Advisors

Hello! My name is Pranathi and I am a recent graduate of UT Austin where I double majored in Computational Biology and Government in pursuit of improving healthcare delivery through technological innovation and policy. During my time as an undergraduate, I interned for the White House and have experience in biomedical research. I have four years of college advising experience and helped all my students get into their top 3 choices and I am looking forward to help you achieve your goals.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science from The University of Mississippi. I also hold a Master's in Higher Education Administration from Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout my career I have worked with all student populations in admissions, including first year, transfer, international and graduate. I have experience working in every type of institution from small to large, liberal arts colleges to research universities and public to private.

Alyssa Rashaw has a strong background in education, communications, and college readiness, with a rich blend of academic and professional experiences. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. Her professional experience includes working in the charter school sector and higher education, notably as an assistant to the Dean at Georgetown University.

Alyssa is also a Strategic Communications Fellow at the DC State Board of Education, where she hones her skills in policy, advocacy, and strategic planning. At the District of Columbia Public Schools central office (DCPS), Alyssa supports the College Persists Department, working closely with college coaches and school leaders to ensure that students stay on track for post-secondary success. She is instrumental in managing data processes that track student progress and outcomes, providing crucial insights to demonstrate the program's effectiveness and its impact on DCPS graduates.

She is passionate about supporting college and career readiness, particularly among underrepresented groups, and is committed to addressing the technology and education gap in Black communities. Her experience spans advising, family engagement, and working in diverse educational settings, making her well-equipped to support students in achieving their college admissions goals as a Senior Advisor at CollegeAdvisor.com.

I am a professional with 10+ years of experience in K-12, higher education, and social services institutions. I am a confident, humble leader who is a quick learner, has an innovative mindset, am open to critical feedback, and can concurrently manage multiple projects, to effectively complete the outlined goals of a position or project. I have proven success with data-driven decision making, working across diverse student and professional communities, and high-level strategic planning to create long-term success in recruitment and student success improvements.

Hi! My name is Cadence and I am graduating this year from the University of California San Diego with my Bachelor of Science in Molecular Synthesis. At UCSD I have been very involved in biomedical research at the School of Medicine, worked with students as a private tutor for math and chemistry, and worked on the board of officers for the archery team. I aspire to become a physician-scientist with an MD, and PhD and will begin applying to medical school this spring. I have extensive experience in standardized test prep and got a 95th percentile score on my MCAT. I first started working with CollegeAdvisor.com as a high school student when I was applying to schools and was thrilled with my experience as a client. It was through this process I learned the value of having someone knowledgeable to help you through the complicated process and I wanted to give back to students that were once in my shoes.

I know how hard it can be to navigate science and medicine in high school and college, and I am passionate about guiding other high school students and helping them explore and pursue different routes in medicine and STEM.

I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in linguistics with a specialization in East Asian Languages. After graduating, I moved to Philadelphia for an Americorps service year, where I coached high-achieving high school students from first-generation, low-income (FGLI) backgrounds on the college admissions process. I thoroughly enjoyed this work so much that I continued to serve K-12 students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual tutoring. I eventually found myself returning to the college access field in 2022 where I have served as an Associate Director for a local non-profit over the last 2 school years. I have worked with students of various academic backgrounds, though my specialty lies in humanities and STEM candidates. I am especially experienced in assisting FGLI students through the application process. As an FGLI graduate myself, I understand the barriers that are in place for families who are likely experiencing the college search for the first time, and the process can be daunting for all backgrounds. In our sessions, I would like to remove the anxiety of this process and focus on bringing the best out of the applicant: their hobbies, their interests, and their passions - academic or not. Everyone has a story to tell to admissions officers, and I believe every candidate has the potential to express their own through collaboration with families and a robust support system. I currently live in Atlanta, GA and have aspirations for graduate school in the future. When I am not advising students or researching trends in college admissions, I love spending time with family, crafting in the fiber arts, and trying new foods in the city!

I am a current undergraduate student at The Pennsylvania State University working on a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and a minor in engineering mechanics. During my first semester at Penn State, I was offered a three-rotation internship experience with Delta Air Lines. Following this experience, I completed a summer internship experience at The Boeing Company. While at Penn State, I was a mentor and career advisor as a part of The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) aiding working with students to build their resumes and secure internships very early in their undergraduate careers. As a mentor, I also offered guidance to students in their college experience helping them to find clubs, research, and other groups they could actively engage in either for a professional motive or to simply help find their passion. This experience has exposed me to using the vast variety of different backgrounds and interests these students have to leverage as their greatest strengths. I have worked with students who major in all forms of Engineering including Aerospace, Mechanical, Biomedical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, Architectural, Civil, Chemical, and Industrial. In addition, I have also worked with students in the fields of Computer Science and Cybersecurity. My mission while advising is to bring out the best in a student by leveraging their strengths and turning what may seem like weaknesses into opportunities for growth that the college would love to invest in. As someone who has gone through the application process myself, I understand that applications can be an anxious experience at times. But taking that first step of finding passion in yourself with enable you to display your best you.

I am originally from Canton, MI and a graduate of Detroit Catholic Central High School and the University of Notre Dame. I am a hard worker with a passion to succeed and a willingness to strive for goals. My work ethic has given me fulfilling work and volunteer experiences that have been successful. From my experiences in admissions, marketing, communications, customer service, and university relations, I have learned to hold myself accountable for the endeavors and tasks that I pursue. In my admissions experience, I have been able to help students from all different backgrounds and walks of life go through the college process and see how faith-based, mission-centric institutions could be the best fit for a student in their college career. I have had experience with reading applications, event planning and programming for visit programs geared toward high achieving as well as First Generation students, and tour guide management. Additionally, I had been a lead in the transfer application process at Notre Dame. I also helped create and launch an admissions-specific podcast, College Bound, targeted toward students applying to the University of Notre Dame. I have a passion for and a joy in connecting with others and understanding their backgrounds as community and connections are vitally important to interacting in professional and personal settings. I plan to bring that passion and my experience to students and families as they navigate the college admissions process. In my personal life, I am a HUGE sports fan. With being born and raised in the Metro Detroit area, I follow the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings throughout their seasons even while still living in Indiana. I am an even bigger college football fan, though, especially to cheer on my alma mater, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. I also was a member of the Band of the Fighting Irish, playing trumpet in the ND Marching Band and in the pep band for men's and women's college basketball games. Additionally, I like to spend my time outdoors when I can. When the weather is nice (even cooler in the spring and fall), I like to spend my nights relaxing by a bonfire. And, I am a true foodie. I really like to cook; I enjoy being in the kitchen and cooking meals at home. But, I also enjoy experiencing new cuisine and in new restaurants especially when I am visiting a place that is not my original or current hometown.

Finally, I am interested in music and the culture that surrounds it, understanding all facets of the music scene from the past, present, and in the future. Some of my favorite TV shows of all time are The Office, Brooklyn 99, Ted Lasso, The West Wing, and House of Cards. My favorite movie of all time is I Love You, Man.

Yolanda, a seasoned college admissions officer with over 20 years of experience, is dedicated to guiding students on their academic journeys. As a former Associate Director of Admissions at UNC-Chapel Hill, Yolanda deeply understands the college application process from institutional and student perspectives. Yolanda has a proven track record of supporting first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students in achieving their higher education goals. With her extensive experience working with diverse institutions nationwide, Yolanda can provide expert guidance on everything from creating a college list to the enrollment process. Her expertise in leading college access programs supporting first-generation students has equipped her with the skills to assist students in identifying colleges that align with their social needs, academic strengths, and career aspirations. Yolanda's approach is tailored to each student's unique needs. She offers comprehensive support, from brainstorming potential colleges to crafting compelling applications. With a caring and empathetic demeanor, Yolanda fosters a supportive environment that encourages students to dream big and explore all their options. Additionally, her expertise extends beyond the application process. She hosts workshops and webinars to educate students, parents, and high school counselors on the college admissions landscape. Her goals are to demystify the process, provide clear guidance, and reduce stress.

Public - Private - HBCU - HSI - Ivy - Regional

While assisting students is a passion of Yolanda's, she spends her free time teaching yoga🧘🏾‍♀️ and going to the beach! 🏖️

As a proud first-generation college graduate from UCLA with a B.A. in Sociology and a background in psychology and anthropology, I know firsthand how daunting the college application process can be. Now pursuing my Master’s in Counseling, I’m here to help ease the anxieties that come with this pivotal moment, guiding students every step of the way and ensuring both they and their families feel supported. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of seniors and their families throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. My students have been accepted into top universities across California and the U.S., many earning prestigious scholarships like QuestBridge and Posse. I also have extensive knowledge of financial aid, scholarships, and the overall senior year timeline, helping students and parents navigate the process with confidence. I specialize in college platforms like the UC App, CSU App, Common App, and the Common Black App, and I love helping students explore majors and careers, research and create college wishlists, and craft standout resumes and brag sheets. Whether it’s brainstorming essay ideas or polishing a personal statement, I’m excited to help students discover their strengths and present their best selves. Outside of work, I’m a huge animal lover with three dogs. I also love to travel, catch up on my favorite TV series, exercise, read, and hang out with friends. My goal is to make this process as smooth and enjoyable as possible, helping you transition into this next chapter with ease.

As a recent first-generation graduate and regents scholar at UC Berkeley, I can still remember how nervous I was for my first college admissions cycle. In 2020, I joined Matriculate with the hope of improving this experience for others, eventually mentoring over 120 high school students while managing a cohort of 60 college advisors. Through CollegeAdvisor, I have learned even more about supporting students towards their dream schools, while advocating for increased transparency and equity in the college admissions system. From conversations with many college admissions offices, I understand that colleges are not searching for the perfect student, but rather one that is able to articulate their story. My role as an advisor is to help students build this narrative by embracing their unique perspective and experiences, which I promise every student has! My previous students have been admitted to a wide range of schools including highly selective institutions, such as Stanford, Yale, Georgetown, and UC Berkeley. Currently, I work as a Research Analyst for LAVCA based in New York, where I cover investment/development projects in Latin American markets. During my time at UC Berkeley, I had the opportunity to study abroad for nearly a year in Chile, which led to my current career as an analyst. In my free time, I love performing at open mics, trying new dance classes, and spending time with my cats. Please reach out if you have any questions about anything I've mentioned here or would like to know more about my advising background, I'm always happy to chat!

Hi there! My name is Rachael, and I graduated from Northwestern University in 2023 as a theatre major, dance minor, and music theatre certificate recipient, and with additional studies in choreography and acting for the screen. I now use the education and connections that Northwestern provided me as a professional actor in Chicago, IL. Online Tutoring Experience with Varsity Tutors: I have previously tutored students in College Essays and ACT/SAT prep. I helped one student brainstorm and develop her personal statement for the Common App, and she sent me a thank you after she was accepted and committed to Princeton University! I am a professional musical theatre actor who studied music theatre and dance at Northwestern University. I know well the unique college application AND audition process that prospective MT students must go through. If you are looking for someone to help you navigate that process, select and prepare your audition material, put together dance reels and self-tapes, edit your theatrical resume, prepare you for in-person auditions, etc - look no further! During my college application process, I applied to around 25 different schools - even if you are not someone looking to study fine arts, I can still be a great resource as someone with experience juggling many different applications, deadlines, and essay topics. Of the schools listed below that I myself have been accepted to, I am referring to academic acceptance. I was not accepted for musical theatre at all of those listed, but can provide insight into both the application and audition processes.

I am a recent graduate of Princeton University with a bachelor's in English and a certificate in American Studies. During my first year at Princeton, I worked as an English tutor with TutorOut, providing guidance in writing, editing, and reading comprehension to students in China. In the fall of that same year, I co-ran a pro-bono college admissions workshop where I worked with dozens of students to help craft their personal statements and supplemental essays with the goal of expanding accessibility to college mentorship services. Prior to Princeton, I volunteered for four years as a generalized tutor to students aged elementary through high school, working one-on-one and in group settings to foster personal development and academic growth in my underrepresented, rural school district. All of these experiences, along with my own journey coming from a town where less than one-fourth of adults hold a bachelor's degree, have strengthened my interest in admissions advising and promoting access to higher education. I am currently working in attorney development at a top-5 corporate law firm in New York City with hopes of one day attending law school. I have extensive knowledge regarding Pre-Law/Political Science, Arts and Humanities, and Communications and Media Studies. I center my advising around clearly articulating each student's voice and personal brand, using the admissions process as a chance for reflection upon not only each student's achievements and passions, but also upon their unique personal trajectory. The college admissions process is a time filled with possibilities, and my aim is to help each individual student and family realize those possibilities while recognizing the value in all the work they have done to reach this point.

Hi! I’m Ris, a recent graduate of Yale University with a BA in Film and Media Studies. With a strong background in filmmaking and content creation, I’m passionate about guiding students interested in the humanities and arts. I am dedicated to helping students craft standout work, develop career plans, and create their own opportunities — skills that are crucial in today’s competitive environment. As someone whose family had no experience with the US college admissions process, I am especially interested in helping students in similar situations. I know firsthand how lonely it can be to feel completely lost even in the first steps of deciding where to apply and strive to be a reliable, supportive resource in this complex journey. My goal is to help students feel that as stressful as this time can be, it is also an exciting one! In my free time, you can find me watching films, making music, and reading.

I recently graduated honors student from the University of California, Berkeley with a bachelor's in Ethnic Studies, Legal Studies, and Chicanx/Latinx Studies. During my time at Cal, I was an advisor for Matriculate on campus where I guided high-achieving high school students to entry at top universities and colleges through essay workshopping and applicant consulting. Before College Advisor, I worked with another grassroots mentoring program HYPHEE by the Raices center directed towards Latinx students seeking to develop writing and personal aspects of their applications such as personal statements, resumes, supplement essays, and college interviews. I also worked as a writing tutor for the Student Learning Center or SLC at Berkeley, I aided non-native English speakers in writing essays, developing a thesis, and correcting and teaching basic grammar rules, citations, and argument structure. This experience exposed me to varying learning and working styles to elevate the performance of bright students with great potential. I have worked with students who major in the Arts and Humanities, Communications and Media Studies, Biology, Pre-Law/Political Science, and Gender and Sexuality Studies. My mission while advising is to make the student feel confident and comfortable throughout the college application process. I truly aim to bring any student to life on paper, while making the experience as enjoyable as possible for the student, the family, and eventually the admission officer who eventually receives the final product. Applying to college can be overwhelming, but maintaining a healthy mindset and figuring out an approach that works for you can make the experience as exciting as approaching this new chapter in life should be. I am currently working as a Legal Assistant at an Employment Law company based in San Fransisco and aspire to attend law school in the future. My love for education started in my home in Modesto, CA, as I helped my busy parents with taking care of my siblings as I balanced my pursuit of higher education and my extracurriculars. Outside of academics and career interests, I enjoy being outside, being around animals, reading, spending time with friends having interesting conversations, and making fun memories in the city.

I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Berkeley. More specifically, my degree is from the College of Natural Resources. I majored in Conservation and Resource Studies with a concentration in Climate Science under the Environmental Science, Policy, and Management department. As an undergraduate student I was a Program Facilitator at the Lawrence Hall of Science and I interned for the National Science Foundation, performing climate science research in conjunction with meteorology and ecological anthropology faculty at Penn State. In addition to this, I worked part-time for a bay area nonprofit focused on the conservation of California's old growth forests. After graduating in 2021, I decided to go in a different direction than my field of study. I accepted a role as a corporate recruiter for the top data science and analytics recruitment firm in San Francisco. I quickly promoted to Senior Consultant, but confirmed my suspicion that corporate life was not aligned with my interests. As a result, I left this position and became an independent contractor. I find working with students in an advising capacity fulfilling, because I know the impact high-level support can have on a student's journey through the application process. I vividly remember how important acceptance into a fitting program felt when I was in that stage of life, so I have a lot of empathy for students who are currently applying to universities. I understand the path is not always straight forward or easy. I pride myself in my attention to detail and my wide range of knowledge. Over the past eight years I've developed a significant level of expertise in regard to recruitment trends and process, and I've developed unique insights from both personal and professional experience.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University with a B.A. in Environmental Sciences & Policy and Sociology, the latter with distinction for researching and defending my undergraduate thesis and with a concentration in the Sociology of Work and Organizations. I was part of a plethora of organizations while in college, such as being a member of Business Oriented Women, a teaching assistant for Duke's Social Marketing class, and a marketing coordinator for a civic engagement program for Duke and Stanford student-athletes. Outside of Duke, I also took accounting classes at Foothill College and plan to sit for the CPA exam next year. During my time at Duke, I advised college-aged peers and students as an alum of my high school's Women in Leadership class on landing finance internships, resume building, interview prep, and more. In high school, I was a writing tutor and helped seniors and juniors sharpen their personal statements and supplement essays. I have a lot of experience as a peer editor and reader, and also assisted my younger sibling and cousins on their college applications. I have a widely adaptable approach to advising and am quick to pivot to ensure that any student's needs are met and exceeded. I take pride in my research skills as well as my writing/reviewing abilities. I had a whirlwind of an experience while applying to college, having applied to over 20 schools and being accepted to all but 2. Yet, the most memorable part of the process for me was being able to give back and help my peers achieve success. My goal is to ensure that a holistic, impactful picture of any student is aptly conveyed through writing and, more importantly, to make the college application and advising process as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Currently, I am a Global Banking & Markets Analyst at a financial firm in New York City. I also plan to apply to JD/MBA programs in the coming years to further my passion for law and business. My passion for advising and education stems back to my childhood, not only from being inspired by my mother's experience as an FGLI student who pushed herself to earn her Bachelor's degree and MBA on her own, but also by being able to tutor and help my younger brother on his journey to college. Outside of my career, I love photography, hiking, and running my music blog.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of British Columbia (UBC) with over 10 years of experience in higher education and specialization in International Education, supporting and guiding international students. My professional journey has taken me through various roles at UBC and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where I have developed a robust expertise advising and guiding a diverse group of students for admissions and study abroad. As a first-generational transfer student, my career is defined by a deep passion for fostering global perspectives and supporting students through the admissions process. Having worked top international schools, my experiences shaped my understanding of diverse educational systems and cultural contexts. I am dedicated to helping students navigate the complexities of the application process. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, trying out different cuisines and traveling around the world! I have previously visited, Ireland, UK, Spain, France, Portugal, Philippines and hope to add more to the list soon! In my spare time, I find joy in finding gems at the thrift store and exploring local coffee shops. Overall, my approach to guide and support is rooted in a genuine passion for global education and a student-centered philosophy. The college admissions process is a transformative journey, and my goal is to guide students through this pivotal time with clarity and confidence. I am dedicated to helping students find environments where they can thrive academically and personally, and I am committed to providing the tools and support they need to present their best selves. Together, we will craft compelling applications and open doors to exciting opportunities, ensuring a fulfilling and successful admissions experience!

From the rural city of Taishan, China, to a low-income suburban town in Idaho, and finally to the metropolis of Los Angeles, I recently graduated from the Honors College at UCLA with a B.S. in Cognitive Science and a Specialization in Computing. During my time at UCLA, I served as an advisor, head advisor, and national advisor for Matriculate, where I guided low-income, high-achieving high school students into their top-choice universities. I was also actively involved on campus as the assistant managing editor of UCLA's Undergraduate Science Journal, where I edited undergraduate research papers for publication. My academic journey included conducting research in a comparative cognition lab and an organic chemistry lab, working as an ophthalmic technician and caretaker, and student supervising a campus library. Beyond academics, I embrace life by engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, and exploring diverse cultures in Canada, the Dominican Republic, Spain, and China. I'm an avid binge-watcher, and you'll often find me rewatching Stranger Things or Harry Potter, or in the movie theater critiquing the latest movie. I'm currently in my concert era, having recently attended the Jingle Ball, Hozier, TwoSet Violin, Stephen Sanchez, TWICE, and Meghan Trainor concerts. My most favorite activity of all is creating unforgettable memories with my friends (and loving my cat). I have experience working with students interested in dentistry, law, public affairs, engineering, and have a strong understanding of the pre-medical track. My mission as an advisor is to help students authentically present themselves to admissions officers, ensuring their true selves shine through in their applications. I understand that the college application process can be overwhelming, but with a confident mindset and a personalized approach, it can become an exciting new chapter in life. Currently, I am preparing for the MCAT with the goal of applying to medical school in the next application cycle. My passion for education stems from my experience growing up as a low-income student in a public school system where higher education was not emphasized. I aim to show my community and others that the pursuit of higher education is within everyone's reach, and that anyone can chart their own path to success.

I attend Columbia Law School on a full-ride, merit scholarship, where my studies focus on civil rights, education policy, and non-profit law. Before law school, I worked in philanthropy as a grantmaker on issues related to public policy, youth organizing, and technology regulations and in communications as a consultant for political campaigns. I'm a National Geographic Education Fellow and Forbes 30 Under 30 Awardee for my education policy and advocacy work. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's in Political Science. I was a Robertson Scholar at Chapel Hill, a full-ride scholarship that gave me access to UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University classes. I was also a Coca-Cola Scholar and a Kevan Flagler Assured Admit. In addition to the Robertson Scholarship, I was awarded full rides to three undergraduate institutions (UK, Davidson, Wake Forest) and partial scholarships to several others. During my undergraduate studies, I interned at a political consulting firm in Washington, DC, a management consulting firm in Atlanta, Georgia, and a local community development nonprofit in New Orleans. After undergrad, I pursued a Master's in Education Policy & Management from Harvard Graduate School of Education, where my research focused on student power in the K12 education system. In high school, I founded a nonprofit organization that advocated for more student voice in the K12 education system. I also competed in speech and debate, played soccer, and practiced the cello. During my junior year, I moved to Washington, D.C., for a semester to serve as a United States Senate Page. There, I attended class in the morning and worked on the Senate floor in the evening. Outside of academic and career interests, I love live music, hiking in the woods, and a relaxing spa day. When applying to college, the key is honing your narrative to stand out to admission officers from among the dozens of qualified applications they will review.

I am currently a junior at MIT studying Computer Science and playing tennis for the school. I've previously worked as a Code Instructor at The Coder School in Northbrook, Illinois and as a tennis coach/director in many different locations. At MIT, I work as an Undergraduate Student Researcher for the Sloan School of Management as well as a grader for our Electricity and Magnetism GIR Physics course.