Advisors

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.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2023 with a degree in Systems Engineering, a certificate in Law from Penn Law, and minors in Math and Engineering Entrepreneurship. While at Penn, I discovered my passion for guiding students through their educational journeys, especially the college admissions process. Over the years, I have worked with numerous high school students, providing personalized support in college essay writing, extracurricular planning, and academic advising to help them achieve their dreams of attending top universities. My experience includes helping students refine their writing skills to craft essays that authentically showcase their stories. I’ve assisted students in brainstorming, drafting, and editing personal statements, supplemental essays, and resumes, ensuring their applications stand out to admissions officers. I also specialize in helping students plan extracurricular activities that align with their passions and highlight their leadership and impact. In high school, I was very involved with scientific research/paper writing, academic quiz bowl, competition math (AIME, etc), US National Chemistry Olympiad, and I founded my high school's Society of Women Engineers chapter. I was also a Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist in 2019. I'm eager to work with students with interests/questions in these areas as well. I’ve had the privilege of working with students pursuing a wide range of academic interests, including Engineering, Pre-Law, Business/Finance, and STEM. Whether it’s breaking down complex essay prompts, organizing application timelines, or offering advice on how to balance academics and extracurriculars, I’m dedicated to making the college admissions process as approachable and enjoyable as possible. Outside of advising, I worked as an Investment Banking Analyst in NYC, where I developed skills in strategic thinking, communication, and attention to detail. These skills translate directly into my ability to guide students through the intricate process of crafting well-rounded applications. This past admissions cycle, I also served as an Alumni Volunteer Interviewer for ED and RD candidates for admission to Penn. I understand how overwhelming applying to college can be, but I firmly believe that every student has a unique story to tell. My mission is to empower students to present their most authentic selves in their applications while easing the stress for both them and their families. I was the first in my family to attend college in the US, so I can relate to the unique expectations and feelings that arise with students going through a similar experience. I am also applying to law school this cycle, so I especially can relate to the toll of an admissions season!

When I’m not working with students, I enjoy doing workout classes like SoulCycle, running, perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe, and reading. I am excited to bring my experience, dedication, and passion for mentorship to CollegeAdvisor.com, helping students and families navigate this transformative chapter of their lives with confidence and success.

I have ten years of experience as a Chief Enrollment Officer, and thirteen more years of experience as a senior enrollment leader. I have also worked at and with independent schools, advising middle school through college level students as part of a non-profit community-based organization, REACH Prep (RP). At RP, I oversaw a 15-month academic and co-curricular enrichment program for middle schoolers looking to be admitted into HS at college preparatory, highly selective independent schools. For scholars at independent schools, RP offered outdoor leadership programs, connection to summer opportunities, and programming for parents/families. While at RP, I was proud to serve as a founding member of the National Partnership for Educational Access. I've held Assistant, Associate, and Director of Admission and Financial Aid roles, in addition to Associate Dean, Executive Director, Associate Provost and Assistant and Associate Vice President roles in undergraduate institutions, graduate schools of education, state systems of higher education and women's colleges. I am a first-generation college grad and champion of inclusive excellence who has served as a Black Student Recruitment Coordinator and Director of Minority Recruitment. I have much experience in diverse pipeline building having worked with Quest Bridge, Posse and KIPP. Leveraging my undergraduate study of English and graduate study contextualized in journalism, including media training, along with years of admission and alumni interviews, I can help prep students to best advocate for themselves in writing and in person. Charged with rendering decisions on admission applications and participating in admission committees, I can demystify the admission process for students and families. Finally, as a long-time nationwide recruiter, I have researched and understood the academic and personal settings from which many applicants hailed, by meeting students, literally, where they are.

My journey in education began as a Programs Manager with the American Council for International Education, where I had the privilege of working with students from all corners of Uzbekistan. Traveling to both urban and rural areas, I helped recruit participants for U.S. State Department-sponsored exchange programs. This experience was truly eye-opening and sparked my passion for guiding students through the transformative power of education. One of the most impactful chapters of my career was my time at the University of Southern California International Academy. As Admissions Manager and Principal Designated School Official, I spent nearly a decade managing admissions for a variety of programs, ensuring visa compliance, and forming partnerships with universities and scholarship organizations worldwide. Most rewarding of all was my work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds—helping them navigate their academic journeys, achieve their dreams, and grow into the next chapter of their lives. These experiences have shaped my unwavering commitment to supporting students as they explore the exciting and sometimes daunting world of higher education. With my multilingual background and personal understanding of the unique challenges faced by students, I’m passionate about helping students and their families make confident, well-informed choices about their educational paths.

I hold a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with a specialization in Student Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With extensive experience in education and admissions, I’ve led strategic initiatives to increase student success and help students achieve their dream of a college degree. Currently, I serve as the Director of Student Recruitment & Campus Visit Experiences at a large public university in the south. In my current role, I manage a team of dedicated admissions professionals as we create human centered enrollment strategies to admit the best and brightest students from across the world. We also get to host thousands of students on campus for fun events to learn about the university. Previously, as an Associate Director of Admissions at Washington University in St. Louis, I oversaw a subset of goals where our admissions philosophy encouraged us to know each students name and story through the admissions journey. At the University of Texas at Austin, I got a chance to work with talented and ambitious students who wanted to change the world. Earlier in my career, I held impactful roles at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I worked with students on learning how to balance the fun and memorable experiences that come along with the academic rigors of being in college. Beyond my professional life, I enjoy playing with my dogs, exploring new worlds in video games (currently playing Hogwarts Legacy #Ravenclaw) or building elaborate LEGO sets, and fun game nights friends and family.

Hi there! I'm Katrina, a Northwestern graduate with a B.S. in Cognitive Science and Theater and a minor in Entrepreneurship. As a National Merit Scholar, Presidential Scholar nominee, and recipient of multiple merit-based scholarships that funded my Northwestern education, I understand what it takes to stand out in selective admissions processes. My academic journey spanned pre-medicine, technology, and the arts, giving me unique insight into how students can craft compelling narratives from diverse interests while maintaining academic excellence. Currently, I work in AI while staying involved in Chicago's film/TV scene and startup ecosystem—experiences that keep me connected to both STEM and the arts. My commitment to education started early—in high school, I founded a nonprofit to mentor young women in STEM and coached students in speech and debate. In college, I helped students understand how to position themselves effectively for selective universities and guided them through academic planning and exploring potential career paths. My years of advising have sharpened my ability to help students move beyond simply checking boxes to tell authentic, memorable stories that make them stand out from other qualified applicants. My approach combines structured guidance with candid feedback and strategic insight. I excel at breaking down the nuances of college admissions into clear, actionable steps. While strong grades and test scores open doors, I help students learn the unwritten rules of what makes an application truly stand out to admissions officers. Through honest collaboration, I guide each student in crafting an authentic narrative that resonates with top schools—because given how competitive college admissions have become, a compelling story is what transforms a qualified applicant into a memorable one.

No matter where you are in the process, I'm here to help turn your experiences into a powerful story that sets you apart. Excited to make it happen!

I'm Hannah, a current junior at MIT pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Data Analytics and Business. I have previously worked in Private Equity, Data Analysis for Sustainability, and Economic Research and currently serve as the VP of MIT's Consulting Group. I attended Phillips Academy Andover for high school where I was the captain of the Mens Crew team and President of Andover's Climate group.

I am a recent graduate of the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University from which I obtained my Master’s of Science in Business Analytics. This degree has enhanced my data knowledge and broadened my education of a business purpose with regard to data analytics. Prior to obtaining my Masters I attended Fairfield University for my Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Mathematics while minoring in Black Studies. In addition to obtaining this degree, I was a Division I college athlete which gave me lifelong skills around work-life balance as well as staying focused in pursuit of my degree. While pursuing my Masters at Fairfield University, I was a teacher apart of the Upward Bound program held on campus. This program provides academic resources for students who may either be first generation college students or want extra guidance along the way. As a teacher in this program I taught 9-12 grade Science as well as provided mentoring for my students around the College Application process. I have experience in both Credit Industry space, currently working as a Risk Management Analyst for American Express as well as Sports Industry experience where I worked in the Data Engineering department, focusing on Platform services that Major League Baseball offers.

Outside of my academic and professional career I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching sports and trying new foods around NYC!

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.

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 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.

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 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.