Elijah D.

Rhodes Finalist | Yale, Brown, Columbia Admit | Crafting a Successful Story

Studied at Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Worked at American Cancer Society

Available tomorrow at 3:00 PM UTC

Protected by the Leland Experience Guarantee

Available tomorrow at 3:00 PM UTC

Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.

Elijah's Coaching Offerings

Get Into Your Dream College — Getting Started

Build a strong foundation and college strategy from day one

Starting at $3605h+ of coaching

Write Powerful College Essays

Expert help to brainstorm, draft, and polish winning college essays

Starting at $3605h+ of coaching

Final College Application Review

Polish every part of your application before you submit

Starting at $2253h+ of coaching

Pay as you go

Get help with Financial Aid & Scholarships, Editing, and .

Elijah’s College Qualifications

Coaches professionally

You have a story worth sharing—I am here to help you tell it. As a successful former collegiate applicant, accepted into multiple Ivies, securing various merit-based scholarships, and attending WashU on a full-tuition scholarship, I bring a unique perspective to the college admissions processes. My academic and professional journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of what top programs seek in applicants. I have successfully coached multiple individuals and have sat on professional panels, helping students craft compelling applications to best highlights their strengths and communicates their unique story. Whether you need guidance on personal statements, recommendation letters, interview preparation, or anything else, I am here to personally help you navigate your path to achieving a place in your dream program. I am excited to work with you!

Elijah can help with:

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Editing

Recommendations

Interviews

School Selection

Secondary Review

Application Strategy

Essays

Resume

Elijah also coaches for Medical School, Master’s Programs, and MCAT. View all.

About Elijah

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I witnessed the health discrepancies of my family living in urban Illinois and rural Wisconsin. Combined with my maternal lineage and my experience with a genetic cancer syndrome, I was inspired to improve health equity across populations. This led to my undergraduate studies, where I learned the importance of finding consilience between diverse fields of study, including psychology, music, and medicine. I applied these philosophies in spearheading community education and public health interventions and conducting research in both the basic sciences and psychology to begin my journey in improving health equity. Through these and other experiences, I have gained expertise leading and teaching in local and national organizations, learning the skills and strategies to achieve success in admissions into medical school, graduate programs, and competitive international fellowships. In my free time, I enjoy music composition, 3D printing and design, team sports, and running.

Why do I coach?

Navigating admission into medical school, graduate programs, and international fellowships can be convoluted and daunting. I have had to go through these processes first-hand, and mentorship from knowledgeable and supportive individuals was essential for my success and confidence. Unfortunately, finding a quality mentor who is both knowledgeable and supportive can be difficult. This is why I am drawn to coaching. Achieving success in the admissions process for these programs is completely attainable, and I am driven to use the knowledge and expertise I gained from my personal and professional experiences to help others reach their goals and dreams.

Work Experience

Chief Executive Officer

My Book Wish

November 2018 - May 2025

Oversaw the national operations of a national 501(c)(3) organization and all of its chapters as well as direct and implement the vision dictated by the National Board. Created and took direct leadership of the Missouri Chapter of My Book Wish 501(c)(3) in 2021. Initiated program in St. Louis spearheading fundraisers, donations, and community reading programs.

Basic Life Support Instructor

American Heart Association

2022 - 2025

Served as an instructor teaching and certifying hundreds of individuals in Basic Life Support. I additionally managed the training and oversight of over 15 instructors.

Research Assistant

Washington University in St. Louis

January 2023 - December 2024

Research assistant in the Dave Chen Lab investigating the development of an in vitro organoid model for the study of cutaneous squamous cell cancer and conditions contributing to lysine demethylase 6A (KDM6A) protein mislocalization in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) pathogenesis.

Research Intern

American Cancer Society

May 2023 - August 2024

Selected for the 2023 and 2024 cohort of the selective ACS Diversity in Cancer Research Program at the Siteman Cancer Center. Conducted research in the Dave Chen Lab investigating conditions contributing to lysine demethylase 6A (KDM6A) protein mislocalization in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) pathogenesis.