Advisors

Greetings! With over 16 years of dedicated experience in college admissions, I have had the privilege of working at Providence College (RI), Texas Christian University (TX), and the University of New Hampshire (NH). I was personally responsible for reviewing over 1,500 admissions applications each year and have worked with a range of students, including domestic, international and post-graduate applicants. I have served as an athletic liaison between the admissions and athletic departments for NCAA D1 athletic recruits and chaired multiple admissions and scholarship committees, where I oversaw the evaluation and selection of prospective students, ensuring a fair and thorough review process. Throughout my career in college admissions starting as an Admissions Counselor to Director of Admissions, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of the admissions process. My philosophy centers on the belief that the college search process should be an empowering experience for all students. I enjoy working closely with students and their families, helping them identify their goals, understand their options, and make informed decisions about their futures. I am committed to promoting access, opportunity, and success for all students. My extensive experience and passion for education have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to assist students in realizing their academic dreams, making the college admission process less daunting and more enriching experience. I look forward to navigating the college search journey with you!

Hello! My name is Alex Garcia, and I’m a rising junior at Cornell University studying business, government, science, and technology. I’m currently interning at KPMG in NYC and aiming for a career in consulting post-grad. At Cornell I strive to stay active by serving as a senior board member of an advocacy organization and regularly take part in a variety of other student clubs ranging from the student ambassadors to weightlifting groups. Outside of school, I work with a large-scale nonprofit to review grant applications and finances of organizations across North America. My college experiences build on my high school activities, where I was President of the largest student-run organization in Maryland’s most-populated school district, collaborated directly with politicians (local-national) on legislation impacting students, and much more. I’ve learned about the business world from unique perspectives and believe it’s inclusive across disciplines. With today’s competitive college and internship landscape, creative self-branding is crucial. As a Specialty Advisor for Business at CollegeAdvisor.Com, I’ll help with brand creation to align with your experiences and suggest ways to maximize high school opportunities to attract college and internship recruiters—a process I’ve recently navigated.

Side Notes: 1) I received the International Baccalaureate Diploma in HS, but also received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award - I would love to assist with course selection. | 2) I recently received the 2024 Hispanic Scholarship Fund Award - I am able to guide students through scholarship applications. | 3) A lot of my experiences involve politics - I have lots of insights into this field as well for college/career related matters

Thank you for your time.

I hold my B.A. from University of California, Berkeley where I majored in Social Welfare and Asian American/Asian Diaspora Studies. I recently graduated with an M.B.A. in Design Strategy at California College of the Arts. After completing a yearlong service with Americorps, I worked at a local scholarship organization for three years offering college admissions advising to high school seniors through our partnership with the school district. I piloted curriculum to guide students through the college application process, and specialized in financial literacy and scholarship/financial aid application support. I developed a merit and equity based system to review scholarship applicants, and have reviewed thousands of scholarship applications to identify and select awardees.

As an Academic College Counselor at a middle/high school, I worked with students of all ages, from seniors going through the college admissions process to 8th graders learning about higher education for the first time. I am well versed in doing transcript reviews and understand the curricular requirements students must meet to be both eligible and competitive for college. I have also supported student in researching and applying for summer opportunities, extra-curricular activities, and internships to strengthen their skills and experience.

I am committed to supporting all students on their journey to discover and articulate the skills and gifts that will help them lead a successful and happy life. As a first-generation college graduate, I had to utilize resources outside of my home to access and navigate higher education, and will use those skills to give my students insight in this process. I believe in joy and authenticity, and will find opportunities to celebrate our successes through the challenging and serious process of applying for college. Lastly, I strive to empower students to embrace the process with bravery and a willingness to grow and stretch. I hope for students to be drivers of their own educational journey, and I can't wait to work in partnership with students, parents, and the community that supports you.

Hello, my name is Sidra! I am a Second Year OB/GYN Resident. In high school, I decided I wanted to pursue medicine. I went to University of California: Davis, to embark on my Pre-Med Journey and graduated in 2017. I am excited to share my passion for medicine with you but also show you other ways you can help people outside of medicine.
Expertise: Pre Med Advising, Pre Health Advising, Interview Preparation, Resume Review, and Academic and Career Counseling.
Looking forward to supporting your journey!

I graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience with a Minor in Psychology. During my time in college, I worked as a resident assistant fostering community for first-year students and mentoring pre-med students. Since I graduated from Duke University in 2021, I have dedicated myself to promoting equity in college access for students from rural and underserved communities. For three years, I worked with Duke College Advising Corps in Sampson County with over three hundred students over their senior year to help them realize their post-secondary goals. I have also volunteered with the Duke Center for Girls & Women with ADHD for over a year. I am currently pursuing my dual master's in Social Work and Public Administration at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill to continue my work toward increasing access to healthcare and education for women with mental health concerns. I have worked with prospective students interested in being Pre-Med, Pre-Law, and studying Engineering, Computer Science, and Communication and Media Studies. College advising is an opportunity to foster independence, introspection, and growth within students. I will be with my students every step of the way, ensuring they understand their options and find joy in choosing their next steps forward!

I am a dedicated advisor with a diverse background in sales, sales management, developing sales strategies, legal assistance, personal finance, and extensive experience in motivating and increasing productivity. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Economics at California State University, Fullerton, I am committed to leveraging my extensive professional experience to guide and mentor students, helping them secure admission to their dream universities.

Hello! I'm a graduate of Columbia University, where I studied English and Human Rights. I've advised and mentored students for several years now, and love the opportunity to work with such brilliant and dynamic young people. I specialize in essay strategizing/editing, standardized test prep, and scholarships/financial aid but have worked with students on a wide variety of issues. In working with students and their families, I prioritize confidence. College admissions often feel opaque and stressful, but developing a sense of confidence—by harnessing and showcasing the student's unique experiences and strengths, by developing a broad sense of what schools are out there and what programs they have to offer, and by taking an organized and methodical approach to each set of applications—makes the process feel much more tangible. Outside of CollegeAdvisor.com, I've taught courses for a mental health advocacy organization and spent substantial time in LGBTQ+ mentorship roles. I spend my free time on creative things—playing piano, learning to crochet, cooking, and writing. Working with students is so important to me; I'm so grateful for the chance to help young people achieve their dreams!

Hi! My name is Robert Pena and I’d be happy to be your student’s advisor! I am a former physician (M.D.) turned Science Teacher (Physics) turned High School Counselor. I am entering my fifth year as a counselor and have successfully guided hundreds of students from all backgrounds through the college application process. In fact, several of my students this past year earned full rides to Notre Dame, UCLA, Texas A&M, and the University of Texas at Austin!

Here are some fun facts about me:
Fun Fact #1: I delivered 35 babies in med school/residency
Fun Fact #2: I wanted to be a Southwest Airlines Pilot as a kid. However, my eyesight is terrible!
Fun Fact #3: I worked as a school photographer and vet tech while in college.

Due to my previous work as a physician, I am often called upon to work with students that are interested in the medical profession. Pre-med students are generally very intelligent. They do their research and can read everything there is to know online. What they often seek is the information that is not as easily discerned. What does it really take to become a doctor? What are the benefits of the B.S./M.D. program versus applying broadly? What can I do NOW to get a leg up on the competition? What can I do to set myself apart now and later once I am in college? What questions should I be asking that I haven’t considered?

Advising Philosophy: Reflect and know thyself. The best applicants are those that have put in the time and have found their voice. They have found their motivation and are invested in the application process. They can answer the “why” questions and speak at length about what they are looking for in a career/college. Helping students reach this point is crucial to putting out a great application.

Applying to college is an exciting process and I look forward to being your student’s personal guide during this important journey!

Hi! My name is Morgan and I am a student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying Engineering, with interests in the built environment, climate change/adaptation, and computer science. I am from Brooklyn, NY and am a current Junior (class of 2026). I grew up with a low-income immigrant single mother from the Caribbean, and attended boarding school from 9th through 12th grade. I have done a lot since starting my degree, with many of my activities revolving around engineering, research, career exploration, leadership, and the college application process. For example, I have worked in two labs during my undergrad, one of which is focused on computer science, architecture, and engineering. I have worked there for 1.5 years. Currently, I am working in a UCL lab focusing on tsunami engineering and disaster prevention. Back at MIT, I am a part of MCG (MIT Consulting Group), a club that allows me to work on real consulting cases as an undergraduate student. I understand the difficulty of the college application process, as I went through it a few short years ago. In my cycle, I was able to receive acceptances from many prestigious universities, some of which being Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Duke, and many more. With that being said, I am a huge proprietor of open and honest communication; I am here as a resource to demystify the college application and help the student reach their fullest potential. In my free time, I like to read and try new cuisines. Hope to be in contact with you soon!

Hi! I’m Adonis, a 3rd-year PhD student studying Immunology at Stanford University School of Medicine. I graduated from Stanford in 2021 with a degree in Biology, focusing on microbes and immunity. Initially, I entered college as a pre-med student and completed the first two years of pre-med coursework before discovering my passion for biomedical sciences and deciding to pursue a PhD. Throughout my undergraduate years, I conducted research on viruses and vaccines at renowned institutions, including Stanford, the Pasteur Institute in France, the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub in San Francisco, and Genentech. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the field and a global perspective on biomedical research. Before joining CollegeAdvisor, I worked at CollegeVine for two years, where I helped students secure admissions to prestigious schools like Stanford, Brown, and UC Berkeley. I’m here to answer your questions about the college application process, campus life, interviews, internships, studying abroad, and more. I’m excited to meet you all and am committed to being highly accessible as we work together to find your dream school!

I am a seasoned musician and arts administration professional with over a decade of experience. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from Florida State University and completed my Master’s in Instrumental Performance (Euphonium) at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music. Using an intersectional approach, I am deeply committed to providing tangible resources to the next generation of arts professionals.

My journey in admissions began as a student worker at the Florida State University College of Music's admissions office and continued at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Music's recruitment and enrollment office. I also served as the Senior Admissions Coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, where I managed application administration, student matriculation, program information sessions, and acted as the first point of contact for prospective students.

I currently serve as Recruitment & Academic Coordinator at Carnegie Mellon University School of Music, where I contribute to the school's overall recruitment efforts. My responsibilities include application administration, campus visit programming, and collaboration with faculty on audition days. I also assist in developing and implementing data-driven recruitment strategies for the School of Music.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking, caring for my many plants, watching horror films, and supporting Pittsburgh’s local music and art scene. I also serve as a co-founder and Director of Operations of the Chromatic Brass Collective, a music nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and elevating the visibility of racially and ethnically underrepresented women and gender non-conforming individuals in the brass community through performance, education, and outreach.

Hello there! I'm Ertrell Harris, and I'm excited to introduce myself as a Senior Advisor. Originally from South Carolina, I've always believed in the power of education to transform lives. Growing up as a first-generation college student in a low-income household, my journey to higher education was driven by my determination to overcome obstacles. My educational path began at Howard University, where I pursued my undergraduate studies and discovered my passion for higher education and college access. Building on this, I earned a master's degree in sociology from George Washington University. Drawing from my own experiences, I've spent over a decade empowering students like myself to navigate the academic landscape. Throughout my career, I've been privileged to work with two college access programs dedicated to supporting minority and economically disadvantaged students. My students have received scholarships from organizations like Questbridge, Posse, the Gates Scholarship, and more, and have attended a diverse range of colleges, from local community colleges to prestigious institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Additionally, I've gained valuable insights from working in three different admissions offices, where I've assisted students in making crucial decisions about their future—choosing a college that aligns with their goals and financial circumstances. In my roles, I've been deeply committed to helping students pursue higher education while minimizing financial barriers. What I find most fulfilling is establishing meaningful connections and empowering students to realize their full potential.

Over the past decade, I've immersed myself in guiding college-bound students from across the country through the admissions process. With experience from institutions like the University of Delaware, University of Maryland College Park, and George Washington University, as well as working with Johns Hopkins School of Nursing at the graduate level, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. My journey is fueled by a passion for fostering inclusivity and accessibility in higher education. Through workshops, outreach events, and personalized guidance, I empower students from diverse backgrounds to navigate the admissions maze with confidence. Working closely with the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by aspiring healthcare professionals and reinforced the importance of mentorship. As I reflect, I'm grateful for the relationships formed and lives touched. My dedication to empowering students remains steadfast, driven by the belief in the transformative impact of education and the boundless potential within every student.

My journey in higher education started at my undergraduate institution, Stony Brook University, where I worked as a tour guide for 3 years. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Immediately after, I earned a Master of Arts in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I have over 7 years of experience working in both undergraduate and graduate admissions. While completing my Master's program, I simultaneously worked at Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Science. I have also worked at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, Baruch College, and Vassar College. Through my roles, I have always been a champion for increasing and retaining students of underrepresented backgrounds. I served on various committees for diversity recruitment and pioneered campus-wide programming highlighting the unique aspects of each institution. Outside of work, I like to spend my time with my family. I enjoy traveling, visiting quirky bookstores, and trying new food. I've been to 17 countries so far. I'm a native New Yorker and can tell you without a doubt, we have one of the best food scenes around! My goal is to equip students and families with quality and valuable information to make the best decision regarding college selection. This is an exciting time, yet it can also be overwhelming. I work hard to demystify the admissions process to make it as seamless as possible. In my role, I will assist you in finding the college that best aligns with your values and goals, and preparing the best application that best represents you.

Darryl Tiggle has acquired more than three decades of expertise in his field, with 20 years of experience working in college admissions before moving on to lead a successful college counseling office at Friends School of Baltimore. Previously Darryl was Senior Associate Director of Admissions at Tufts University where he gained valuable insight into the world of highly selective college admissions. He began his career at Union College (NY), his alma mater, in 1992 as an admissions counselor and rose to the leadership role of Associate Dean. Darryl is nationally recognized for his expertise in every aspect of the college admission process. Throughout his career, he has been featured in several admissions publications including the NY Times best-selling book, “Who Gets in and Why.” In 2021 he was recognized by The Colleges that Change Lives (CTCL) organization as a Counselors Who Change Lives. Darryl has an extensive network of college admissions professionals with whom he continually collaborates. He has sat in on admissions selection for a variety of highly selective institutions, including colleges in the Ivy League and NESCAC like Dartmouth College and Middlebury College. Darryl has also served on selection committees for prestigious scholarships at Davidson College and Lafayette College. He regularly trains new admissions professionals and conducts presentations and workshops for organizations including The College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Mr. Tiggle is a regularly invited guest on admissions podcasts including The Admissions Beat and College Guidance Network. Mr. Tiggle is called upon often for his insights on topics in college admissions. He sits on the advisory board for the College Board’s College Counseling Advisory Group (CCAG) and their Counseling Admissions Advisory Council (CAAC). Darryl is also a member of Southern Methodist University (SMU) advisory board. Darryl is passionate about sharing his knowledge to make the college admission process more accessible and less mysterious. He has a special interest in how the admission process is perceived from the student and parent perspective and is known for putting families at ease.

As of 2024, I have earned a B.A. in Economics and German with a minor in Music from Kalamazoo College and a M.S. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW). I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Education Policy at Michigan State University (MSU). My career in college admissions began soon after graduating from Kalamazoo College in 2016. I served as a college advisor within Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), a statewide policy program affiliated with Americorps intended to boost postsecondary enrollment in the state of Michigan. In that role, I acted as the personal advisor for a high school of approximately 400 students for two years. I provided one-on-one meetings, lectures on student loans and financial literacy, organized scholarship nights, college fairs, resume building, essay writing, and much more. After my two-year term limit through Americorps expired, I moved to Madison, Wisconsin for two years to complete my M.S. in Economics where I also joined the UW-Madison admissions office as a Graduate Admissions Officer. At UW, I evaluated applications from around the world, provided customer services through phone, email, and in-person, and helped work recruiting events around campus. My time between both positions elucidated my understanding of the college admissions process from both sides and compelled me to take my knowledge and understanding towards research. The next logical step for that entailed beginning my doctorate at MSU in 2020, so in addition to working for CollegeAdvisor.com, I am currently working on my dissertation at MSU. My dissertation topic concerns postsecondary access and equity in the United States, particularly in Michigan where I am using econometric and qualitative research methods to analyze the efficacy of various college access programs. As a returning college advisor and admissions officer, I loved my work then and I am excited to get back into it. Know that if you have me as an advisor or officer, I will work with you to the best of my ability to help you achieve your dreams both in college and beyond. As a college advisor, I worked tirelessly to make sure every graduating senior had a solid plan, and as an admissions officer, I made sure every question was answered thoroughly and applications were fully considered. It brings me joy when former students reach out to share something, ask for advice, or just say thank you. So, thank you for considering me and I look forward to working with you!

In 2022, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Columbia University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Hispanic Studies. While at Columbia, I worked with graduating high school seniors and incoming Columbia first-years to improve their chances not only of getting into Columbia but thriving there once they were accepted. Some of this work included essay editing, a role with which I was very familiar, given my experience as the Senior Editor of the Columbia University neuroscience journal—Grey Matters. Other aspects of this mission included helping students decide what major they should choose, guiding students through course selection, and advising students on necessary steps for their career paths, both through and after college.

Having completed a double major in Psychology and Hispanic Studies and nearing completion of my Master's in Cognitive Neuroscience, I am very familiar with both the Humanities and STEM subjects. In my time at Columbia, I advised students who entered a myriad of disciplines such as Computer Science, Political Science, Human Rights, Medicine, Law, and Neuroscience. My mission as a Pre-Med Specialty Advisor is to understand the interests and goals of the student and to help them understand and complete the necessary steps and commitments that those goals will require of them. Every student is unique, and in working to highlight that unique potential, I strive to make this sometimes overwhelming process as clear and goal-oriented as possible.

As mentioned, I am currently completing my M.S. in Cognitive Neuroscience and soon will move to Texas to begin my new job in a psychophysiology lab at Texas A&M. I love what I do, and I have a passion for grounding science and medicine in a framework of cultural competency and social wellbeing. My ultimate goal is to complete my PhD in Clinical Psychology and work as a clinical neuropsychologist, and when I'm not working toward that, you can find me baking for friends and reading.

I earned my degree in Electrical Engineering from Howard University, with Magna Cum Laude Latin Honors, finishing my program in three years. I am currently a PhD student at the University of California, Berkeley in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) department. My research focuses on the field of physical electronics, particularly optoelectronics. Optoelectronics is widely considered a sub-discipline of photonics, which refers to the study and application of the physical science of light.

My Passion for Advising Students:

In my own undergraduate college journey, I was accepted to over ten universities with $1 million USD in financial aid. Similarly, for my graduate school process, I was accepted to top universities for engineering with fully funded offers to pursue my PhD. During this process, I was on my own researching and applying to my schools of interest. I believe that my vast experiences in engineering will enable me to assist anyone to create their own story and achieve their collegiate dreams. This can be a difficult process to navigate, with many different hidden hurdles involved, and I am passionate about leveraging my experience to help students. Below, you will find a summary of my engineering experience!

Undergraduate Academic Experience:

During my three years at Howard University, I completed various hardware electronics projects. For my senior capstone project, I worked with The Aerospace Corporation on a project titled, “Machine Learning Based Sensing for Autonomous Robotic Manipulation”. I was also amongst a group of 30 students selected for a Google program called Hardware Product Sprint. In Summer 2022, I had a great experience working with Google engineers to learn about consumer electronics. Additionally, I have experience conducting undergraduate academic research projects in quantum materials science. In Summer 2023, I was one of three students selected for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Global Quantum Leap International Research and Training Experience Program at the National Institute of Materials Science in Japan. This project was supported by Cornell University. In Summer 2022, I was a research intern at the NSF Center for Integrated Quantum Materials at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Both these research projects had applications for advanced computing with the long-term goal of developing next generation electronic devices.

Engineering Leadership Experience:

Aside from my academic experiences, I am very involved in engineering leadership. At UC Berkeley, I am the professional development chair for the Black Graduate Engineering and Science Students, which is the graduate chapter for the National Society of Black Engineers. I also serve as delegate in the EECS Graduate Assembly, which is a student government that advocates for EECS graduate students. At Howard University, I was a resident assistant in a freshman dorm, I was the campus ambassador for Raytheon Technologies, I was the membership and academic excellence chair of the Howard University Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, I was the programs chair of the Howard University Chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and I was the diversity representative of the Howard University College of Engineering and Architecture Student Council. Additionally, I am an initiated member of the DC Alpha chapter of Tau Beta Pi, which is an engineering honor society for students at in the top percentile of their academic year group.

I am currently a graduating senior at Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Public Health while minoring in Psychology. I have had the pleasure to involved in various work and volunteer experiences throughout my undergraduate career. I am currently working as a research assistant at 21st Century Cities Initiative, where I contribute to various objectives of the organization. This includes conducting original urban research, organizing campus-wide urban events, and participating in policy outreach at different levels of government. Additionally, I engaged in civic activities aimed at enhancing Baltimore's community and released pertinent policy reports for urban policy discussions. I have also worked in healthcare administration, working with patients to help them submit SNAP and medical insurance applications. At Johns Hopkins, I have experience in club leadership, through my time as Vice-president and President of Salud, an organization that “works to improve the health of the Hispanic community by providing health promotion and education and eliminating the cultural and linguistic barriers that exist when seeking medical care.” I volunteer as a medical Spanish translator at the Baltimore City Immunization Clinic and volunteer at Johns Hopkins Hospital as a research assistant examining pediatric patients with bladder exstrophy and dysfunctional elimination syndrome.

I am a higher education professional with over 10 years of experience specializing in college access, counseling, student services, and academic advising. In addition to my contributions to the positive learning outcomes of my immediate community, I am a lifelong advocate for the betterment of all youth. Above all, I consider myself a servant to young people everywhere. I have made a career in counseling high-achieving youth nationwide and currently serve as College Access Manager at Thrive Scholars. I am passionate about coaching and supporting young people through the application process, from building a college list to reviewing financial aid award letters to helping young people and their families decide where they will go next. I am a coach and use my managerial experience to build character and set high expectations for all my clients. I am a trained historian and often seek opportunities to create dialogue and share ideas in education, contemporary politics, popular culture, and music. Last but certainly not least, I am a musician with 15 years of experience producing and performing. I believe in using technology to build well-informed communities. I invite all art-medium creatives, future healthcare professionals, and potential clients interested in humanities to consider working with me to build a spectacular college application.

Hi! My name is Samantha, and I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in May 2022 with a Bachelor’s in History and a minor in Anthropology. After coming from a low-income background and working my way through college, I am proud to have graduated debt-free. During my time at UGA, I made sure to take advantage of all the on-campus opportunities I could find. I joined clubs that aligned with my interests and made lifelong connections. In addition to being in numerous clubs, I worked for the university in the campus bookstore and the university’s art museum. Working on campus made me feel like I was a part of a greater community, and it brought me great joy to welcome campus guests and share my love for the Bulldogs.

Post-graduation, I worked as an AmeriCorps College Adviser for underserved, low-income, and underrepresented student populations. As an adviser, I supported 1000+ high school juniors and seniors with college and career prep while individually advising over 600 students on the college admissions process. While working with students, I stressed the importance of college affordability as well as creating balanced college lists based on best match and fit. I assisted my students from the Class of 2022 in earning 27.1 million dollars in scholarships, so I love helping students secure funding to support their college endeavors. Impelled by my passion for college access, I am gearing up to start the Professional School Counseling master's program at my alma mater, and in the meantime, I am excited to be supporting students through the college admissions process!