Welcome to my profile! With a Bachelor's degree from Columbia University and currently pursuing a PhD at Cornell University, I bring a strong academic background to my coaching. My experience as a Communications Manager and Educational Outreach Coordinator has honed my skills in guiding students through the college admissions process. I am passionate about helping students craft compelling narratives that highlight their unique strengths and experiences. Whether you need assistance with personal statements, application strategy, or interview preparation, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's work together to make your college dreams a reality!

Welcome! I’m Mike, a professional admissions coach (Ex-Trinity Admissions) here to help you navigate every stage of the college application process. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel, but you don’t have to go it alone. When I applied to college, I faced fierce competition while striving for academic excellence, securing scholarships, and balancing extracurricular commitments. Along the way, I not only learned how to craft a compelling application but also how to adapt under pressure—a skill I instill in my students as they navigate their own challenges. Later, while working in admissions at Trinity College, I gained firsthand insight into how applications are reviewed, what makes an applicant stand out, and how decisions are made behind the scenes. I also saw how non-traditional predictors of success—like resilience, leadership, and personal growth—can make all the difference in a competitive application. As a seasoned mentor, I know what truly makes an applicant shine—not just on paper, but in the minds of admissions committees. My coaching is structured, results-driven, and deeply personalized. Whether you’re a high school student exploring your options, a junior or senior preparing your application, or a transfer student looking for the right fit, I’ll meet you where you are and help you take the next steps in your journey. By identifying your unique strengths and aspirations, we’ll craft a winning strategy that allows you to progress while maintaining wellness amidst academic stress. If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s build your path to college together—I’d love to help you succeed!

I've helped multiple friends and family members get into BYU Undergrad. My style is fun & optimistic. Making the annoying, overwhelming tasks feel doable.

With a strong academic background in cognitive science from Johns Hopkins University and a medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, I bring a unique perspective to college admissions coaching. As a coach, I have guided many high school students in crafting compelling college applications that stand out, from every step in the process. My experience as a former MD Admissions Reviewer and Pre-Health Advisor has equipped me with the skills to help students present their best selves to admissions committees. I am passionate about helping you achieve your college dreams. Let's work together to make your application memorable and successful!

Going to the Air Force Academy was the best decision of my life. Because I went to school there, I earned my master's degree from Harvard (for free), got a job at one of the best places to work (Bain), and even met my wife. After it gave me so much, I wanted to give back to the Academy by serving as an admissions support officer. In this position, I mentored and evaluated 5 applicants, learning exactly what Service Academies look for in potential candidates. The application process is complex and intimidating, but, I'm ready to support you at every step. Service Academies aren't for everyone, but they are truly life-changing. If you're ready to work hard, I'm excited to help you earn your acceptance.

I take a highly supportive approach to coaching and aim to create an environment in which my clients can be completely open about their worries so I can be the best possible coach for them. That said, you can expect me to be constructively candid – because coaching is about challenging you and accelerating your growth, not making you feel good so I can collect a check. Besides sitting on Northwestern's alumni admissions council, I was an interviewer at both Google and Facebook, so I've spent many hours "on the other side of the table" and can give you a strong sense for how you might be perceived by interviewers and admissions committees. I enjoy coaching people from a huge range of backgrounds, but I specialize in coaching folks from lower-income families, LGBTQ+ candidates, and those from unconventional backgrounds trying to thrive in tech. I myself came from a low-income family and needed help getting connected to resources that would make college feasible for me – I can help you do the same.

While I was in college, I worked for two years as a Student Outreach Mentor for GEAR UP, a federally-funded program designed to help students prepare for college. In this role, I mentored students 1:1 to help them complete the FAFSA, prepare for the ACT/SAT, and apply for college and scholarships. Personally, I've received over $150,000 worth of scholarships for undergraduate and grad school, and I can help with identifying opportunities, crafting your story, writing essays, and highlighting other accomplishments.

I worked in Emory University's Undergraduate Admission Office for four years, where I recruited and read applications from students across the country. There, I gained valuable insight into the undergraduate admission and merit scholarship selection process, and I understand the component parts necessary for a competitive application. I also earned my M.Ed. degree from Harvard's Graduate School of Education, and in the past two cycles, I have coached applicants 1:1 with successful outcomes across the board. My coaching experience includes the Common Application, UC and Cal State applications, the financial aid process, and numerous merit scholarship applications. While the process can be daunting, I look forward to working together to make it manageable and stress-free each step of the way. Let's connect!

College admissions can be incredibly daunting. I remember being in your shoes and wondering what I should write, where I should apply, and what to say during my interviews. Ten years later, I have been through this process several times now to gain admission to college and medical schools. My experience has taught me that it is incredibly important to spend time reflecting on your goals and how your background has helped you formulate them. Only then can you begin to craft a stellar application that will not only stand out to admissions committees, but also stay true to yourself. When done correctly, the process of applying to college should help you better understand what you want out of your education and why. I look forward to working with you closely to answer these questions and distill them into the perfect application. My mentees over the past 10 years have gained admission to great undergraduate universities, including Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA.

- Masters in Higher Ed. - Started a company that advises amateur athletes on What collegiate athletic program is best for their goals - Help students with discovering what makes them unique