Sarah Esquivel
Admissions Committee at University of Southern California
Works at AcceptU
Successful clients at
Available Friday at 7:00 PM UTC
The intro call is an opportunity for me to understand your story, your goals, and what kind of support will best serve you. When you reach out, it helps to include your résumé or LinkedIn, what you're hoping to get support with, and your timeline. I look forward to connecting!
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![Before You Apply: The Foundation Every First-Time Graduate Applicant Needs [6/25/2026] (Recording)](https://customer-14xsjmjbqk93tdwp.cloudflarestream.com/337d0b4ea7ec5fb8e717d73e977f6239/thumbnails/thumbnail.jpg)
About Sarah
I've spent more than 15 years helping students navigate some of the biggest decisions of their lives. My career began in admissions at USC, where I reviewed thousands of undergraduate and graduate applications and learned that the strongest applicants weren't necessarily the ones with the longest résumés or "perfect" essays. They were the ones who understood who they were, what mattered to them, and could communicate that with clarity and confidence. After leaving higher education, I started my own admissions consulting practice so I could work with students in a more personal and meaningful way. I love learning about people's stories and what shapes them, which is probably why I found working in admissions so rewarding. Behind every application is a person trying to make sense of their purpose: where they've been and where they're going. I feel honored to be part of a student's college journey, helping them discover their strengths, find their voice, and tell their story with authenticity and purpose.
Why do I coach?
As a first generation college and graduate student, I navigated much of the admissions process on my own. I didn't have a roadmap or someone to guide me. I struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But, everything changed when I found mentors who believed in me, helped me discover my strengths, and encouraged me to pursue a path that aligned with who I was rather than who I was expected to be. That led to me a career in higher education, and that experience is why coaching matters so much to me. I know how transformative it is to have someone in your corner, who asks thoughtful questions, helps you find clarity when you're feeling overwhelmed, and reminds you that you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Being able to offer that same encouragement and guidance to students today is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
Work Experience
Admissions Consultant
AcceptU
January 2024 - Present
AcceptU is the #1 rated admissions consulting firm, with hundreds of 5-star verified reviews. Leveraging their prior admissions experience, AcceptU’s counselors empower our clients with the inside knowledge and actionable guidance that enables them to stand out and get admitted to the schools of their choice.We work with our clients on every aspect of the admissions process – from early planning through completion of the application materials. AcceptU’s program was developed from the ground up to be delivered online – a convenient, flexible and innovative approach to admissions counseling. Our counselors work, on average, with just eight students per class year, ensuring high engagement, commitment and responsiveness.
Strategic Career Coach & Transition Consultant
Self Employed
September 2023 - Present
As an empathy-focused leader with a holistic approach to creating sustainable change, I use the synergy of consulting and coaching in developing strategic solutions that not only fit an organization's unique needs but that also align with individual goals and aspirations. Whether it's shaping life and career trajectories or driving impactful organizational shifts, my approach is rooted in empathy, equity, and personalized strategies. As a coach, I use life design principles to help individuals navigate their ideal career paths and educational journeys and guide them towards radical transformation. I focus on mindsets and strategies that empower individuals to take ownership of their development. As a result, clients are equipped with the tools to design a life in alignment with their values and purpose. As a consultant, I draw from my 10+ years of experience in higher education to help organizations create equitable spaces and foster access. My journey in this field has been shaped by a passion for equity and inclusion, sustainable organizational change, and empowering students. I thrive on radical collaboration, innovation, and empathetic leadership to develop and implement strategies that drive positive change. My Services: - Career transition coaching - 1-1 and group admissions consulting (undergraduate and graduate programs) in English and Spanish - Values-driven leadership development - Coaching packages and online courses (English & Spanish)
Co-Director
New Leaders Council
January 2019 - January 2020
- Directed a policy-based leadership development program - Produced opportunities for the NLC LA chapter to tackle policy questions in order for future alumni and friends of the organization to be become resources on a variety of important topics - Provided leadership opportunities for alumni who led sessions - Facilitated and led discussions on: how to make the entertainment industry more progressive; finding the most progressive approach to combat climate change; the issues around prison abolition - Fostered community by leading community builder activities - Assigned and analyzed articles in small group discussions - Connected fellows to self and progressive values through reflection activities - Provided fellows opportunity to research and present "radical" policy proposals Team Building, Counseling and +1 skill
Board Member
New Leaders Council
June 2018 - January 2019
The NLC LA Governing Board is essential to executing the mission of the organization which aims to expand and deepen the progressive movement in Los Angeles and Southern California. Responsibilities include: 1. Supporting and planning of events 2. Fundraising 3. Recruitment 4. Curriculum development Team Building and Communication
Fellow
New Leaders Council
January 2018 - June 2018
The NLC Institute is the leading training program for progressive young professionals. NLC equips its Fellows with the skills to run for office, manage campaigns, launch businesses, create starts ups and network with thought leaders. The NLC Institute is an intensive, six-month progressive entrepreneurship training program. The NLC Fellows are successful in their industries, risk-takers, and progressive advocates. Fellows have to commit to one weekend per month for five months in which each Fellow, along with 15-20 of their peers, participates in trainings on topics from messaging to finance to political management. Communication
Associate Director of Admission
University of Southern California
July 2016 - June 2023
- Coordinated the USC Public Service Weekend, a three-day conference for underrepresented students interested in social justice and public policy issues - Oversaw recruitment and retention committee on task force for the Initiative on Diversity, Social Justice, and Inclusion - Assisted in the selection process of scholarship awards as member of Price Scholarship Committee - Implemented and developed marketing strategies for undergraduate programs - Counseled and advised prospective undergraduate and graduate students - Assisted in the development and implementation of recruitment plan for six graduate programs - Managed marketing and social media outreach (Facebook and Instagram) for undergraduate and graduate programs - Supervised and managed staff in daily operations Team Building, Counseling and +1 skill
Assistant Director of Admission
University of Southern California
June 2012 - July 2016
- Assisted in the development and implementation of recruitment plan for six graduate programs - Coordinated undergraduate recruitment activities and process internal applications - Counseled and advised prospective undergraduate and graduate students - Assisted with admission decisions, and coordinate registration and orientation mailings to graduate students - Conducted presentations on undergraduate and graduate application process - Managed marketing and social media outreach (Facebook and Instagram) for graduate programs - Supervised and managed staff in daily operations Team Building, Counseling and +1 skill
Admissions Counselor
University of Southern California
June 2011 - June 2012
- Processed and reviewed 500+ graduate applications - Advised prospective undergraduate and graduate students - Conducted information sessions on and off-campus - Represented the school at various graduate school fairs throughout the country - Supervised and managed graduate assistants in daily operations - Coordinated events for admitted undergraduate students Counseling and Communication
Education
University of Southern California
Master of Education (MEd), Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
2010 - 2013
Admissions Committee Experience
Occidental College
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology; Spanish Literary Studies
2005 - 2009
Sarah was also personally admitted to
University of California, Los Angeles
UC San Diego
Pitzer College
Pomona College
UC Irvine
Scripps College
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Sarah has helped Leland clients get into University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Sarah has helped Leland clients get into University of Southern California