
Sarah Esquivel
Authentic Narrative Coach | 15+ Years Experience | USC Admissions
Admissions Committee at University of Southern California
Works at AcceptU
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!
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Sarah's Offerings
Custom hourly · $225/hr
Get help with Application Strategy, Editing, and
Sarah’s College Qualifications
Coaches professionally
40+ people coached for College
* Recent student acceptances include: Cornell, USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, Northeastern, Boston University, UIUC, Chapman University, Loyola Marymount University, University of San Diego, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Rutgers University, University of Michigan Ann Arbor For more than 15 years, I have worked in higher education and admissions, including as an Associate Director of Admission at the University of Southern California, where I reviewed thousands of applications. Through that work, I supported students and families through some of the most pivotal moments of their lives. I learned that strategy alone isn't enough. Applying to college can be stressful and overwhelming, and it is one of the most important decisions a student and their family will make. I believe it must be handled with intention and care. I offer a rare, holistic approach that is student-centered. That means taking the time to truly understand who you are academically, professionally, and personally. The result is a personalized process that is tailored to your needs and honors your unique path. My students have gotten into their dream schools not because they had perfect grades and followed a strategy, but because they learned how to express themselves authentically. The latest trends show that the most compelling applications are "real”: they show depth, honesty, and an authentic voice. That is what stands out in a sea of overly polished college applications that have become increasingly similar. My work is designed for students who: 🎓 Feel pressure to appear perfect and want encouragement to show who they really are 🌱 Are navigating self-doubt, unconventional paths, or big decisions and need honest, grounded support 📚 Are highly motivated but struggle to articulate their impact and real voice through writing 💛 Want a coach who sees them as a whole person, not just an applicant I look forward to helping you discover what makes you unique and build an application that authentically reflects who you are.
Sarah can help with:
Application Strategy
Editing
Essays
Financial Aid & Scholarships
General Exploration
Interviews
Recommendations
Resume
School Selection
Secondary Review
Supplementary Materials
Testing & Assessments
Waitlist Strategy
About Sarah
For more than 15 years, I have worked in undergraduate and graduate admissions — first as an Associate Director of Admission at the USC Price School of Public Policy, where I reviewed thousands of applications and guided students through pivotal transitions, and for the past three years as an independent consultant doing the same work in a deeper, more personalized way. I bring a rare, whole-person approach to this work. I enjoy getting to know students on a deeper level, understanding their "why", their unique gifts, and how to build an application that authentically captures their purpose, and what sets them apart. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing students achieve their dreams when they thought it wasn't possible. I strive to be a safe space where students can slow down, reflect on who they are and what they want, explore ideas without judgment, and discover their purpose. With that clarity, they can move forward with greater intention and confidence. I believe that every student I work with brings a distinct story, and my job is to empower them to tell it well.
Why do I coach?
As a first-generation college and graduate student, I navigated the educational process mostly on my own with a lot of uncertainty and without clear direction. I didn't have a roadmap. However, everything changed when I found mentors who truly saw me and helped me find my own path. They helped me get clear on my direction, believe in myself, and the encouragement to express myself authentically. That experience is the foundation of my work with students. I coach because I enjoy helping students find clarity and direction in a process that often feels elusive and overwhelming. I believe strong outcomes matter, and feeling empowered throughout the process matters just as much.
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
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Sarah has helped Leland clients get into University of Southern California
