Welcome! My name is Julius and I'm excited to work with you as you launch your college search. I earned my B.A. in Politics at Occidental College (2016), my Masters in Education Policy at Harvard University (2023), and am currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education at the University of Michigan. My interest in college admission began during my own college search process. I had many disparate interests including theater and music, politics, literature, and even Spanish (to name a few) and was looking for a college experience that would allow these different pursuits to thrive. After exploring dozens of public and private institutions across the country, I was fortunate to find a home at Occidental College, a dynamic liberal arts college located in the heart of Los Angeles. Passionate about expanding access to higher education and supporting students in navigating the college search process, I joined Occidental's Office of Admission shortly after graduating. Over the course of five years with the Office, I've met with hundreds of students (and reviewed thousands of applications) from across the country…and the world! In 2022, I left Occidental College to pursue a Masters in Education at Harvard University. While there, I served as a first-year undergraduate academic advisor, supporting Harvard students in their transition to college. I also worked as a graduate assistant within the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, assisting prospective applicants in completing their applications. Though I'm now pursuing a PhD in Higher Education, my research remains focused on current admission practices and, specifically, cognitive decision-making processes within admission offices. Additionally, I've stayed actively engaged in the field as a part-time application reader for Dartmouth College and Occidental College, and regularly attend and present at the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conference.
I believe that the college search is a uniquely distinct and developmental process. While it allows students to reflect on who they are, it also affords them the opportunity to engage with who they hope to become. For many applicants, this might be the first time that they meaningfully articulate their values, identities, and aspirations. I'm confident that regardless of where a student may choose to matriculate, a robust and reflective college search process will equip them with the confidence and self-efficacy to have an intentional, impactful college experience.