Elgin graduated from Dartmouth College with a BA before completing an MA from the University of Phoenix. He brings over a decade of experience in education, leadership, and coaching to his role as a counselor. Elgin has served as an interviewer on the Dartmouth College admissions committee, giving him firsthand insight into what top schools seek in applicants. Students he has coached have been accepted to top schools, including Dartmouth College, Yale University, and the United States Air Force Academy.
Professionally, Elgin has held a range of positions dedicated to student growth and success. He is currently a Special Education Coordinator at James Irwin Charter Schools and a Learning Services Coordinator at Rocky Mountain Classical Academy. Previously, he served as Special Education Coordinator at Academy School District 20, Director of Special Education at The Vanguard School, and Special Education Teacher at Cheyenne Mountain High School. His leadership across these roles has equipped him with the expertise to understand diverse student needs and the strategies to help them thrive academically and personally.
A former Dartmouth College basketball player, Elgin has spent over seven years as the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Cheyenne Mountain High School, combining his love of sports with his passion for mentoring students. His coaching experience has shaped his collaborative, motivational approach, ensuring that every student he works with feels both challenged and supported.
Elgin’s passion for coaching stems from his love of seeing others reach their goals and achieve their dreams. He believes that everyone has the ability to succeed, but that the right guidance, encouragement, and accountability can make all the difference. For him, the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing where students start and how far they are able to go together.
Elgin’s greatest strength as a coach is his ability to connect with students on a personal level. He takes the time to learn what motivates each individual and draws on his own experiences to provide meaningful advice. By creating a strong, trust-based relationship, he empowers students to navigate challenges and approach their goals with confidence.
Outside of coaching, Elgin enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing and watching sports, being outdoors, and going to the movies.
Elgin’s Pro Tip?
Students who stand out are the ones who go the extra mile to show admissions committees that their story is unique and that they can bring something to the college that no one else can.
Eli completed his Bachelor’s degree in East Asian languages, literature, and linguistics at Columbia University. Following his degree, he acted as Columbia’s Dean’s Assistant and Interview Program Coordinator. In this position, he oversaw the interview process and provided training sessions for new and returning interviewers. He was also involved with special scholar programs, meeting prospective students and their families. With his extensive experience as a coach and admissions officer, he has helped his students gain admission into their dream colleges.
Eli has always been passionate about higher education and the college experience, which drives him to share his knowledge with prospective students. His passion fuels his commitment to helping them achieve their academic goals by guiding them through the college application process and crafting impactful applications. He strives to create a relaxing atmosphere so students can focus on creating the best narrative possible to market themselves.
As a coach, Eli understands the importance of a holistic approach. He ensures students are well-organized and equipped to excel in every aspect of the application and he is very patient throughout the whole process. His structured yet flexible approach allows students to contribute actively, reducing their feelings of overwhelm. His greatest strength is identifying and highlighting the unique qualities that make a student stand out beyond just their numbers.
When Eli isn’t coaching, he enjoys travelling, reading, and playing the piano.
Eli’s Pro Tip?
Making sure you’re organized early in the admissions process will allow you to develop a better idea and understanding of your end goals and make the most of your college experience.
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Erica has an impressive academic background, having earned a BA from Harvard University, a JD from Stanford Law School, an MA from George Washington University, and a PhD from University College London (UCL). She has extensive experience in higher education, including teaching at the University of Maryland, Catholic University, Georgetown University, and UCL. Additionally, she has served as an alumni interviewer at Harvard for several admissions cycles.
Erica is passionate about guiding students as they discover their interests and find ways to weave their passions into their future aspirations. She finds immense joy in supporting them through the transformative journey from high school to college—a pivotal time of growth and self-discovery. Watching students begin to envision the possibilities that college offers and how it can shape the people they will become is one of the most rewarding aspects of her work.
Erica’s experience as a Harvard interviewer provided key insight into what top colleges seek in applicants and how students' profiles could align with future success and fit at the colleges they apply to. Additionally, her anthropological interviewing skills allow her to build meaningful connections with students, helping even those who struggle to express themselves open up and share their stories. She takes the time to understand what matters most to them while also addressing any concerns or obstacles that might hinder their progress. Erica genuinely values being a part of students’ journeys, working collaboratively to create tailored plans that ensure they achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Outside of coaching, Erica is a major foodie, and is always trying new recipes. She also loves visiting museums and cultural sites. Otherwise, you can find her in the gym training as a martial artist!
Admissions Counselor - Brown University
Gabriel has a BA in Economics and International Relations from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. At Brown, Gabriel was a leader within the Brown International Scholarship Committee, partnering with the Admissions Office in efforts to recruit international students and source funding for international student scholarships. In working with the Admissions Office, Gabriel provided application feedback to numerous prospective students from around the world and different socioeconomic backgrounds and helped them prepare for interviews. Gabriel is also an experienced alumni interviewer for Brown, interviewing a variety of prospective students from Latin America for admission. Beyond undergraduate admissions, Gabriel also possesses extensive experience in graduate admissions for top MBA programs. Through these experiences, Gabriel has worked with dozens of students and gained extensive training in application development and review and interview coaching.
As a college admissions consultant, Gabriel seeks to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of students' stories, strengths, and interests to design a compelling applicant persona and coach students to write structured, thoughtful, and authentic essays. Throughout the process, Gabriel works on building meaningful connections with students and their families to build trusting relationships.
Gabriel has also built nearly a decade of experience in strategic positioning, storytelling, and persuasive writing through his roles across finance, management consulting, and branding at companies like Goldman Sachs, LVMH, and Oliver Wyman.
Gabriel is based in New York and loves to exercise, play volleyball and cook in his free time. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
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Garry is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. He attended Stanford University for undergrad and earned a Master’s degree and a PhD from Harvard University. Before joining Duke, Garry served in multiple roles at Harvard University, including as the Director of Faculty and Student Initiatives for First-Year Students, Resident Dean, and Assistant Dean of Harvard College. He also served as an interviewer at Stanford University.
In his various roles at Harvard University, Garry worked closely with the admissions team, reviewing the applications of admitted students to identify the best ways to support them in their first year. Through this work, Garry gained deep insight into how colleges evaluate passion, purpose, and vision within the broader admissions context.
Garry is passionate about coaching students because he believes that the transition to college is one of the most formative moments in a person's life. While the journey through the application process can be riddled with emotions, those ups and downs do not need to be navigated in isolation. Garry considers it a joy to strategize with applicants to help them present the strongest version of themself to colleges and have fun while doing so. Students Garry has coached have been accepted to NYU and Princton, among other prestigious schools.
As a coach, Garry brings empathy, rigor, and strategy to every student interaction. He pushes students to reach the bar they codetermine together but does so with empathy and support. Garry particularly enjoys mentoring students through personal statement writing and essay writing, guiding them to uncover and articulate their passions and purpose with clarity and impact. Above all, he wants families to know that he is here for them to make the college admissions process as affirming and smooth as possible while ensuring that applicants create the highest-quality applications possible.
In his spare time, Garry loves to read and watch his dogs chase each other.
Garry’s Pro Tip?
The goal of the application process is to understand what drives a student, their motivations and aspirations, and how those align not only with the university’s mission but also with the character of the incoming class. Ensure your application clearly communicates what inspires you, why it matters, and how your perspective will contribute to the campus community.
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Ifeanyi holds a Doctor of Education from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. With over 14 years of experience mentoring students from elementary school through college, he has helped hundreds of applicants gain admission to top institutions including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Princeton, UPenn, UChicago, Northwestern, USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and more.
In his role as a college readiness specialist, Ifeanyi has consulted with principals, teachers, and school counselors to design systems that support student success. His work centers on helping students from all backgrounds access and excel in higher education, with a focus on building structures that not only prepare them for college entry but also support them through degree completion. His curriculum development and educator training tools have impacted thousands of students.
Ifeanyi believes that every college applicant brings unique dreams, values, and passions to the table. He thrives on helping students articulate their goals and discover what truly drives them. As a coach, Ifeanyi leads with empathy and understanding, prioritizing open and honest dialogue so students feel comfortable showing up as their full, authentic selves. He is supportive of students' visions for themselves and excels at transforming student goals into concrete action plans that help them stay on track.
Ifeanyi is passionate about watching students grow in confidence throughout the application process and is committed to helping them find colleges that will maximize their potential. Whether it’s building a strategy or crafting a compelling narrative, he ensures each student puts their best foot forward with purpose and clarity. He is eager to work with Quad Education students and celebrate their achievements.
Outside of coaching, Ifeanyi enjoys nature, spending time at the beach, playing basketball, hiking, and following his favorite football and basketball teams.
James has a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, a Master’s from Northwestern University, and a PhD from Columbia University. While studying at Cornell, James worked with the Undergraduate Admissions Office while mentoring and counseling over 70 students applying for selective high schools and college programs through to the PhD level. Since then, he has mentored undergraduate students at Columbia and within his research lab, helping them apply to their postgraduate programs.
James is passionate about coaching students as he enjoys witnessing tremendous intellectual growth in students while helping them achieve their goals. It is particularly important for him to cultivate relationships with students so they feel welcome to come to him with any question or idea. James has found that one-on-one conversations with students have tremendously beneficial “ripple effects” in all parts of the learning process.
James' greatest strengths as a coach include working with students on high-level activities such as brainstorming and getting "in the weeds" with them when helping them craft stand-out essays. He firmly believes in providing students with copious amounts of detailed feedback and excels at helping them realize that they can hone in on their unique toolkits to actualize their goals.
As an educator and mentor, James strives to bring about enthusiasm for learning to help students see that they are capable of more than they have imagined. He feels that it is essential to cultivate meaningful relationships with students and aims to provide students with a safe space to share their ideas, encouraging open discourse and positively affirming their capabilities.
When James isn’t coaching Quad applicants, he works as a Behavioral Scientist at a Fortune 500 company in the healthcare sector. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Psychology for a private university in Chicago, IL.
James holds a BA from the University of San Diego and dual MAs from Stanford University. With 20+ years of experience in education, he has worked as an admissions recruiter for St. Clare’s International College in Oxford, England, where he recruited and supported American students interested in study abroad programs. He has also served on two independent admissions committees, giving him deep insight into the selective admissions process. Beyond his career in education, James is also a seasoned professional writer and writing coach with over 18 years of experience.
With years of experience as a teacher and advisor, James understands both the challenges and rewards of the college admissions process. He is passionate about guiding students to recognize, develop, and showcase their unique strengths and interests, helping them find colleges where they can truly thrive. College and graduate school were transformative experiences for James, and he is dedicated to unlocking similar potential for others. Students he has worked with have gained admission to prestigious schools, including Princeton, Yale, Cornell, Boston College, Vanderbilt, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and New York University, among others.
As a coach, James is patient, empathetic, and highly attuned to each student’s unique needs, interests, and challenges. His experience working with diverse students has given him a nuanced understanding of how to support both personal and academic growth. With his strong writing skills, James expertly guides students in refining their own voices, helping them represent themselves authentically and effectively throughout the application process. As a critical and creative thinker, he combines both aptitudes to assist students in crafting compelling narratives.
James is also deeply committed to staying informed on each school’s mission, values, and enrollment goals, enhancing his ability to guide students toward colleges that align with their aspirations. This commitment has given him a profound appreciation for the diversity of student experiences and its essential role in building a well-rounded student body.
In his free time, James enjoys a wide range of creative and outdoor activities. He’s passionate about writing, playing guitar, recording and listening to music, reading, hiking, traveling, and exploring film, museums, and art galleries. He is also a cook, lover of good food, avid swimmer—both in pools and open water—surfer, cyclist, and sports enthusiast. Additionally, he volunteers with various non-profits in his community.
James’ Pro Tip?
There's often a noticeable difference between how students present themselves in their written applications versus in-person interviews. Helping students convey their authentic selves in both formats is key. A genuine, well-crafted letter of recommendation can also make a strong impact, offering admissions committees a deeper glimpse into a student's unique strengths and character.
Jacqueline graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Arts and an M.S. Subsequently, she graduated with her second Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Columbia University.
With extensive experience in higher education, Jacqueline has helped her students get into top universities such as Cornell University, Brown University, New York University, Pennsylvania State University, Boston College, and many more.
Jacqueline is passionate about helping each of her students get into their perfect college. As someone who cherishes her time as a college student, she finds that being able to utilize her skills to help students find the right post-secondary paths highly rewarding. While pursuing a degree should be challenging and enjoyable, the process will look different for every student. Jacqueline believes that at the right school, students will experience a substantial amount of growth, not only in their academics but as individuals.
Jacqueline loves helping her students showcase their voices. She excels in finding her students’ strengths and differentiators, adding value and authenticity to their personal statements, resumes, and overall applications. She is a great listener and is passionate about helping each of her students through every step of the application process. Jacqueline is exceptionally detail-oriented and understands how the application process can sometimes feel overwhelming. She has helped her Quad students and their families develop management strategies throughout the college application process to help them more easily take on the challenges that come along.
When Jacqueline is not coaching, she loves to spend time with her family, friends, and dogs. She also loves playing soccer, running, biking, yoga, and travelling.
Jennifer has a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and over 20 years of experience in higher education admissions. Most recently, Jennifer has served as the Director of College Counseling at Springdale Preparatory School. Previously, she has also served on admissions committees at Harvard University and Washington University in St. Louis.
In these roles, Jennifer was responsible for recruitment, making scholarship decisions, student credential evaluation, transfer credit evaluation, and interviewing applicants. This extensive experience gives Jennifer a unique, holistic understanding of selective undergraduate programs. She enjoys encouraging college applicants to maintain a big-picture view of their professional and personal goals and helping them understand the factors that will contribute to a deep engagement with the institution.
Jennifer’s greatest strengths as a coach include helping students articulate their strengths and unique attributes in their college essays, presenting a range of academic programs for consideration, and strategic planning stretching beyond the college experience,
When Jennifer isn’t coaching, she enjoys playing the harp, gardening, and hiking with her beagles. She also loves baking with her twin daughters, traveling, and watching sunrises over the Atlantic and sunsets over Lake Michigan.
David graduated with summa cum laude honors from the College of the Ozarks, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. He has been actively involved in the education realm since 1999; he began tutoring in 2005 and successfully owned and operated his tutoring business, HELP Tutoring, from 2009 to 2020. He has tutored approximately 500 students over the last couple of decades. David’s enduring commitment to tutoring stems from his joy in witnessing students succeed and the realization that tutoring is a powerful avenue to facilitate that success. David specializes in tutoring at all levels of math, up to Calculus 1 and SAT and ACT prep.
Motivated by a passion for inspiring students and helping them unlock their potential, he strongly believes that having a caring mentor invested in students' success yields benefits beyond the academic realm. As a tutor, David actively engages in his students' educational journeys. His genuine care for their success is evident from the start, as he assists them in charting a clear path to achievement. Employing a direct and uncomplicated tutoring style, David effectively identifies what truly contributes to student success and what doesn't. He identifies the root of students' challenges and fills in any learning gaps. Beyond immediate academic concerns, he emphasizes the broader perspective, aiding students in recognizing the significance of their education—whether it be meeting graduation requirements or acing standardized tests.
David ensures students grasp the real-world applications of these concepts and the enduring advantages of mastering them for long-term success.David excels at customizing his tutoring approach to suit the age and specific needs of his students. He has discovered that maintaining a blend of casual yet professional interaction is most effective, particularly when working with teenagers.When he’s not tutoring, David enjoys spending time with his wife and six kids. He also enjoys playing Madden football and has been DJing at various gigs for the past eight years.
Randee holds a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany and Master’s degrees from Long Island University and the College of New Rochelle. With over 20 years of experience as a professionally trained SAT and ACT tutor, she has guided 250+ students to excel in their standardized tests.
Randee’s extensive background gives her a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs involved in the SAT/ACT prep process. Her passion for mentoring students and helping families navigate the journey shines through in her approachable and upbeat tutoring style. She knows that the path to success starts with building confidence and breaking down seemingly larger tasks into manageable steps. Randee aims to make learning engaging and stress-free by infusing enthusiasm and encouragement into her sessions. This tutoring style ensures students approach these high-stakes exams with calm determination.
As a tutor, Randee excels at meeting students where they are. Whether they are just beginning their test prep journey or aiming to refine their skills to achieve a top score, she customizes her approach based on each student’s unique needs and skill levels. Fluent in all sections and question types of the SAT and ACT, her sessions focus on delivering clever strategies, practical techniques, and test-specific tips to build students' confidence, knowledge, and preparedness to excel on test day. Her lifelong learning mindset also ensures she stays ahead of the curve on test prep strategies, making her an invaluable resource for students aiming to reach their full potential.
Aside from helping students achieve their SAT and ACT goals, Randee loves spending quality time with family and friends, attending her kids’ sporting events, solving puzzles, traveling, soaking up the sun at the beach whenever possible, and enjoying Broadway shows. Her well-rounded interests and personable nature, combined with her love for learning, problem-solving, and making a difference, make her a relatable and inspiring coach for students and families alike.
Michael graduated summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. He owes much of his success as a tutor to his time at UMichigan and his rigorous course load. After achieving a 99th percentile score of 1530 on the SAT, Michael launched his tutoring career, guiding students nationwide to excel on both the SAT and ACT—he has over three years of tutoring experience.
Michael strongly believes that succeeding on the SAT and ACT is more than just studying content—it's learning how to think, especially on exams where the same concept could be tested hundreds of different ways.
As a coach, Micael excels at adapting his approach to their learning style. He is friendly, patient, and genuinely wants to see each student succeed. He ensures he is readily accessible and goes above and beyond to support students in achieving their academic goals.
In his free time, Michael enjoys cooking, playing tennis, and cross-country skiing. He is also an avid traveler and has visited Portugal three times.
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Alice holds a Bachelor's degree from UCLA and a Master's from The University of Chicago. With over seven years of tutoring experience, she has honed her skills in test preparation, specializing in the SAT and ACT.
Alice is a dedicated educator passionate about guiding students toward academic success. Having worked in various tutoring agencies since completing her undergraduate studies, she has developed a unique approach to instruction. Alice excels in connecting with students, whether in a classroom setting, small group, or one-on-one, both in-person and virtually. Her strength is breaking down complex problems into manageable steps, making even the most overwhelming tasks approachable.
Her goal extends beyond preparing students for tests; she strives to instill a deep understanding of the subject matter, ensuring students can apply these concepts beyond the classroom. With a motto of meeting students where they are, Alice is committed to guiding them through their academic journey, helping them achieve their desired test scores and beyond.
Outside of tutoring, if Alice isn't reading a book in one of the many cafes in the Chicagoland area, she is exploring the rich food and music scene Chicago has to offer. She likes to attend intimate shows and eat good food with good company!
University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor's
Matthew is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is an accomplished academic tutor and college admissions consultant with a wealth of experience and a passion for helping students succeed. Matthew has achieved a perfect score on the ACT and SAT subject tests and specializes in the mathematics and science sections. He also serves as a tutor and teaching assistant in various STEM subjects, including data structures and algorithms, machine learning, linear algebra, and calculus.
Matthew’s achievements include qualifying for the American Invitational Math Exam (AIME) four times during high school. He also served as a teaching assistant for Olympiad math courses at a renowned summer camp and has a deep passion for teaching higher-level mathematics.
One of Matthew's most notable accolades is his recognition as a U.S. Presidential Scholar by the Department of Education, one of the highest honors awarded to only 161 high schoolers nationwide.
Outside of academics, Matthew currently works in quantitative trading. He can offer valuable insights and guidance to students interested in pursuing careers in quantitative finance and software engineering.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Matthew has lived in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Australia, where he bartended, surfed, and coached tennis. He's passionate about finding personal development through traveling, and he’s also a creative enthusiast in electronic music production.
Duke University - Bachelor's
Saumya graduated from Duke University, where she received the AB Duke scholarship. She has over a decade of tutoring experience, mostly focused on the ACT and SAT. Saumya taught her first math class when she was 14 years old and has been tutoring ever since. Professionally, Saumya works at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine as a clinical researcher in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. She leads several initiatives to improve reproductive health equity, and in her free time, she is an adolescent health educator. Her passion for education and access to education drives everything she does.
Saumya started tutoring the SAT/ACT shortly after taking the tests herself in high school. While preparing for the exams, she learned tips and tricks that helped her "crack" the exams and wanted to pass this information on to others. Saumya believes there is a clear difference between understanding the content tested on the SAT/ACT and how to take the exam. Instead of just teaching "exam hacks," Saumya loves helping students understand the "why" behind the solution and then employing exam hacks to help them solve problems more quickly.
Saumya loves teaching and seeing students reach their "breakthrough" moment. She is excited to get to know Quad students and help them through this process!
Outside of professional pursuits, Saumya loves spending time with her dog, Mallard. Mallard is a 10-year-old rescue and has always had the name Mallard, but Saumya thinks he was named because of his duck noises. Mallard will sometimes say hi through Saumya's computer screen! Saumya also loves trying new coffee recipes, playing guitar, and singing.
Tersoo is pursuing a Bachelor’s from Princeton University, where he excels and consistently holds a 3.9+ GPA. He is deeply passionate about education and learning in his personal and professional life, having undergone training as a tutor at Princeton's Learning Center. He broke the 1500+ threshold on his first and only SAT attempt, so he’s no stranger to a rigorous, skill-based approach to preparing for this exam.
Tersoo has a rich understanding of learning psychology which he constantly leverages in his pursuit of studying Computer Architecture and Quantum Engineering. Above all, Tersoo takes the utmost pride in his work as an SAT tutor as he seeks to enrich his clients with knowledge on tackling the SAT conceptually and time-efficiently.
While Tersoo is deeply academic, aspiring to attain a PhD in Computer Architecture, he also holds many creative interests, notably in fashion, graphic design, music, and photography. Whenever he is back home in Calgary, one of his favorite activities is finding vintage clothing at his local Goodwill with friends. He also prides himself in physical health as an avid weightlifter and recreational athlete.
When Tersoo isn’t studying, drafting new pieces for his up-and-coming clothing brand, or listening to music, you'll find him attempting a new squat PR or playing pick-up soccer with grad students.
Emory University - Bachelor's
Gabriella holds a Bachelor’s degree from Emory University. She is an expert in SAT and ACT test prep and is experienced in tutoring students one-on-one and teaching SAT workshops.
Gabriella’s passion for tutoring grew while working part-time in elementary school classrooms as an undergraduate. Since then, she has been committed to supporting students in their academic growth and helping them achieve their goals.
Gabriella approaches test prep by targeting students’ weakest subject areas and arming them with the necessary strategies to improve their comprehension and pacing on the test. As a positive and patient tutor, she builds on students’ foundational knowledge while also building their confidence. Her goal is to convert her students into empowered test takers by providing them with all the tools and support they need to succeed. Gabriella’s methods have produced positive results and feedback from students with increased scores and confidence.
In her spare time, Gabriella enjoys reading, writing, singing, and spending quality time with friends.
A biomedical engineer by training, Zach developed a passion for global health and emergency medicine after becoming licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) through the United States NREMT. He has since worked with emergency medical response teams in Missouri, Arizona, and California, and earned certifications in FEMA Incident Command and Management Systems (IS-100/200/700) as well as EMS instruction through the National Association of EMS Educators. In 2018, Zach co-founded the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization LFR International, with the goal of alleviating the global burden of traumatic injury in low- and middle-income countries.
Since 2012, he has had experience with executive structuring and nonprofit management through Play it Forward , a 501(c)(3) organization, as a member of the Youth Advisory Board. He has developed several biomedical devices including a low-cost prosthetic, and a univentricular assist pump, as well as conducted metabolomics research at the UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience.
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Master's: Washington University in St. Louis
Undergrad: Peking University
Full-time GRE tutor
I've memorized all the elements in Periodic Table in order before going to high school, and can reconstruct the periodic table in 2 minutes 16 seconds on paper and 3 minutes and 16 seconds on the whiteboard.
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School
Undergrad: Amherst College
4th Year Medical Student at University of Michigan Medical School
I played cello on radio as part of an interview with WEMU about the University of Michigan Life Sciences Orchestra.
Whit is a 2020 graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was involved in student government, joined the Path of Excellence in Medical Ethics, and was Editor-in-Chief of the Michigan Journal of Medicine, among other activities.
Prior to medical school, he studied at Amherst College, earning a BA with Distinction while double-majoring in Mathematics and Economics. He conducted research at the University of Michigan's Michigan Cardiovascular Outcomes Research and Reporting Program (MCORRP), played in the Amherst Symphony Orchestra, and qualified for the NAQT National Tournament with Amherst College Quizbowl.
While in medical school, Whit decided to pursue a career in healthcare policy, electing not to continue to residency. While this puts him in a small minority of MDs without further clinical training, his nontraditional path affords a unique perspective on the key decisions facing students who may not know exactly what they want as they head into the medical school applications process.
Whit enjoys board gaming, crossword puzzles, and cooking.
Medical School: UCSF
Undergrad: Harvard College
MD Candidate at UCSF
I learned how to cut my own hair several years ago, and I also help cut other people's hair occasionally! A minor dream of mine is to run an informal barbershop for my colleagues when I work in a hospital/clinic.
Maxwell is currently working as a medical assistant in Massachusetts during his gap year while applying to MD programs. Maxwell studied Computational Neuroscience with a minor in Ethnicity, Migration, Rights at Harvard for undergrad. His teaching experience started in high school as a teaching assistant and tutor for chemistry, biology, and math courses. In college, he was a course assistant for an advanced integrated science class and a tutor/afterschool counselor for children in Boston's Chinatown. Maxwell has over a year of MCAT teaching experience, both working with students 1-on-1 and co-teaching larger classes.
He's excited to make the MCAT at least a little more fun and engaging by thinking about conceptual connections and real-world applications! Maxwell's also happy to answer any questions about applying to medical school as a first-generation college and medical student.
Medical School: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D School of Medicine
Undergrad: Grand Valley State University
MD Candidate at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D School of Medicine
I am serving as a Christian missionary in Spain this Spring. I am fluent in Spanish, and love hiking, running, craft coffee, and studying theology.
In December of 2021, Kayla graduated with distinction from The Fredrick Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University, with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with an emphasis in Microbiology and a minor in Spanish. While there, she was accepted as a junior at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D School of Medicine, through the early acceptance partnership (EAP) track. She was the only student in her cohort to be accepted to the EAP class of 2026.
Kayla earned the Grand Valley Award for Excellence and The Presidential Scholarship, which covered the full cost of attendance. She was nominated for the I Am Grand Valley Award, which highlights students’ commitment to leadership and on-campus initiative, three years in a row. In addition, she was selected by the faculty of the Department of Biomedical Science as a graduate of distinction - an honor attributed to less than 2% of the graduating class.
During her time as a student, Kayla served as the president of the Ethics Bowl Team, and was proud to represent her university at national competition twice. She was actively involved in undergraduate research, and completed her honors thesis on role of carbonate in mediating yeast to hyphae conversion in the pathogenic fungus, Candida albicans. She then went on to conduct immunology research at The University of Iowa.
Kayla has been a tutor for over 6 years, and is passionate about crafting personalize success plans for her students. After taking the MCAT in September, 2020, she went to develop a six-week study program, which she taught online during the height of the COVID19 pandemic. She also offered numerous one night CARS crash course sessions, in addition to tutoring college biology, microbiology and genetics. She was the top tutor at The Grand Valley Tutoring Center in 2021, having conducted over 250 sessions in one semester. She has served a diverse range of students, including veterans, adult-learners, and those with disabilities.
Once in medical school, Kayla plans to pursue an academic distinction in global medicine and public health, as well as continue research in infectious disease and immunology.
Medical School: Perelman School of Medicine at UPenn
Undergrad: Columbia University
MD Candidate at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
I am an avid baker and love trying out new restaurants/dessert spots! I am a classical pianist and amateur biker!
Katherine graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in 2020. She is currently in her first year at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Katherine was inducted in the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi, and received the Robert Edward Reiss Award in Chemical Engineering for outstanding promise in biochemical engineering.
In college, Katherine conducted clinical research at the Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center and the New York Presbyterian Neurological Intensive Care Unit. Katherine was a teaching assistant for chemistry lab and lead a clinical research program at the Mt. Sinai hospital system. She also served as president for her Greek organization and was a pianist in a classical chamber ensemble.
In medical school, Katherine has already joined clinical research projects, community clinics, and interest groups. She is interested in pursuing a career in a surgical subspecialty. Katherine is actively involved in the admissions process as an interviewer and has spent much of her time mentoring others applying to medical school. Over the years through tutoring, teaching and mentoring, Katherine has been passionate about helping others. Having just recently gone through the medical school admissions process herself, she is dedicated to helping others navigate applying, and she is very excited to work with students.
Medical school - UT Southwestern Medical Center
Undergrad - University of Kansas
Grad student at University of Pennsylvania
I was the ranked as the fourth-best pole vaulter in the state of Kansas when I was a senior in high school.
Joseph grew up in a small town in Kansas, where he was the only student from his graduating class of ~70 to “make the leap” to a legitimate, 4-year university.
Fast forward four years: Joseph graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Neurobiology, addended with an awkwardly long list of honors. For instance, in his junior and senior years, he received the annual award recognizing the biology department’s top student, per faculty consensus. In addition, he was also honored with more than a handful of semi-redundant accolades for “excellence in biomedical research”. Outside of the biology department, Joseph was named as 1 of 20 University Scholars in my graduating class of >5,000 students. Concurrently, he worked jobs as a teaching assistant in biochemistry and physiology courses, and played an integral role in establishing a pre-med advisor faculty position within the university’s honors program. Joseph also published a first-author study elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying a phenomenon of paradoxically prolonged vasoconstriction largely responsible for downstream infarctions secondary to vascular insult.
Three months after graduating from KU, he began medical school at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. This is where Joseph felt he really refined a lot of the studying and test-taking strategies he expects to explore en route to masterminding an individualized game plan with every nuance uniquely dedicated to identifying and exploiting the challenges (aka, opportunities) wedged between you and your full potential- which, in his experience, frequently exceeds students’ initial goals.
He has also been an MCAT tutor for three years; helping over hundreds of students crush the overly lengthy exam and, ultimately, get into medical school. All these years of MCAT tutoring have uniquely positioned him to guide future physicians along what is ubiquitously regarded as the most treacherous segment on the truly lifelong journey of medical education.
Undergrad: University of Alabama
Master's: University of Alabama
Research Specialist at Medical University of South Carolina
When I am not working, I am working on my antique truck, cycling, cooking, or watching Alabama football!
Harrison graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA from the University of Alabama in the spring of 2021. During his four years in college, Harrison completed his undergraduate degree while simultaneously enrolled in an accelerated master's program, enabling him to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Master of Science in Biology in the same four-year stint.
Additionally, Harrison was awarded the University of Alabama’s Presidential Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship; the Grantland and Louise Scholarship for outstanding performance as a microbiology student; and full funding for his graduate research project. Throughout his time in college, Harrison was both involved in and led a variety of integrative research projects that investigated topics such as deforestation and the neuroendocrine stress response, sex change in hermaphroditic fish, and the interplay of disease and microbiome assemblage.
His participation in these projects earned him first, second, and third authorship in prep on three different publications. Outside of the classroom and laboratory, Harrison co-founded an organ donation awareness club, obtained an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license while enrolled in classes, and tutored local students ages K-12. Over the course of his preparation for the MCAT, Harrison focused on collecting a variety of high-value, low-cost resources and crafted a study plan that was unique to his needs.
After achieving his goal score in the 97th percentile on the MCAT, he decided to pursue tutoring as a professional endeavor. Harrison’s tutoring system centers around open communication with his students that allows them to work together to diagnose problems, curate detailed MCAT preparation plans, and compile pointed content review. He looks forward to working with you, side-by-side, as you achieve your goal score and gain admission into your dream medical school!
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Undergrad: Northwestern University
3rd Year Medical Student at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Cinical Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts General Hospital
I once lost my wallet on a trip to DC and had to beg 3 TSA agents to let me on the flight back home with no ID.
Akhil was raised in the Greater Chicago and Philadelphia areas. Beginning in high school, he worked as a tutor for Kumon Learning Center, performed hepatocellular carcinoma research at the Baruch Blumberg Institute, and became certified as an EMT. He then attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and graduated with a degree in Economics and Biological Sciences with a Concentration in Neurobiology as well as a Certificate in Leadership. During his time at Northwestern, he participated in peer-tutoring, basic science research, and was the President of the largest cultural organization on campus. In addition, he was an active member of the dance community, serving as the captain for the University’s bhangra dance team. During his senior year, he worked as a Business Analyst for ExplORer Surgical, a surgical startup in Chicago that solidified his passion for pursuing orthopaedics in the future. Following graduation, he matriculated to the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and obtained his MBA at the Fox School of Business at Temple University.
In medical school, he continued to teach, mentor, and advise undergraduate students. He currently serves as a USMLE Step 1 tutor for Inspira Advantage. He conducted interviews for prospective undergraduate applicants and served as an advisor for prospective medical school applicants. Throughout medical school, he pursued orthopaedic surgery research at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute and Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, and was able to publish his research and abstracts. He has over 20 abstract presentations and publications, many of them as first author. He received a 257 (~95th percentile) on USMLE Step 1 and is currently on his clinical rotations.
Altogether, he has been teaching a wide range of subjects for more than 10 years and has tutored for several board exams including the SAT, MCAT, and USMLE Step 1. He has a strong commitment to education and mentorship and believes that hard work, passion, and a willingness to ask for help are the keys to reaching one’s goals. He understands the complexities of the medical school admission process, and wishes to work closely with his students to form an individualized plan and provide personalized attention and guidance.
He is currently a third-year medical student and is interested in pursuing a residency in orthopaedic surgery. He recently completed a prestigious orthopaedic research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, trying out new recipes, rooting for the Sixers and Bears, and discovering new coffeeshops in Philadelphia. BEAR DOWN!
UCLA - Bachelor’s
Georgetown University - Master’s
Claudia holds a Bachelor’s from UCLA and a Master’s from Georgetown University. She has been a professional SAT/ACT tutor for almost 10 years. Students she has tutored have gone on to attend several top-tier universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Georgetown, Princeton, Columbia, and Yale.
Professionally, Claudia is a Clinical Research Consultant for the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In this role, she embarks on various projects with her team so that up-and-coming medications and scientific devices can enter the market. Despite having a fulfilling career in research, Claudia dedicates time to education because she wants to nurture academic interests in young students.
In college, Claudia discovered her love for traveling. She studied abroad in England for two months and then backpacked through various European countries for a month. She also volunteered in Guatemala to provide medical care for the local community, where she discovered that she would like to pursue healthcare as a career.
As a tutor, Claudia is personable and friendly. She prioritizes establishing a relationship with her students and believes a good relationship between the tutor, student, and parent/guardian is necessary for trust and effective communication. She understands that each individual is unique, so she adjusts her teaching methods to accommodate each student.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Claudia spends most of her time exploring the outdoors, discovering great restaurants, practicing yoga, playing the piano/guitar/saxophone, reading fiction novels, or watching anime. She is always looking for new anime to watch, so if you have recommendations, let her know!
Harvard University - Master’s
With a Master's degree from Harvard University, Eric is a supportive and effective tutor focused on helping students achieve their academic goals. He has over seven years of tutoring experience, working with students from diverse backgrounds, educational goals, and personalities.
Specializing in ACT studies, Eric has traveled the USA giving full-day lectures to schools of students on how to ace the ACT. He has studied psychology (including test construction/test making) and is ready to give students specific help on individual questions and test-taking tips that make taking the ACT much easier. So whether students aim for mastery, just enough for their dream school, or just a little advice, Eric is always happy to meet and work with students to achieve their goals.
When Eric isn't tutoring, he studies for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and plays board games. He loves board games, probably too much. Okay, too much (says his wife). Oh, and he makes a mean cheesecake.
Vanderbilt University - Master's
Isaac is pursuing a Master's degree from Vanderbilt University. He has over three years of tutoring experience in STEM and the humanities, specializing in the ACT and SAT.
As a lifelong learner and storyteller, Isaac has spent the past decade working in many educational roles, including at nature centers, community non-profits, and in the classroom. He has also worked in mental and behavioral healthcare, offering services at a dual-diagnosis treatment facility, neurofeedback clinic, behavior analysis center, and jail.
His clinical and educational training supplements his academic abilities: his tutoring approach is a unique blend of clinical techniques and interpersonal skills combined with knowledge and expertise. Isaac’s philosophy is recognizing the whole person, not just a student. Isaac understands that each student has their own motivations, personality, strengths, and weaknesses. Recognizing these perspectives, building a collaborative approach attuned to each student’s style, and capitalizing on their motivations are the keys to success.
Furthermore, Isaac’s perspective extends to standardized testing. The ACT and SAT are knowledge tests, and he encourages students to think about how these tests are designed since it’s just as valuable as knowing the material. Being a storyteller trained in many roles has enabled Isaac to hone this skill, so he can connect to others and help them understand and tap into the proper mindsets to excel on these tests. He aims to empower students to achieve their academic (and other) aspirations!
A fun fact about Isaac is that he hates chocolate! But he loves roller skating, murder mysteries, and puns! One of his favorites? Do you know what you call an upset exam? A: Test-y.
UC Irvine- Master's
Andy has a Master’s degree from UC Irvine and has over a decade of experience in SAT, ACT, and GRE tutoring. Andy loves to see learners push themselves out of their comfort zones and gain the confidence to reach their goals. In working with students of all backgrounds and abilities, from first-generation students to children of Ivy League alumni, their favorite tutoring moments are when candidates spot patterns in tests and therefore realize they have the skills to ace the ACT or SAT. This is why Andy focuses on strategy first, personalizing each learning plan to the candidate's unique strengths and goals.
Andy is passionate about helping students understand different ways to approach a problem or understand a concept - there's never one right way because everyone learns differently. They are skilled at helping students spot the differences between what they learned in classes at school and what to pay attention to on a standardized test. Andy also likes creating graphic organizers and other tools to help applicants stay organized and break the work down visually. Nothing makes them happier than congratulating a graduating senior – especially one who was nervous at the beginning of the school year – and seeing the excitement in their eyes when they talk about what's ahead of them.
Andy's greatest strengths as a tutor include empathizing with students, respecting their learning styles, and developing customized tools and strategies to help applicants stay organized and focused. Andy has helped students gain acceptance to several prestigious schools, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, NYU, and Northwestern University.
Outside of their work, Andy enjoys walking around Los Angeles, learning about local history, reading, and watching horror movies.
