Private Columbia Admissions Counseling

Alvin earned his BA from Binghamton University and an MA from Columbia University. He has extensive admissions experience, having served as an Assistant Director of Admissions at Columbia University and Tufts University, and Associate Director of Integrated Graduate Student Services at Georgia State University. He also served as an application reader and reviewer for the London School of Economics and Political Science. 

In addition to multiple years of admissions committee experience, Alvin has also worked as the Director of College Counseling at Student Leadership Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people in underserved communities gain access to higher education. During his time serving as Director of Admissions at Columbia and Tufts, Alvin oversaw the entire admissions process. This included developing and executing recruitment strategies, leading admissions teams, evaluating applications holistically, making admissions and scholarship decisions, collaborating with faculty and financial aid departments, and ensuring a seamless transition for admitted students. He also represented these institutions at events aimed at attracting high-caliber candidates.

Alvin finds it deeply rewarding to guide high school students in achieving their educational goals and shaping their college experiences. Knowing he has played a key role in their success is especially meaningful to him. Alvin is dedicated to providing students and families with personalized college counseling, empowering them to navigate the application process with clarity and confidence. Students he has worked with have been admitted to top-tier schools, including MIT, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Duke,  Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Princeton, Rice, UPenn, and UC schools, among others.

As a coach, Alvin excels in tailoring strategies to each student’s unique strengths and goals, leveraging his admissions expertise and outstanding communication skills. He fosters confidence  and empowerment, ensuring students and families feel supported every step of the way in an inclusive and encouraging environment. By actively engaging with applicants, Alvin has learned to appreciate the diverse perspectives they bring and how their experiences can enrich campus culture. 

In his free time, Alvin enjoys exploring new cultures through travel, staying active with hiking and workouts, relaxing with a good book, and cherishing quality time with loved ones.

Alvin’s Pro Tip?

Taking a holistic approach to your applications is crucial. It’s about going beyond the numbers to showcase your unique qualities and potential contributions to the school’s community.

Yashvi earned her BA from Cornell University, followed by an MBA from Columbia Business School.  She has experience providing college application support through Minds Matter, a not-for-profit organization offering support to driven, low-income students. Currently, she is a Senior Business Operations & Strategy Manager at Integral Ad Science. She also serves as an alumni interviewer at Cornell University and Columbia Business School. 

During her time at Cornell, Yashvi interned at notable companies, including Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, and Goldman & Sachs. She was also a member of the Sphinx Head Senior Honor Society, Co-Chair of the Student Activities Funding Commission, and Vice President of Internal Affairs for the Cornell Undergraduate Asia Business Society. At Columbia, Yashvi was a Business Analytics Executive Education Course Leader, as well as a member of the Silfen Leadership Series Student Board, Student Leadership & Ethics Board, and Hermes Society.

Yashvi’s passion for coaching college applicants stems from her own academic journey and the impact that mentorship had on her. As a first-generation student from Singapore, she understands firsthand how transformative education can be and how complex the application process can feel—especially when navigating it without a roadmap. The experience of getting into her top-choice schools reinforced how much strategy, storytelling, and self-awareness matter in crafting a compelling application. Her work with Minds Matter has also been particularly meaningful—supporting high-achieving, low-income students through the application journey has shown her how guidance and access to the right resources can change someone’s trajectory.

What excites Yashvi most is helping applicants tell their story authentically—not just listing achievements, but crafting a narrative that reflects their values, ambitions, and unique experiences. The college process can feel daunting, but Yashvi believes having the right coach can make all the difference. She loves being that guide, ensuring that students not only put their best foot forward, but also gain clarity on their own strengths and potential along the way.

As an experienced advertising technology professional, Yashvi brings a strategic, data-driven mindset to the coaching process—helping candidates position themselves effectively based on their unique strengths and experiences. She also deeply understands the importance of storytelling in applications, especially for those who may not be natural test-takers. She knows how to leverage strong essays to showcase student potential, ultimately securing admission to top-choice schools. This allows her to guide applicants in balancing their applications strategically so that their story, leadership, and unique perspectives shine through. Additionally, she understands the importance of timelines and ensures students stay on track throughout the process.

In her spare time, Yashvi enjoys exploring NYC, traveling, staying active through fitness and yoga, and reading books.

Yashvi’s Pro Tip?

Admissions are more holistic than people think. Many applicants believe they need a perfect GPA, test scores, or a long list of achievements to get in, but what truly differentiates candidates is a clear, authentic narrative. The most compelling applications aren’t just a collection of accomplishments—they tell a cohesive story about who the applicant is, what they care about, and how they would contribute to the school community. Admissions committees don’t just select the “best” candidates, but the right candidates for that particular program. Strong applicants should understand what makes a school unique and clearly explain why they are a good fit, beyond ranking or reputation.

Carmen earned a BA from the University at Albany and an MA from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She brings over 25 years of mentoring and leadership experience, including more than 10 years as Director of College and Career Counseling at Student Leadership Network, where she guided thousands of students and their families through the college admissions process. Carmen has worked closely with the Columbia University admissions office and served on admissions advisory boards for the State University of New York, gaining valuable insight into what selective schools look for in applicants.

Throughout her career, Carmen led a global diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) program that focused on talent and executive acquisition and building diverse teams for Fortune 100 clients. These accomplishments underscore her commitment to empowering young people and fostering equity and inclusion.

Carmen has also been a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) and the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC), has presented at conferences, and has partnered with hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide. In her role on these admissions boards, she reviewed applications, advised on selection criteria for both private and public institutions, and helped shape programs that support student success. 

Over the years, Carmen has helped students gain admission to NYU, Columbia, UPenn, Brown, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Princeton, Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Georgetown, and many other leading universities. Students she has worked with have earned over $33 million in scholarships and financial aid, including prestigious awards like the Gates Millennium and Posse Scholarships.

As a first-generation college student who earned an Ivy League degree, Carmen approaches mentoring with personal and professional purpose. She deeply understands the hopes, challenges, and opportunities that come with this transformative time in a young person’s life and is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, tell their authentic stories, and achieve their dreams.

Carmen strongly believes every student has a unique story to tell. She is dedicated to helping applicants clarify their goals, build confidence, and present their best selves with assurance. It brings her joy to guide students and their families through what can be an exciting and overwhelming journey, providing peace of mind and practical support every step of the way.

As a coach, Carmen excels at building genuine connections and creating personalized strategies for success. She has a clear and supportive communication style and is known for helping students stay organized, motivated, and focused while balancing ambition with well-being. Above all, Carmen’s goal is to provide every student with personalized guidance, encouragement, and clarity so they can navigate this important chapter with confidence and calm.

Outside of her professional life, Carmen enjoys spending time with her faith community, family, and friends. She loves hiking, yoga, Tae Bo, and meditation. She is also a faith-based coach and author of self-help books focused on personal growth and purpose.

Carmen’s Pro Tip?

Admissions committees look beyond grades and test scores—they seek authenticity, resilience, and fit. Students must highlight the qualities and experiences that truly set them apart.