Private College Admissions Consultants in Charlotte, NC

Yi is a former tenured professor turned admissions expert and entrepreneur who brings a uniquely rigorous, 360-degree perspective to college admissions coaching. He holds a PhD from the University of Michigan, an MS from the University of California, Irvine, and an MBA from Duke University, where he received a full-tuition Manning Family Scholarship. Yi has guided students into top colleges, including the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan, UT Austin, Rice, and others. 

Yi’s passion for coaching stems from having sat on both sides of the admissions table—as a tenured professor at the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health serving on formal admissions committees as an application reader and making admissions decisions. Yi’s time as an application reader allowed him to focus on evaluating non-academic aspects of applicants' profiles and to engage in committee discussion. Now, Yi works as an admissions consultant, helping students frame their experiences with authenticity and strategy. His approach is grounded in a fundamental belief: the most successful application is not just a list of achievements; it’s a persuasive, authentic argument for admission.

Yi doesn’t just help students build an application. He helps them build a case for acceptance. Drawing from his work evaluating research innovations at Yale, founding companies, and mentoring entrepreneurs, he teaches students to connect the dots between raw talent, personal narrative, and strategic goals. He treats the college application like a business plan—highlighting leadership, value propositions, and impact. Whether it’s a student’s part-time job, club leadership, or personal challenge, Yi shows how each piece is a critical data point in the story of their potential.

Yi’s greatest strengths as a coach include applying an evaluator’s lens to help students understand what truly resonates with admissions committees, using a strategist’s mindset to craft cohesive and compelling narratives, and empowering students to own their voice. Yi believes the student is the CEO of their application. His role is that of a board member—offering tools, structure, and honest feedback—while encouraging students to engage deeply and take ownership of their process. He reminds students that it’s not about crafting a perfect application, but an authentic one. 

As a coach, Yi’s approach to admissions consulting doesn’t end with college acceptances; it equips students with the confidence and clarity to pitch ideas, win internships, and lead with purpose long after admission. Yi’s multifaceted background makes him a dynamic, relatable, and strategic guide through every step of the admissions journey. As an empowering mentor, Yi understands that the admissions process is deeply personal. His strength lies in helping students discover and articulate their authentic voice. He helps them uncover the powerful stories within their experiences and give them the confidence to present themselves with the maturity and self-awareness that top-tier institutions actively seek.

Outside of coaching, Yi is a dedicated endurance athlete, having completed the Boston Marathon and triathlons. He’s also an actor who auditions for theater, commercials, and musicals, and he enjoys weightlifting. 

Yi’s Pro Tip? 

Trust the process and your journey. It's easy to get caught in the “comparison trap” with peers. Successful applicants leverage their unique story and ensure they find a college that is the right fit for who they are and who they aspire to be. 

Robin holds a BS from East Carolina University (ECU), a Master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), and a PhD from Capella University. She brings 30+ years of experience as an educator, school administrator, and executive director. Robin served on the Duke University admissions committee, where she reviewed applications, essays, transcripts, and other documents. Over the years, she has helped students gain admission to top schools, including Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and UNC Charlotte.

Robin’s passion for mentoring students stems from building meaningful relationships with students and their families, witnessing their growth over time, and serving as a steady source of support. She loves helping students discover their potential and find the right college environment where they can thrive. Robin believes every student’s educational journey is unique and strives to help them determine the best path for their post-secondary success.

As a coach, Robin excels at listening to students carefully to build trust and rapport, creating a supportive environment where they feel truly heard and understood. This foundation allows her to guide students in discovering and expressing their authentic voice in essays and interviews. She also skillfully balances encouragement with sensitivity, gently motivating students to push beyond their comfort zones while always honoring their individual pace and personal boundaries.

In her spare time, Robin enjoys reading, listening to Christian music, walking, biking, and relaxing at the beach.

Robin’s Pro Tip?

Essays are crucial! The admissions process is truly holistic, and colleges look beyond grades to see the true potential of each applicant.