College Admissions

Greetings! My name is Lisa, and I am here to help you craft the most compelling college essays and application package possible so you can achieve your college admissions goals. As a Stanford alum and former interviewer for Stanford, I have literally read the book on what these admissions committee look for and value. I have sat across the table from dozens of students, evaluating them as candidates for admission so I know what makes an application stand out from the crowd and shine! My comprehensive approach to college admissions combines helping students write college essays that stand out to college admissions offices and preparing a college application package that they can’t forget. In addition to college admissions success, my students come away from the process with a new understanding of who they are, what they want from their education, and their long-term goals for the future. Many have even told me they enjoyed writing their college essays! :) I have been blessed to work with so many amazing students! My students have gained admission to a wide array of schools including Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Cornell, The University of Pennsylvania, Duke, Carnegie-Mellon, all of the UC campuses including UCLA and UC Berkeley, The University of Virginia, The University of Michigan, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The University of Southern California, Georgia Tech, Boston College, and Notre Dame. My students have also received full merit scholarships to schools including Washington University in St. Louis, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt, and the University of Southern California. I am an alum of Stanford University (B.A.), Columbia University (J.D.), and the University of Southern California (M.B.A.). I love working with students and their families so please reach out to schedule a free consultation! More About Me After graduating from Stanford (B.A. in English and Economics) and Columbia (J.D.), I spent most of my career in Wall Street finance, working with startups to raise the money they needed to realize their vision. What this really involved was spending hours with founders, teasing out their story, building out the narrative, and strategizing how to present it all in the way that most would appeal to investors and get them to write a large check. And I was terrific at it! Because of my storytelling expertise, I have been featured in such diverse publications as “The Huffington Post,” "Entrepreneur," "Inc.com,","Fortune," and "Business Rockstars," and my startup alumnae have raised over $100 million. I now leverage those same storytelling skills to work with high school students to present their best versions of themselves in their college essays. Moreover, because I have spent years as an alum interviewer for Stanford and have interviewed dozens of candidates, I can help you identify the qualities you have that will most appeal to a college admissions committee and help you bring those out in your essay.

With over two decades of experience in higher education admissions and enrollment management, I bring a deep understanding of the undergraduate admissions landscape. I’ve successfully guided students through the complex college application process, offering support in identifying best-fit schools, crafting compelling personal statements, and navigating financial aid options. My professional background includes leadership roles in admissions offices at various colleges, giving me an insider’s perspective on what institutions are looking for in applicants and how students can present their unique strengths with clarity and confidence. As a first-generation graduate student and the only member of my family to earn a doctorate, I’m especially attuned to the challenges faced by students who are navigating this process without prior guidance or support. I combine strategic insight with empathetic, individualized coaching—helping students and families reduce stress, stay organized, and move forward with purpose. Whether working with students from competitive high schools or those with nontraditional paths, I aim to empower them to tell their story authentically and make informed choices about their future.

Pitchman and award-winning writer: I have successfully coached 300+ students in the college admissions process, so I understand the nuances of crafting standout applications for admissions committees. Among other things, I help with essay writing (my specialty), school selection, resume and interview preparation, and overall application strategy. I have an MBA, with a marketing concentration. I also have undergrad and grad degrees in writing, including from Northwestern, and I wrote and edited essays and human-interest stories for news outlets for more than 20 years. In addition, I've taught resume writing and interview prep at two junior colleges and helped students there apply to 4-year universities.

I was accepted into two Ivy League universities (Yale and Harvard) as well as other top-tier colleges. I also graduated as a salutatorian at my high school out of a class of 700+ students. I love the process of writing and tailoring each student's unique life experiences and personality to the style of questions asked in college applications.

I've been through the college admissions process twice—and found success both times. The first time, I was accepted or waitlisted at nearly every top-15 school I applied to. I chose my state school to save money throughout Zoom University and took the calculated risk that I could do it again. The second time, I had to figure it out almost entirely on my own; I transferred to Brown during the most selective cycle in history by navigating a process that's far less supported and far less understood than traditional first-year admissions. That experience taught me more about what actually moves the needle at top schools than anything else could have. At both IU and Brown, I turned that knowledge into action by advising students on the transfer process and helping others craft narratives that landed them at Ivy League schools. Along the way I've also helped friends build compelling applications for medical school, law school, and competitive scholarships. Admissions at every level comes down to the same thing: knowing how to tell your story in a way that makes someone want to say yes. That's what I'll help you do—whether you're a first-time college applicant or prospective transfer.

I have a diverse educational background spanning three continents from Tsinghua University, Manhattan University, and University of Liechtenstein, I bring a unique perspective to college admissions coaching. Originally from Switzerland, my professional experience spans roles in business development, cybersecurity, and global affairs, equipping me with the skills to guide students through the complexities of college applications. I have successfully coached 5+ students getting into Big 4 or grad school, helping them craft compelling narratives and strategic applications that highlight their strengths and aspirations. Whether you're aiming for a top-tier university or exploring unique programs such as Schwarzman Scholars, I'm here to provide personalized guidance and support. Let's work together to make your college aspirations a reality!

It took me many tears, late nights, and phone calls to mentors and friends to figure out the right topic for my admissions essays. Having gone through the personal statement process twice (for both undergrad and law school), I know how challenging it can be to strike the right balance of concision and creative detail. I'd love to help you excel not only in your essays, but in every other stage of the college admissions journey.

As a a BYU alum, a mom of four BYU students and an experienced editor with over 10 years of experience working on executive-level writing, I’ve developed a unique passion for helping students tell their stories well. Since 2017, I’ve coached dozens of applicants—many of them nervous, hopeful high school seniors—through the BYU admissions process, specializing in helping them craft essays that are thoughtful, genuine, and uniquely theirs. I understand what BYU is looking for, both on paper and in spirit, and I love helping students gain the confidence to present their best selves. I’m passionate about all things BYU—from its mission and community to cheering on the Cougars every football season. If you're ready to apply to BYU and could use some support, I’d love to help—feel free to reach out!

As a former Harvard Admissions Officer, Berkeley Application Reader, College Counselor (at a top 5 independent school in the US), and a Coca-Cola Scholar Application Reader, I have read 1000s of applications and helped 100s of students through the admissions process.

For over 20 years, I have helped students navigate the college admissions process with direction and confidence — especially when applying to BYU as incoming freshmen. With a background in education and a deep commitment to personalized support, I focus on helping each student shine in their own way. The best applications come from a place of authenticity, and I work closely with each student to uncover the experiences, values, and strengths that make their story meaningful. I have reviewed and edited hundreds of application and scholarship essays, offering honest, kind, and constructive feedback to help students express who they are with clarity — and heart. I care deeply about the young people I coach. I bring my best to every session—and I invite students to do the same. Together, we build a strong application that reflects who they truly are, and their potential.