Outside of my academic and professional career I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching sports and trying new foods around NYC!

Alyssa Rashaw has a strong background in education, communications, and college readiness, with a rich blend of academic and professional experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. Her professional experience includes working in the charter school sector and higher education, notably as an assistant to the Dean at Georgetown University.

Alyssa is also a Strategic Communications Fellow at the DC State Board of Education, where she hones her skills in policy, advocacy, and strategic planning. At the District of Columbia Public Schools central office (DCPS), Alyssa supports the College Persists Department, working closely with college coaches and school leaders to ensure that students stay on track for post-secondary success. She is instrumental in managing data processes that track student progress and outcomes, providing crucial insights to demonstrate the program's effectiveness and its impact on DCPS graduates.

She is passionate about supporting college and career readiness, particularly among underrepresented groups, and is committed to addressing the technology and education gap in Black communities. Her experience spans advising, family engagement, and working in diverse educational settings, making her well-equipped to support students in achieving their college admissions goals as a Senior Advisor at CollegeAdvisor.com.

I am a professional with 10+ years of experience in K-12, higher education, and social services institutions. I am a confident, humble leader who is a quick learner, has an innovative mindset, am open to critical feedback, and can concurrently manage multiple projects, to effectively complete the outlined goals of a position or project. I have proven success with data-driven decision making, working across diverse student and professional communities, and high-level strategic planning to create long-term success in recruitment and student success improvements.

Hi! My name is Cadence and I am graduating this year from the University of California San Diego with my Bachelor of Science in Molecular Synthesis. At UCSD I have been very involved in biomedical research at the School of Medicine, worked with students as a private tutor for math and chemistry, and worked on the board of officers for the archery team. I aspire to become a physician-scientist with an MD, and PhD and will begin applying to medical school this spring. I have extensive experience in standardized test prep and got a 95th percentile score on my MCAT. I first started working with CollegeAdvisor.com as a high school student when I was applying to schools and was thrilled with my experience as a client. It was through this process I learned the value of having someone knowledgeable to help you through the complicated process and I wanted to give back to students that were once in my shoes.

I know how hard it can be to navigate science and medicine in high school and college, and I am passionate about guiding other high school students and helping them explore and pursue different routes in medicine and STEM.

I am a current undergraduate student at The Pennsylvania State University working on a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and a minor in engineering mechanics. During my first semester at Penn State, I was offered a three-rotation internship experience with Delta Air Lines. Following this experience, I completed a summer internship experience at The Boeing Company. While at Penn State, I was a mentor and career advisor as a part of The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) aiding working with students to build their resumes and secure internships very early in their undergraduate careers. As a mentor, I also offered guidance to students in their college experience helping them to find clubs, research, and other groups they could actively engage in either for a professional motive or to simply help find their passion. This experience has exposed me to using the vast variety of different backgrounds and interests these students have to leverage as their greatest strengths. I have worked with students who major in all forms of Engineering including Aerospace, Mechanical, Biomedical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, Architectural, Civil, Chemical, and Industrial. In addition, I have also worked with students in the fields of Computer Science and Cybersecurity. My mission while advising is to bring out the best in a student by leveraging their strengths and turning what may seem like weaknesses into opportunities for growth that the college would love to invest in. As someone who has gone through the application process myself, I understand that applications can be an anxious experience at times. But taking that first step of finding passion in yourself with enable you to display your best you.

Yolanda, a seasoned college admissions officer with over 20 years of experience, is dedicated to guiding students on their academic journeys. As a former Associate Director of Admissions at UNC-Chapel Hill, Yolanda deeply understands the college application process from institutional and student perspectives. Yolanda has a proven track record of supporting first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in achieving their higher education goals. With her extensive experience working with diverse institutions nationwide, Yolanda can provide expert guidance on everything from creating a college list to the enrollment process. Her expertise in leading college access programs supporting first-generation students has equipped her with the skills to assist students in identifying colleges that align with their social needs, academic strengths, and career aspirations. Yolanda's approach is tailored to each student's unique needs. She offers comprehensive support, from brainstorming potential colleges to crafting compelling applications. With a caring and empathetic demeanor, Yolanda fosters a supportive environment that encourages students to dream big and explore all their options. Additionally, her expertise extends beyond the application process. She hosts workshops and webinars to educate students, parents, and high school counselors on the college admissions landscape. Her goals are to demystify the process, provide clear guidance, and reduce stress.

Public - Private - HBCU - HSI - Ivy - Regional

While assisting students is a passion of Yolanda's, she spends her free time teaching yoga🧘🏾‍♀️ and going to the beach! 🏖️

As a recent first-generation graduate and regents scholar at UC Berkeley, I can still remember how nervous I was for my first college admissions cycle. In 2020, I joined Matriculate with the hope of improving this experience for others, eventually mentoring over 120 high school students while managing a cohort of 60 college advisors. Through CollegeAdvisor, I have learned even more about supporting students towards their dream schools, while advocating for increased transparency and equity in the college admissions system. From conversations with many college admissions offices, I understand that colleges are not searching for the perfect student, but rather one that is able to articulate their story. My role as an advisor is to help students build this narrative by embracing their unique perspective and experiences, which I promise every student has! My previous students have been admitted to a wide range of schools including highly selective institutions, such as Stanford, Yale, Georgetown, and UC Berkeley. Currently, I work as a Research Analyst for LAVCA based in New York, where I cover investment/development projects in Latin American markets. During my time at UC Berkeley, I had the opportunity to study abroad for nearly a year in Chile, which led to my current career as an analyst. In my free time, I love performing at open mics, trying new dance classes, and spending time with my cats. Please reach out if you have any questions about anything I've mentioned here or would like to know more about my advising background, I'm always happy to chat!

Hi there! My name is Rachael, and I graduated from Northwestern University in 2023 as a theatre major, dance minor, and music theatre certificate recipient, and with additional studies in choreography and acting for the screen. I now use the education and connections that Northwestern provided me as a professional actor in Chicago, IL. Online Tutoring Experience with Varsity Tutors: I have previously tutored students in College Essays and ACT/SAT prep. I helped one student brainstorm and develop her personal statement for the Common App, and she sent me a thank you after she was accepted and committed to Princeton University! I am a professional musical theatre actor who studied music theatre and dance at Northwestern University. I know well the unique college application AND audition process that prospective MT students must go through. If you are looking for someone to help you navigate that process, select and prepare your audition material, put together dance reels and self-tapes, edit your theatrical resume, prepare you for in-person auditions, etc - look no further! During my college application process, I applied to around 25 different schools - even if you are not someone looking to study fine arts, I can still be a great resource as someone with experience juggling many different applications, deadlines, and essay topics. Of the schools listed below that I myself have been accepted to, I am referring to academic acceptance. I was not accepted for musical theatre at all of those listed, but can provide insight into both the application and audition processes.

I am a recent graduate of Princeton University with a bachelor's in English and a certificate in American Studies. During my first year at Princeton, I worked as an English tutor with TutorOut, providing guidance in writing, editing, and reading comprehension to students in China. In the fall of that same year, I co-ran a pro-bono college admissions workshop where I worked with dozens of students to help craft their personal statements and supplemental essays with the goal of expanding accessibility to college mentorship services. Prior to Princeton, I volunteered for four years as a generalized tutor to students aged elementary through high school, working one-on-one and in group settings to foster personal development and academic growth in my underrepresented, rural school district. All of these experiences, along with my own journey coming from a town where less than one-fourth of adults hold a bachelor's degree, have strengthened my interest in admissions advising and promoting access to higher education. I am currently working in attorney development at a top-5 corporate law firm in New York City with hopes of one day attending law school. I have extensive knowledge regarding Pre-Law/Political Science, Arts and Humanities, and Communications and Media Studies. I center my advising around clearly articulating each student's voice and personal brand, using the admissions process as a chance for reflection upon not only each student's achievements and passions, but also upon their unique personal trajectory. The college admissions process is a time filled with possibilities, and my aim is to help each individual student and family realize those possibilities while recognizing the value in all the work they have done to reach this point.