Advisors

Hello! My name is Edwin. I hold a bachelor's degree in Political Science from UC San Diego and a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Policy from UC Riverside. Since 2018, I’ve worked extensively with high school students on the college application process, guiding them in selecting schools that align with their unique goals and expectations. My support includes creating personalized reach, target, and safety school lists, as well as reviewing and providing feedback on over 10,000 college essays.

Drawing on my experience as a former Admissions Officer at UC San Diego, I bring a deep understanding of the University of California admissions process and a student-centered approach to every application journey.

I am a recent graduate from the University of Toronto with a bachelor’s degree in biology and political science. During my time at UofT, I worked in our new student team reviewing applications from high school students and making admissions recommendations, gaining first-hand experience in the admissions process. I also worked for a year conducting outreach to prospective students, learning more about the college landscape in the process. Prior to CollegeAdvisor I also worked privately in admissions advising, with a primary focus on the essay writing process (my favorite part of applications!). My advising style centers on bringing students towards a better understanding of who they are and where their interests lie. By helping students first know themselves, we can work together to build the strongest and most representative application for the schools that best suit your dreams and ambitions. The college process may be daunting, but I strive to help students find the process not simply bearable but also enjoyable and rewarding. I have worked with students across a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, studying everything from Mathematics in Canada to Theater Performance in California. As a student who struggled during my admissions process to narrow down my academic interests, I am passionate about supporting multidisciplinary learners or passionate students who may not know yet exactly where their interests lie. I am also happy to speak with students who may be interested in considering Canadian universities.

I am currently enrolled as a student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health studying Computational Biology. In the future I aspire to work in epidemiology and public health research. Beyond my academics, I enjoy reading, swimming, and watching standup comedy.

As a full-time college counselor and the proud owner of a small independent counseling business, I get to live my passion every day: helping students navigate the exciting yet sometimes overwhelming world of college admissions. With over 25 years of experience in both high school and higher education settings, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with students, parents, and college representatives alike to create smooth and successful paths toward higher education. Currently, I’m thrilled to serve as a College Counselor at private high school in New Orleans, where I bring my expertise in every facet of the college application process. From crafting personalized essays to guiding families through campus visits and application timelines, I make sure each student feels confident and supported every step of the way. I even created a comprehensive 4-year college counseling curriculum that ensures students start strong and stay on track throughout their high school journey. Before this role, I spent an incredible 10 years at an all-boys high school as their College Placement Counselor, where I became known for my personalized approach and my knack for making the whole process feel less like a marathon and more like a sprint toward success. I also had the privilege of organizing large-scale college fairs and helping students with everything from resume building to strategic essay editing, not to mention writing highly effective letters of recommendation that helped students stand out. My career started in college admissions, where I managed application reading, transfer credit evaluations, and even planned recruitment events. These years in higher education gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how colleges make their decisions, knowledge I now bring to my counseling clients to give them a real edge.

Whether I’m leading a college tour for juniors, advocating for students in the admissions process, or brainstorming essay topics that showcase the unique strengths of each student, I’m all about making college admissions not just manageable, but exciting! My track record of successes speaks for itself, but at the end of the day, it's the students' growth and accomplishments that bring me the most joy.

Hello! My name is Sara Hernandez, originally from North Carolina. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies with minors in Education and Latino/a Studies. As a first-generation college student, I received support from a college advisor in a community-based organization. Through the personalized, intentional, and empowering college advising I received I was able to accomplish my dream of attending UNC at Chapel Hill. My passion for college advising began in undergrad supporting first-generation low-income students from rural communities through the college application process. In my professional career, I have served as a private school in Costa Rica and an educator at community-based non-profit organizations. Over the last two years, I have supported first-generation low-income students at a community-based non-profit. I have advised high school students from ninth to twelfth grade through academic development, leadership development, career exploration, financial aid, and college and scholarship application processes. I have successfully advised students from receiving a twenty thousand dollar scholarship in the eighth grade to receiving national full scholarships in their senior year.

In my 2025 Cohort, I have supported 10 seniors through scholarship interviews and essay editing. Allowing for my students to receive over $180,000 in external scholarships.

My goal in advising students is to intentionally empower them to share their stories authentically to achieve their goals. The journey to college can be challenging but with an advisor, the process can become more manageable!

I am looking forward to supporting you to and through the college application process!

Hello, I’m Erin! I recently graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where I majored in Computer Science and Molecular Biology and minored in Environment and Sustainability. At MIT, I was involved in biomedical research, athletics, teaching, dance, and leadership. I have continued my love of scientific research into my post-graduate career, currently working on environmental genomics at the University of Copenhagen.

I have always been passionate about mentorship, and at MIT loved getting to help students learn more about college as a campus tour guide. As an advisor, I encourage students to learn more about themselves and their interests throughout the application process, and help them successfully convey their narrative through their essays and extracurriculars. I am looking forward to getting to work with you!

I worked for Stanford University's undergraduate admissions office for 5 full cycles, 3 as a territory manager overseeing applications from San Diego County and the state of Oregon. For 2 cycles, I worked as a part-time seasonal reader and read applications from the Midwest and South (in addition to San Diego County). Prior to working at Stanford, I worked for 3 years as a Counselor for Collegiate Directions, a college counseling nonprofit in the DC-area serving low-income and first-generation-to-college students. I helped my students with everything from determining which standardized test to take, when to take it, strategizing high school curriculum & extracurricular activities, building best-fit college fits, essay editing, financial aid applications, and, most importantly, deciding where to go to college! Personally, I spent my first year of college at Santa Monica College, a community college in the Los Angeles area. I then transferred to the University of Chicago where I obtained my BA in Sociology with Honors. I obtained 2 graduate degrees. First, I went to the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and obtained my Master of Public Policy, concentrating in social policy. Second, I went to the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!) and obtained my Master of Business Administration, concentration in strategy consulting and entrepreneurship/innovation. As a proud "scholarship kid" (I received full tuition scholarships at all 3 of my institutions), I am a firm believer that a little grit goes a long way!

In my free time, I am a passionate endurance athlete and have completed 6 marathons and 1 triathlon. I'm currently training for my 7th marathon and my first full-distance Ironman. I also enjoy thought-provoking television and movies, my adorable cat Winston, and my new-found passion for plants.

I am a California college admissions expert and pre-law mentor with over seven years of experience helping students gain admission to top UC, CSU, and private colleges across the state. Whether you're aiming for UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Cal Poly SLO, USC, or any other competitive school in California, I know exactly what it takes to stand out. As a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) and a current law student, I specialize in guiding students through the highly competitive UC and CSU admissions process and helping those interested in law careers build a strong undergraduate foundation for law school success. I’ve mentored students into nearly every UC and CSU, teaching them how to craft compelling personal statements, strengthen their extracurricular profiles, and present applications that catch the attention of admissions officers. My approach is highly strategic—I don’t just help students meet admissions requirements; I teach them how to differentiate themselves in one of the most competitive college landscapes in the country. Beyond admissions advising, I specialize in essay writing, extracurricular development, and strategic application planning, ensuring students present themselves as standout candidates. I know what makes an application memorable, persuasive, and competitive, and I work tirelessly to help students maximize their chances of getting into their dream schools. As a law student focusing on business law, employment law, and trial advocacy, I also provide specialized guidance for students considering pre-law, political science, or legal careers. Whether you want to attend a top California college or build the strongest possible application for law school, I’ll help you craft a path that sets you up for success.

When I’m not working with students or immersed in my legal studies, you’ll find me taking my dog to the dog park, watching baseball or football, playing CATAN, or diving into a legal textbook.

Let’s work together to build a standout application and get you into the school where you belong!

With over 20 years of experience in education, Erica is bringing her thoughtful, student-centered approach towards the college admission process to CollegeAdvisor.com. Having worked on both sides of the desk in college admissions and college counseling, she has built relationships with many admission officers and college counselors around the world. After graduating from Fordham University in the late 1990’s, she began her career working as an admission counselor in their Office of Undergraduate Admission. Her experience working there was not just limited to her alma mater. Being part of a larger network of Jesuit colleges and universities helped her learn and grow to understand the importance of relationships in the college admission world. Getting to travel around the US and visit hundreds of high schools every year helped her grow and expand her knowledge about the college search and college admission process as a whole. Working with the tour guide program at Fordham helped her become an expert on what students and parents were looking for in a college visit, and she often led panels and discussions on how to help a college build a better tour guide and student visitation program. Her quest for knowledge and a different perspective led her to pursue a position on the “other side of the desk” in college counseling. She spent five years working at a boarding school in Rhode Island where she helped hundreds of US and International students navigate the college search and admission process. The students and parents she worked with appreciated her behind-the-scenes knowledge of how an admission office would read and evaluate applications for admission. This led her and her colleagues to create an annual “Mock Application Workshop” for students at her school and a neighboring boarding school a few towns away. Deans and Directors of some of the most prestigious universities in the US would drive or fly-in to participate in this workshop. Each Dean and Director would lead a small break out group, and help their group read and review five student applications and present their cases to the admission committee. This annual workshop was instrumental in helping students understand the process, and how to present their best self in their own college application. Her students applied to and enrolled at a wide variety of different schools across the globe, but what mattered the most is that all of her students found a home, a place where they could grow and become the best version of themselves. Most recently, as a seasonal application reader at a large research university in the Mid-West, she has seen first-hand how universities post-COVID are relying less on the SAT/ACT, and aims to help her students navigate an always changing college admission landscape by keeping up to date on college admission trends and practices.

Over her career, Erica has traveled to hundreds of different colleges and universities around the country, and has enjoyed the opportunity to tour and see different college campuses first-hand. As a mom of four, with her eldest daughter currently in the tenth grade, she can empathize with parents as she is about ready to go through this process for the first time as a parent. She aims to help her daughter build a strong academic foundation in her early high school years, all while exploring new things and going beyond her comfort zone. She encourages all students to have a growth-mindset, and use the college admission process as a path of self-discovery.

Hi there! My name is Ishaani, and I'm a MS4 at Brown's Alpert Medical School in the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), where I study Computational Biology. As I've read applications for Brown PLME, I especially feel confident advising BS/MD students, and providing insights related to extracurricular development and essay editing services. I've been working as a college advisor for 5+ years, and I look forward to supporting you all throughout the college admissions process!

Outside of class, I play in a jazz ensemble, conduct research on cancer outcomes, and advise and tutor fellow medical students.

I'm a seasoned college consultant and essay editor with six years of experience who has guided students from various backgrounds through the entire college application process. I graduated with high honors from the University of Pennsylvania, earning a degree in Creative Nonfiction Writing and Women’s Studies. Having lived and breathed story structure throughout my career, I’ve honed my expertise in personal narratives by helping hundreds of applicants craft standout essays in the competitive admissions landscape. In addition to essay support, I've helped dozens of families as a one-to-one consultant for all aspects of the application process from course selection, to interview prep, to school list building. My students have been accepted to every T30 school. I have also designed and taught college essay writing curricula, mentored thousands of applicants through livestreams, and worked as a full-time Video Producer traveling to college campuses to create guidance content that has reached millions.

Studying memoir taught me that our life stories are rarely grounded in objectivity. Instead, personal narratives are shaped by the meaning we derive from our experiences. I'm passionate about helping students intentionally craft the story they present to admissions officers and ultimately, to themselves.

I recently completed my PhD at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, where my research focused on understanding the role of planktonic microbes in oceanic carbon sequestration. My academic journey began at the University of California, Berkeley, where I earned a BA in Marine Science with a minor in French Language. My passion for understanding marine ecosystems and their impact on climate has been the driving force behind my research career, leading to numerous publications and collaborations with prestigious institutions like NASA. Throughout my career, I've been committed to both scientific research and public outreach. I've participated in several research expeditions, including voyages to the North Pacific, North Atlantic and Antarctica, contributing to our understanding of ocean processes and their relationship to climate change.

Beyond my research, I've actively engaged in science communication, teaching at various levels from elementary school to university, and participating in programs aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in science and mathematics. I have worked with high school and college students in a teaching capacity for over 12 years and I am excited to use my expertise to help students achieve their dreams. I have unique insight into STEM careers in research, government and public policy, and industry. I am thrilled to continue my teaching experience and work with the brilliant students at College Advisor!

I previously served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at MIT, where I led strategic recruitment initiatives to expand outreach and support student success. In this role, I also served as a senior reviewer for both domestic and international selection committees, evaluating applications from students around the world! Prior to my work in admissions, I was a College Counselor at Cristo Rey New York High School in Harlem, where I guided first-generation students through the college admissions and financial aid process. I provided hands-on support with personal statements, supplemental essays, and interview preparation while also teaching dedicated college counseling courses. I have worked with students pursuing diverse academic interests, including STEM, social sciences, humanities, and liberal arts. My approach to advising is centered on making the college application process transparent, manageable, and even enjoyable. I strive to help students craft strong applications that authentically represent their stories while standing out in a competitive selection pool. I earned my M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2023. While I am no longer in admissions, I always say that higher education—particularly working with students—is my passion.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy traveling to new countries, playing chess, dancing, and watching sports!

Greetings future college students! My name is Amy and I am a seasoned higher education professional with over two decades of experience in college admissions, enrollment management, and student success. Through various roles across multiple institutions, I have guided thousands of students through the admissions and scholarship process. Drawing from my expertise in enrollment strategies, recruitment, and holistic application review, I have a deep understanding of what makes applicants stand out, not only for admissions, but also scholarships and honor college candidacy. In former roles, such as Director of Admissions and Assistant Vice President for Recruitment and Admissions, I led admissions teams, executed strategic enrollment initiatives, and developed data-driven recruitment strategies. I have also played a pivotal role in shaping institutional policies that enhance student access and success. My considerable experience in college admissions, marketing, and student engagement allows me to offer expert guidance on crafting compelling application materials and navigating the complexities of the admissions and scholarship process.

My approach is both personalized and strategic. I understand that every student’s journey is unique, requiring a customized approach that considers an individual’s strengths, aspirations, and circumstances. Whether working with first-time applicants, transfer students, or those seeking competitive scholarships, I leverage insider knowledge of admissions committees to help students present their best selves throughout the entire process. My career has been defined by a passion for helping students achieve their educational goals and I would be honored to assist you in your own pursuit.

I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I hold a Master’s degree in Higher Education and a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, which have enriched my expertise in education. During my time at UNC Chapel Hill, my passion for education grew as I supported students with their transition to college and served as a mentor for new students. After completing my studies, I worked as a college advisor, helping students navigate the college application process. I have gained valuable experience as a college advisor, guiding students through the college application process, from crafting standout essays to preparing for interviews, and helping them develop a strategic approach for admission success. Currently, I work as a Career Coach, helping students and professionals with career development, job search strategies, and professional growth. I have worked with students across various disciplines, Science, Arts and Humanities, Computer Science, Communication Studies, and Engineering. My approach is to empower individuals to present their unique stories and capabilities, making the application process both empowering and enjoyable. Having grown up in Leasburg, NC, my passion for education was nurtured by helping my busy parent with her schedule and supporting my siblings with their homework, all while balancing my own academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Outside of work, I enjoy working out, spending time with family and friends, and taking trips to explore new places.

I graduated from the University of Chicago with degrees in public policy and statistics. While at UChicago, I participated in the Neighborhood Schools Program where I helped local high school students with standardized test preparation and college essays. Upon graduating from UChicago, I have worked for three years as an Admissions Counselor where I have read and evaluated 2,000+ first year and transfer applications. I have led many workshops with students, parents, and high school counselors on holistic admissions, essay writing, and highly selection admissions processes. I am currently working toward my MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I am excited to work with bright and motivated students who are eager to take the next step in their education.

With extensive experience in both College Counseling and Special Education, Monique is committed to helping students achieve success in their academic and career paths. Since 2019, she has been dedicated to guiding families through the college admissions process, offering application support, essay reviews, and financial aid guidance. Her approach is student-centered, and she remains informed on the latest education policies and trends to ensure her support is relevant and effective.

College Counseling Expertise
● College application support
● Essay reviews and feedback
● Financial aid and scholarship guidance
● Staying current with admissions trends and policies

Before transitioning to college counseling, Monique worked as a Special Education teacher and coordinator in multiple school districts. She developed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and provided tailored support for students with diverse learning needs. Monique has collaborated with educators, families, and school staff to create inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.

Monique’s expertise in both special education and college counseling equips her to guide them toward successful academic and professional futures. Whether helping students with disabilities navigate their college journey or providing general college admissions support, Monique is dedicated to helping ALL students succeed.

Upon graduating from Harvard, I was determined to pursue a career in college admissions, dedicating myself to helping families achieve their educational aspirations. Although I later obtained an MBA and a doctorate in Higher Education, my passion for college admissions remained steadfast. For the past seven years, I have served as a full-time Independent Educational Consultant, specializing in guiding first-generation U.S. students. Additionally, I have experience working with international students, particularly those from India and China. Prior to my consulting career, I spent over ten years as an admissions director at universities in the Boston area. This extensive background enables me to provide valuable insights to students, drawing on my experience reviewing hundreds of applications and working closely with numerous families throughout the application process.

My clients typically pursue majors in fields such as computer science, pre-med, pre-law, neuroscience, biology, engineering, and business. I take great pride in answering the questions of both students and parents, especially as a first-generation American from New York City who understands the challenges of navigating the admissions process. It is incredibly rewarding to witness my students gain acceptance to Ivy League schools and other top-tier institutions, ultimately realizing their academic and professional dreams.

I hold an MBA from Cornell University and a double Bachelor's in Communications and Government & Politics from St. John’s University, where I graduated with honors. My career over the past 10+ years has been dedicated to supporting students, entrepreneurs, and professionals in achieving their academic and career goals. I have worked extensively in higher education, with a focus of mentoring students on strategic growth, storytelling, and positioning themselves for success. Previous to joining CollegeAdvisor, my journey in admissions began at Columbia University, where I served as an Admissions Officer and later as Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment. My work there involved counseling students to find the best-fit programs and pathways to admission, as well as evaluating applications and assisting department heads in making admission decisions. I also worked at Cornell Tech, supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and building strategic partnerships to encourage and fund post-graduate startups. These experiences have refined my ability to help students navigate complex application processes and showcase their unique strengths in compelling ways. Outside of my work at universities, I've tutored students of all ages for test preparation, helped them navigate building college lists and submitting applications, and even mentored undergraduate students on making plans for their graduate degree education. Now, I serve as a Platform Manager for a non-profit foundation, providing post-investment support to underrepresented founders of startup companies. On a daily basis, I aim to help entrepreneurs access the resources and knowledge they need to have the best chance of success with their business - which, if you think about it, isn't all that different from helping students navigate the path of applying to college! At CollegeAdvisor.com, I am passionate about guiding students through the college admissions process, helping them craft applications that reflect their authentic selves. My goal is to make the journey to higher education not only successful, but also exciting for students and their families. I know firsthand how daunting the process of figuring out life's next steps can be, and am an empowering and encouraging partner to students who are considering this path.

In my free time, you can find me traveling with friends, discovering the best coffee shops and restaurants, exploring street art, thrifting, and visiting botanical gardens.

I earned my B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) and my M.Ed. in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs from the University of Southern California (USC). My passion for education and student support led me to a career where I guide students through the exciting yet often overwhelming college application process. Currently, I work as a College Bound Academic Advisor with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast. In this role, I support students from diverse backgrounds by helping them explore their educational and career goals, build confidence, and navigate the path to higher education. I assist students with researching colleges, creating school lists, writing personal statements, preparing for interviews, and understanding financial aid. I also guide students through completing the FAFSA, applying for scholarships, and reviewing financial aid offers. One of my proudest moments was helping a high school senior overcome personal and academic challenges to apply to top-tier universities and competitive programs. Seeing my students gain confidence and celebrate their successes, including acceptances to schools such as the University of California campuses, Princeton, and other prestigious institutions, is what motivates me every day. As a former transfer student, I understand the challenges and opportunities students face as they transition into higher education. I use my experiences to create an empathetic, encouraging, and supportive environment for every student I work with.

I am passionate about helping students and their families feel confident throughout the college application process. This is a pivotal time in a student’s life, and I strive to make the journey exciting, empowering, and successful. I look forward to working together to achieve your college goals!

I recently graduated from MIT in 2024, completing both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science within three years. Currently, I am working as a Quantitative Researcher at a hedge fund based in New York. My experiences have fueled a strong commitment to education and mentorship, which I now bring to my role as a college admissions advisor, guiding students through the process with clarity and purpose. During my time at MIT, I served as a Peer Career Advisor, where I guided underclassmen to graduate students in creating compelling resumes, cover letters, and applications for internships and research opportunities. I provided tailored academic and career advice, helping students identify and achieve their goals. Additionally, I worked as a Teaching Assistant and Lab Assistant for several computer science courses, gaining valuable experience in mentoring students with diverse learning styles and academic interests. Before college and pursuing computer science, I was deeply interested in pursuing medicine and gained admission to multiple competitive 7-year BS/MD programs with full undergraduate tuition scholarships. This experience gave me firsthand insight into the application process in presenting a cohesive and authentic narrative.

My mission as a college admissions advisor is to leverage my experiences—both as an applicant and a mentor—to help students craft their unique stories. Whether it's through brainstorming personal statements, refining supplemental essays, or preparing for interviews, I aim to make the application journey not only successful but also rewarding and reflective of each student's individuality and aspirations. The college application process can seem daunting, but with a positive outlook and proper support, it becomes a chance to embrace the next chapter of your life!

I am a graduate student at MIT, pursuing a Master of Engineering in Computer Science. I graduated last spring with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science (Department of EECS) & Business Analytics (MIT Sloan School of Management). Academically, I specialize in economics (econometrics, competition, behavioral, public) and machine learning (natural language processing, computer vision, algorithmic theory). I love working with big data to solve complex problems. Prior to joining CollegeAdvisor, I worked closely with students across five admissions cycles, offering one-on-one guidance in essay editing, test preparation, resume building, and college interviews for top-tier schools nationwide. I have also worked with over four education companies, developing and teaching AI, computer science, STEM, and math subjects to middle and high school students across the world. My role as a Teaching Assistant for multiple economics courses at MIT has further deepened my experience in mentoring students and helping them thrive academically. Growing up in a small town in Mississippi, I understand the transformative impact of access to quality resources and am passionate about supporting others as they navigate their educational journeys.

At school, I served as chair on the executive boards of the Undergraduate Economics Association and the 300-member dance group (Asian Dance Team) on campus. Professionally, I've worked in consumer pricing, cloud infrastructure, decarbonization of energy systems, and AI research. In my free time, I am experimenting with new recipes, exploring restaurants, and enjoying high-adrenaline outdoor activities.