College Admissions

I have successfully coached numerous students, helping them craft compelling applications that stand out. Whether you need guidance on essays, interviews, or overall application strategy, I'm here to help you achieve your college admission goals. Let's connect and start your journey to success!

With a robust academic background from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, and a Bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley (double degree from Haas School of Business and in Southeast Asian Studies), I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to college admissions coaching. As a former Senior Manager at Bain & Company (Private Equity Group), I was actively involved in recruiting and interviewing candidates, which honed my skills in identifying what top institutions look for in applicants. My experience extends to leading investment teams at ACV Capital. Let's work together to make your college dreams a reality—reach out to start your journey today!

Hello and welcome to my profile! With a full scholarship and B.S. from Cornell University, I have guided over 50 students to successful admissions results including to: - Columbia University - UPenn Wharton - NYU - Harvard University - Cornell University - GeorgiaTech - University of Florida - Vanderbilt University - and more I bring a unique perspective to college admissions coaching. My methodology does not only help you navigate the application, but rather develops you with lifelong skills you'll carry long after college. The focus isn't instruction, it's empowerment. Because you are more capable and interesting than you think. My background allows me to tailor each application to highlight your individual strengths in a compelling story that differentiates you to universities. Whether you're looking to refine your personal statement or start from scratch, I can to jump in at any point and guide you to submit in time for your deadline.

I take a highly supportive approach to coaching and aim to create an environment in which my clients can be completely open about their worries so I can be the best possible coach for them. That said, you can expect me to be constructively candid – because coaching is about challenging you and accelerating your growth, not making you feel good so I can collect a check. Besides sitting on Northwestern's alumni admissions council, I was an interviewer at both Google and Facebook, so I've spent many hours "on the other side of the table" and can give you a strong sense for how you might be perceived by interviewers and admissions committees. I enjoy coaching people from a huge range of backgrounds, but I specialize in coaching folks from lower-income families, LGBTQ+ candidates, and those from unconventional backgrounds trying to thrive in tech. I myself came from a low-income family and needed help getting connected to resources that would make college feasible for me – I can help you do the same.

I've been building and investing in companies for the past decade. After graduating from Yale, I had a couple stints in consulting and global health before finding my way to startups. I started two companies, one a surplus food marketplace and the other in office management software. Neither was extraordinarily successful, but gave me a taste for helping companies go 0-1 and allowed me to meet some exceptional founders and builders. I started angel investing, realized I enjoyed investing/advising, and went to Wharton/Lauder with the intent of exploring venture capital (and to get better at Chinese). While in business school, I met Contrary and started working full time while still in my 2nd year. After graduating, I stayed on, became a partner 1.5 years in, and led deals in a number of great companies (Orchard Robotics, Nomic, Endeavor AI, etc.). I transitioned to a board partner/advisor role this past summer and have spent most of my time since helping build companies and continuing to angel invest. My angel portfolio includes companies like Ramp, Warp, Clara, Slingshot AI, and many others.

I've worked with students across 6 admissions cycles to help them gain admission to some of the top universities in the country, including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and UC Berkeley, and many have received full rides. I hold an MBA from UCLA, a Certificate in College Counseling from UCSD, and a bachelor's from Wellesley College.

Tests do not only measure what you know, they also measure how well take tests. I've been empowering students to perform their best on the SAT and ACT since 1992, first as a tutor at The Princeton Review (6 years), then as a solopreneur, until 2005, when I founded my company City Test Prep. Early on, I learned early that how a student's performance and score, can be compromised when they feel under pressure and timed conditions, feel anxious, have negative self-talk or beliefs, or aren't provided the tools to meet or exceed their expectations. To help students succeed, I drew from my own experience of getting into the zone as a trained artist and musician. When I'm in that liminal space, I produce the best work, perform the best on tests, and am able to create with ease and enjoyment. This 'secret sauce' has helped students score hundreds of points higher when they take tests because they're able to feel comfortable and assured in their knowledge and skill sets. I've amassed a robust toolbox to help students show up as their best test-taking selves: calm, focused, clear-headed, and confident. I draw from mindfulness, visualization, integrated life coaching, Neuro-linguistic programming, bilateral stimulation, hypnosis, growth mindset, positive psychology, sound therapy, and other tools. The work I do can be understood as that which trainers and sports psychologists offer high-performing athletes, for my work addresses the needs of test takers. Beyond being a problem solver and someone who delights in empowering others, my qualifications include an MA in education, 30+ years working with students on content mastery, test-taking strategy, mindset, and speed reading for tests. I am among the first to combine mindful and holistic practices into education and test-prep. I have taught students test prep and fine art at middle and high school as well as college levels. Contributions I've made to the field include the 'Full Potential Manual' (author), The GMAT Sentence Correction Intensive (co-author) (both published by Nova Press), The Full Potential Audio series (including titles for the ACT and SAT). Since time management is also a problem for students, I developed the MindFlow workshop and recently launched it as an online program. MindFlow is a mindful speed reading training system for SAT, ACT test takers, and high school students. Students who work individually with me typically achieve the results they seek in 3-5 hours. When not working, I'm active in dog rescue and in raising and releasing monarch butterflies. I still create art (google me!) and music and lead life-cycle rituals as an ordained kohenet. I live with my rescue pup, Chata and typically a foster dog.

Luckily for you, I have been through the pain of school applications and selection processes more than once. I have earned my bachelor's degree and am working on a Doctor of Dental Surgery and pursuing approval for a Master's in Public Health. Let's get you into the program of your desire so that you can achieve greatness.

Getting accepted to a top university was my dream growing up, so when after being accepted to all the UCs, and eventually attending UC Berkeley, I knew I wanted to help others reach their higher education dreams as well. Since high school, I've taken opportunities to tutor and mentor others and even when I started my career in entertainment, I was an academic tutor, helping students with their grades, test prep, and college applications. With SAT scores and college acceptance becoming increasingly competitive it's important while applying to be confident in oneself and communicate a story that stands out. This is my skill. As a mentor and tutor, my goal has always been to support my students beyond just academics. I work with my students on building sustainable life skills that boosts their confidence and helps them "unpack" their story. Then, as a coach, I help my students with communicating their story, knowing in particular what schools are looking for. I've thoroughly enjoyed helping my clients reach their academic goals and more importantly, build their confidence so they can succeed in all endeavors.

With a wealth of mentoring experience, I've guided numerous individuals in securing coveted spots in their desired undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as supporting job seekers in non-profit and development sectors. My expertise also extends to supporting college students. I'm eager to craft a tailored approach that hones in on your strengths, interests, and aspirations. Drawing from my own journey, I understand the obstacles and self-doubt that can arise, but I'm passionate about sharing insights that helped me overcome these challenges and reach my goals. Let's collaborate on your path to success!