Columbia University

As a full-time college counselor and the proud owner of a small independent counseling business, I get to live my passion every day: helping students navigate the exciting yet sometimes overwhelming world of college admissions. With over 25 years of experience in both high school and higher education settings, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with students, parents, and college representatives alike to create smooth and successful paths toward higher education. Currently, I’m thrilled to serve as a College Counselor at private high school in New Orleans, where I bring my expertise in every facet of the college application process. From crafting personalized essays to guiding families through campus visits and application timelines, I make sure each student feels confident and supported every step of the way. I even created a comprehensive 4-year college counseling curriculum that ensures students start strong and stay on track throughout their high school journey. Before this role, I spent an incredible 10 years at an all-boys high school as their College Placement Counselor, where I became known for my personalized approach and my knack for making the whole process feel less like a marathon and more like a sprint toward success. I also had the privilege of organizing large-scale college fairs and helping students with everything from resume building to strategic essay editing, not to mention writing highly effective letters of recommendation that helped students stand out. My career started in college admissions, where I managed application reading, transfer credit evaluations, and even planned recruitment events. These years in higher education gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how colleges make their decisions, knowledge I now bring to my counseling clients to give them a real edge.

Whether I’m leading a college tour for juniors, advocating for students in the admissions process, or brainstorming essay topics that showcase the unique strengths of each student, I’m all about making college admissions not just manageable, but exciting! My track record of successes speaks for itself, but at the end of the day, it's the students' growth and accomplishments that bring me the most joy.

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 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 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.

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! 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!

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.

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.