Selective college admissions strategy
One-on-one advising for science, pre-health, and research-minded students applying to selective universities — in English or Spanish.
I work with a small number of families each year, bringing structure, honesty, and a scientist's eye to the application — for the students I understand best: those headed toward science, medicine, and research.
What you get
- College-list strategy — a realistic, balanced list built around fit, not rankings.
- Essays — personal statement and supplements, draft by draft. The student writes; I coach.
- Activities & resume framing — making real experience read clearly to an admissions reader.
- Research & pre-health narrative — turning lab work, shadowing, or a science project into a clear, jargon-free story.
- Interview prep — mock interviews and honest feedback.
- Timeline & parent check-ins — so nothing slips.
Best fit: juniors and seniors aiming at selective programs (UCs, Ivies, strong STEM and research), especially science, pre-health, and BS/MD-aware students who want one experienced guide across the season.
Why me, briefly: a Harvard-trained scientist and first-generation Texan who came up through selective admissions without an inherited roadmap, and a former Harvard College alumni interviewer (2021–2025). More about me →
Two paths worth a look: science & pre-health · first-generation & bilingual.
Packages
Founding 2026 rates. Every engagement starts with a free 20-minute intro call.
Strategy Session — $300/hr
Pressure-test a college list, work an essay in progress, or talk through a decision.
Best for: families unsure how much help they need.
Single-Application Sprint — $1,800
Up to 2 schools
Essays, supplements, activities framing, a mock interview if relevant, and final review for up to two priority applications.
Best for: early-action/early-decision or a focused UC strategy.
Senior-Year Comprehensive — $9,500
Full cycle · up to 8 schools
List strategy, essays, activities, parent check-ins, mock interviews, and timeline management through submission.
Best for: one guide across the whole season.
School caps keep the work personalized — each school needs its own version of the student's story. Additional schools, draft rounds, scholarship or BS/MD essays, and urgent turnaround are billed hourly. Full pricing & how to choose →
How it works
- Free intro call — 20 minutes on the student, the goals, and fit.
- Strategy & plan — the list, the timeline, and what each application needs to show.
- Drafting & coaching — essays and activities, draft by draft. The student writes; I coach.
- Interview & polish — mock interviews and a final review before each deadline.
Ethics
The student is the author of every word — I coach and edit, I never write essays, and I won't help anyone pass off AI-generated work as their own. No admission guarantees: I help a student put their most genuine work forward, and each university decides. For minors, the parent or guardian is the primary contact and everything stays confidential.
I'm an independent consultant, not affiliated with Harvard College Admissions; my prior alumni-interviewer role conferred no influence, access, or endorsement. How to choose a consultant →
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee admission?
No — and be cautious of anyone who does. I help students present a strong, honest application; each university makes its own decision.
Do you write the essays?
No. The student is always the author — I coach, ask hard questions, and edit line by line, but the words and ideas are theirs. Readers spot writing that doesn't sound like the student.
Can students use AI?
For brainstorming or organizing early ideas, yes — but never as the author, and policies vary by school. The student stays responsible for the ideas, voice, and accuracy of everything they submit.
Can you work in Spanish, and remotely?
Yes to both — the whole process in English or Spanish, by video anywhere, and in person in San Diego and Coronado.
Book a free 20-minute intro call or get in touch
Pre-health or pre-med bound? Free guide: should you apply now or take a gap year? →