Gustavo Faúndez

About Gustavo

Gustavo (he/him) is completing a Master in Public Policy and will begin a PhD in Education Policy and Program Evaluation at Harvard University. He also holds a Master’s degree in Applied Economics from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Having navigated competitive admissions processes across countries and institutions, he brings a strong understanding of how to position candidates for top programs, including Ivy League and other globally competitive universities. Gustavo works with applicants targeting highly selective graduate programs, particularly in public policy, economics, and education. He has supported students from diverse backgrounds in developing clear, compelling applications—helping them move beyond generic narratives and present a cohesive, well-positioned profile. His approach combines strategic clarity with honest, detailed feedback, focusing on how admissions committees actually read and evaluate candidates. Beyond admissions coaching, Gustavo has worked across academia, government, and international organizations, including the Ministry of Education of Chile and UNESCO-affiliated research. His work focuses on education policy, inequality, and evidence-based decision-making, which informs the way he advises applicants—grounding their stories in both intellectual coherence and real-world impact. Gustavo is currently engaged in research on college admissions, and has co-founded a nonprofit focused on equitable access to higher education. He believes that strong applications are not about over-polishing, but about rationalizing: understanding your angle, supporting it with evidence, and communicating it with clarity. He works closely with clients on statements of purpose, CVs, and overall application strategy, with an emphasis on rigor, differentiation, and authenticity.