New York University

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.

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 a proud former first-generation college student who is now a first-generation professional. I have 6+ years of professional experience working with students and their families to navigate the higher education system. I recently (within the last 5 years) obtained a master's degree in education with an emphasis in Student Affairs from UCLA. I attended University of California, Berkeley for my undergraduate education and my major was Psychology with a minor in Chicano Studies. My passion is to assist students and their families on their higher education journey. A skill I feel I have while working with students is truly listening to their wants and needs and adapting my advising from there. I approach my work by honoring my students' lived experiences. On a one-on-one basis I’ve assisted with creating college school lists, academic road mapping, how to choose and change a major, financial aid, and career prep. Outside of student affairs I enjoy reading, cycling, and spending time with my family and friends.

Hello! My name is Victoria Li, and I am a current third year student on a five-year BA/MA dual degree studying Education Studies/Social Policy with a minor in Public Policy and Management. My interests particularly lie in finding the intersection between the economic inequities in education, social impact, and business. On campus, I am involved with 180 Degrees Consulting NYU, EmpowerED Consulting, and intramural volleyball. I have been private tutoring in demographics ranging from elementary schools to prospective college students for over 3 years. I have expertise with students interested in business and humanities, essay writing, standardized test prep, career advising, and interview prep. Since high school, I also have had a lot of experience with tutoring international students, particularly helping with college applications and visa complications. I can speak Mandarin, Shanghainese, and English. I got accepted into NYU ED II and Rutgers. Some colleges that my students who I have tutored have gotten into Cornell, Yale, Wellesley, USC, and UCSB.

Tayla is a junior at Michigan Ross pursuing Business Administration and a minor in User Experience (UX) Design, with the goal to work in consulting post-graduation. She is heavily involved with professional business organizations on campus, specifically her business fraternity and professional consulting club. Tayla interned this past summer with United Airlines in Chicago, IL and will be working in consulting this upcoming summer in New York City. Tayla is experienced in essay writing and revisions, activity and extra-curricular selection, and the financial aid/scholarship application process! She currently works on-campus as a student ambassador and career peer coach at the Michigan Ross School of Business Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Like many residents of Washington Heights, I was born to immigrant parents who came here with nothing and had limited options. I am family-oriented, an advisor, a leader, and passionate about what I do. I have been a college advisor for the past 5 years. Within this position, I have been able to advise students at such a pivotal point in their lives where I am able to guide them towards a better future, whether it be college, trade school, work, or even building some post-secondary plan. I graduated with my Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NYU Steinhardt, hoping to push further to become the best version of myself and continue advising students toward a better future. This expedition was not only for me but for others to see that it is possible, underserved students need representation. One must know that no one can stop you from achieving your goals but yourself.

Hello! I am a recent graduate from Cal Poly SLO's blended Bachelor's/Master's program in Computer Science and am excited to help guide you through your college application process. I am fluent in French & English and have additionally earned a minor in Spanish during my undergraduate studies as I studied abroad in Valladolid, Spain. Throughout my time in university, I cultivated a background in STEM research including publishing and presenting research at the International Conference for Advanced Learning Technologies, entering a Boeing-sponsored project at the collegiate Team Tech engineering competition, and designing, programming, and defending my master's thesis in natural language processing. I was the first in my family to attend college in the United States and am therefore intimately familiar with the uncertainty that often shrouds the college application process. I have learned that every student has a unique blend of strengths, skills, and interests that set them apart from the rest - I am here to help you identify your brightest qualities and prepare you to put your best foot forward. Let's do this!

Hello! My name is Lasya, and I'm a Senior at New York University studying biochemistry and philosophy. I'm originally from Florida. At NYU, I'm part of a medical innovation club and a non-profit that raises awareness about organ donation. I'm also conducting research at the Weck Lab, which focuses on colloidal chemistry. In my free time, I love to do yoga, cook, and listen to music. Having recently been through the application process, I would love to answer any questions and offer any advice I can!

Hi! My name is Kalea O. and I'm from Manassas, Virginia (DMV area). I grew up as the daughter of a single mom and I am a first-generation/limited-income (FGLI) college grad. I graduated from the University of Virginia in 2020 with a B.S. in Youth and Social Innovation (education) and minor in Urban and Environmental Planning (architecture). During my time as an undergrad, I became an advocate for change through storytelling, and influenced by my own and friends' lived experiences, my career has largely been defined by advocating for first-generation, limited-income, and other underserved students. After college, I served for two years with Americorps as a College Adviser for the Virginia College Advising Corps. My placement was at Charlottesville High School (go Black Knights!) where I worked with over 1,500+ students, from freshmen to seniors, regarding their college apps and career aspirations. My former students have been admitted to a varied and diverse range of institutions, such as Harvard, UPenn, The College of William & Mary, DigiPenn, NYU, Johns Hopkins, Virginia Tech, and several community colleges. I have experience working with students who have pursued a wide range of majors including the Arts and Humanities, Business, and STEM. My strengths as an Advisor lie in helping students explore and find their passions and then translate those experiences in their college essays. I also specialize in Virginia college applications and have familiarity with a wide range of Virginia high schools from NOVA to central and southern Virginia. I am also well versed in the scholarship and financial aid process; in 2021 I was awarded $800 by the State Council for Higher Education for ensuring my school had the highest FAFSA completion rates across the Commonwealth of Virginia (of high schools with 200+ seniors). In total I have helped students secure hundreds of thousands in scholarships, one student alone securing $100k. As an FGLI grad, my mission is to help decrease the cost of college for every student I work with! After my service with the College Advising Corps, I worked as a Presidential Fellow for the Office of the President at UVA. Now, in addition to advising through CollegeAdvisor.com, I am a Program Coordinator for Hoos First, a new team at the University of Virginia that provides support for FGLI students. When I'm not working with students, you'll find me hosting murder mystery dinners, running, playing thrilling games of Rummikub, and hanging out with my roommate--my cat Biggie Paws!