Sonia Lal
Studied at Harvard University
Worked at Ivy League Potential
Available tomorrow at 11:00 PM UTC
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About Sonia
Sonia Lal, M. Ed., is a former Harvard admissions interviewer and founder of Ivy League Potential. Sonia has worked in the field of college counseling, education, and human development since 1997. Her expertise on essay writing was featured in AdmitSee’s book "99 Successful Admission Essay Excerpts". Sonia served as a Grand Award Judge for the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Sonia has also served on the Illinois Math and Science Academy Admissions committee and is currently writing a book on leadership for teenagers. Sonia graduated from Harvard University cum laude with a B.A. in Social Anthropology, has a masters degree in education, and is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
Why do I coach?
I love helping high school students find meaningful extracurricular activities and live up to their full potential. My philosophy of education is grounded in my experience as a teacher at a private school that specialized in multiple intelligences, which is highly regarded by top universities in the United States. I help students find school-life balance and get into their dream schools using positive psychology. This way the process is low-stress and deeply engaging!
Work Experience
President and Founder
Ivy League Potential
2011 - May 2026
Ivy League Potential (ivyleaguepotential.com) provides college admissions counseling for high school students to help them get into the world's best universities. In addition to college admissions counseling, we have research programs where students can work 1:1 with university professors from Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, and other top colleges. We have also developed an innovative leadership academy and creativity incubator so students can proactively develop 21st century skills as AI changes the future of education and the workforce. We offer programs to individual students and families, schools, corporations, nonprofits, and community based organizations. Scholarships and programs for students who cannot afford private college counseling are available.
Teacher
Singing Winds School
2003 - 2006
Taught 1st through 4th grade at a school with a whole-child educational philosophy. Created a multicultural and interdisciplinary curriculum interweaving song, flute music, dance, drawing, painting, sculpture, ELA, Math, drama, games, and storytelling. Worked with parents and occupational therapists to develop individual learning plans for neurodiverse students. Encouraged development of social-emotional learning and nonviolent communication skills. Served as Faculty Chair and a member of the Board of Trustees.
Director, Human Resources
AAA Industries
1998 - 2003
Managed the corporate human resources department for a fast growing start-up with 150 employees. Assisted in expanding the Human Resources Department from 1 to 7 branch offices, before it was sold for a $38 million profit. Prevented $1 million in OSHA fines and received safety awards from workers’ comp insurance company. Created new HR policies and standard operating procedures, reducing turnover by 25%. Increased company productivity by 15% through creation of performance-based incentive programs. Senior Professional of Human Resources Certification (SPHR).
Learning Experience Designer
Motorola Solutions
1997 - 1998
Organized transcultural leadership training programs for middle managers. Invited world-renowned SMEs to deliver workshops on how to do business in other countries. Designed and implemented an experiential learning module that inspired lively discussions. Motorola’s CEO heard how vibrant our workshops were and made special visits to deepen the dialogue and use them as an opportunity for cultural change.
Assistant
Harvard University
1996 - 1997
Education
Harvard University
Bachelor of Arts , Social Anthropology
1993 - 1997
Graduated cum laude. Activities and societies: Recipient of three community service grants for a healthcare project in rural India. Co-founder of the Student Pugwash USA chapter, promoting the socially responsible use of science and technology. Lived in a cooperative community, making decisions by consensus. Special focus on diversity, medical anthropology, cross-cultural psychology, and service-learning. Completed coursework at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Mount Mary University
Master of Arts, Education
Specialized in holistic educational methods, multiple intelligences, creative writing, neuroscience-based learning, and Waldorf pedagogy.