María José
Helping students stand out through authentic, strategic applications
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Francisco de Vitoria University
Available tomorrow
Starting at 7:00 PM UTC
Questions?
You can start chatting with María before you get started.
María also coaches for Master’s Programs, Prestigious Scholarships & Fellowships, and PhD Programs. View all.
Work with María
María’s College Qualifications
Coaches professionally
What makes one student stand out while another with similar grades gets rejected? In my experience, it is rarely just academic achievement. The strongest college applications tell a coherent story—one that reflects a student's strengths, aspirations, and character while demonstrating why they are the right fit for a particular university. As a University Professor, Associate Dean for International Affairs, and former Vice President of the European University College Association (EUCA), I have spent more than a decade mentoring students, serving on university selection committees, writing recommendation letters, and advising applicants pursuing international academic opportunities. My own academic journey has also included highly competitive scholarships and awards, giving me first-hand experience of the admissions process from both sides. My approach combines education, psychology, and character education. I don't believe in generic templates or essays written to impress admissions committees. I help students discover what makes them distinctive, identify the universities where they will thrive, and build applications that are authentic, intellectually compelling, and strategically aligned with each institution's mission and values.
María can help with:
Application Strategy
Essays
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Interviews
Recommendations
Resume
School Selection
Work Experience
Associate Dean for International Affairs
Francisco de Vitoria University
February 2025 - Present
Faculty of Education and Psychology Lead the internationalization strategy of the Faculty of Education and Psychology, expanding global academic and professional opportunities for students and faculty. Negotiate and establish international partnerships with universities, schools, employers, and educational organizations across Europe and North America. Advise students on international exchanges, graduate programs, fellowships, research opportunities, and academic careers abroad. Represent the Faculty at international conferences, institutional visits, and higher education partnership fairs, building relationships with leading universities and organizations. Regularly engage with leading scholars, university leaders, and international education professionals, gaining first-hand insight into global trends in higher education. Deliver lectures and invited presentations at international universities and conferences on education and higher education. Develop a deep understanding of international admissions, postgraduate education, academic careers, and the expectations of universities across different countries.
University Professor
Francisco de Vitoria University
September 2024 - Present
Admissions Committee
Research and teach on international education policy, character education, and human flourishing, with a particular focus on OECD and European education trends. Work at the intersection of higher education, internationalization, and educational policy, maintaining a deep understanding of the evolving priorities, competencies, and profiles sought by leading universities and graduate programs worldwide. Advise students on graduate admissions, fellowships, international academic opportunities, and research careers. Supervise undergraduate and master's dissertations, mentoring students in research, academic writing, and academic career development. Member of the selection committee for the UFV Excellence Teaching Program and the Faculty's Optimus Award, evaluating academic excellence, leadership, and student potential. Regularly engage with international scholars, universities, and educational organizations through conferences, invited lectures, and collaborative projects, keeping abreast of emerging trends in higher education.
Vice President
EucA (European university college Association)
November 2022 - November 2024
Admissions Committee
Vice President of the European University College Association (EUCA), collaborating with universities across Europe to advance student development and higher education. Faculty member in the Advising and Support module of Europe's only Master's in Student Affairs. Specialized in student advising, mentoring, leadership development, and residential education. Worked closely with higher education leaders and student affairs professionals to share best practices and strengthen student support systems across Europe. Extensive experience mentoring students and training higher education professionals in advising, mentoring, and student development.
Professor & Mentor – Personal Skills and Competencies (HCP)
Francisco de Vitoria University
September 2020 - October 2023
Taught one of UFV's flagship first-year courses, integrating classroom teaching with one-to-one mentoring to support students' personal, academic, and professional development. Mentored undergraduate students through a structured developmental process focused on self-awareness, vocation, leadership, communication, teamwork, and purpose. Guided students in their transition to university, helping them identify their strengths, set meaningful goals, and develop the competencies required for academic and professional success. Applied an experiential and person-centered educational model grounded in character development and human flourishing. Mentored dozens of university students through individualized coaching conversations on academic development, leadership, vocation, and career planning.
Associate Director – University Residential College (similar to the U.S. residential college model)
Francisco de Vitoria University
July 2019 - October 2023
Hiring Manager
Co-led the strategic transformation of a university residential college, redesigning its admissions, mentoring, and student development model. Designed and directed a character-based mentoring program inspired by the latest research on Liberal Arts education, human flourishing, and student development. Led the admissions process, evaluating applicants through interviews and holistic assessment to identify academic potential, leadership, and personal fit. Recruited, trained, and supervised mentors and educators responsible for student formation and residential life. Designed student leadership and community-building initiatives to foster personal growth, responsibility, and civic engagement. Worked closely with students throughout their university experience, supporting their academic, personal, and professional development. Developed extensive experience identifying high-potential students, evaluating applications and interviews, and mentoring students throughout their university journey.
Education
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Doctorado en Educación, Educación
2020 - 2025
Graduated with the highest distinction: Outstanding (Sobresaliente Cum Laude). Awarded the International Doctorate Mention. Recipient of the First Prize in the GIAFE Graó Pedagogical Essay Award. Awarded the Runner-up Prize (Accésit) in the Ángeles Galino PhD Award at the Complutense University of Madrid. Completed a six-month funded research stay at the University of Coimbra through an AUIP scholarship. Doctoral dissertation completed as a publication-based thesis, comprising seven peer-reviewed articles published in Scopus- and JCR-indexed journals.
Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia
Máster en Memoria y crítica de la educación, Educación
2019 - 2020
Graduated as the top student in the Master's program. Awarded the Master's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (Best Academic Record). Master's Thesis awarded with Honors (Matrícula de Honor).
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Master's Degree, Mentoring and Accompaniment
2018 - 2019
Advanced training in mentoring, coaching, and person-centered accompaniment. Master's Thesis awarded with Outstanding (Sobresaliente). Subsequently collaborated in the supervision and assessment of Master's theses within the program.
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Bachelor's Degree, Psychology
2011 - 2015
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Bachelor's Degree, Education
2008 - 2011
Graduated as the top undergraduate student across the entire university. Earned 21 Honors Distinctions ("Matrículas de Honor") throughout the degree. Received the Optimus Award, recognizing the university's most outstanding graduating student. Earned two consecutive merit scholarships from the Regional Government of Madrid. Served as Student Representative while maintaining a strong commitment to academic and extracurricular leadership.
5.0 average review
6 reviews
Overall rating
María also coaches for Master’s Programs, Prestigious Scholarships & Fellowships, and PhD Programs. View all.