Personalized Cornell Admissions Counseling

John has a Master’s from Columbia University and nearly a decade of experience in admissions. He currently serves as the Director of Admissions at the NYU Stern School of Business and previously served as the Associate Director of Admissions at the Columbia School of Social Work and as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism. John has cultivated a reputation as a professional deeply committed to guiding prospective students through their academic journeys. His dedication to student success has helped applicants gain admission to prestigious institutions, including Columbia and NYU.

As a coach, John’s most cherished moments are his one-on-one interactions with students, viewing each engagement as an opportunity to be a trusted advisor and an invaluable resource. Dedicating himself to empowering students to embrace their authentic selves, John considers it a gift to play a pivotal role in their educational pursuits. 

One of John’s greatest strengths is his ability to help students craft compelling essays that artfully showcase their unique qualities. He has also conducted hundreds of interviews, providing adept preparation for students entering this crucial phase of the admissions process.

John is the proud father of a four-year-old and finds joy in reading, dancing, and immersing himself in movies and theater.

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.

Allan graduated from Cornell University with Cum Laude honors in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a concentration in Energy and Economics. After completing his bachelor's degree, he received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Allan founded an admissions consulting program as the President of a national honor society at Cornell University. He also acted as an admissions mentor at a local high school. As an admissions ambassador, Allan provided feedback to the admissions board on the potential candidate's fit with the school. With over ten years of experience as an academic counselor, he has helped his students gain admission to Cornell University, the University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Texas, among many others.

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As a first-generation college student, Allan has first-hand experience with how challenging and confusing the admission process can be. This fuels his passion for supporting and guiding his students through the application process. As a coach, he takes a personalized approach–highlighting each applicant's strengths and individuality. He is adaptable and flexible when it comes to what his students need, regardless of what stage in the application process they're in. Allan excels in helping his students develop a robust applicant profile that speaks to what admissions officers are looking for in an ideal candidate beyond test scores and grades. He helps his students turn their shortcomings into strengths, allowing them to shine through.

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With his Quad students, Allan breaks down the application process into more manageable steps. He helps his students understand the rationale behind each aspect of their application–specifically, why the colleges ask specific questions and what they want to learn about the students. This, in turn, gives his students the opportunity to build a more meaningful and intentional application. Through coaching prospective college students, Allan hopes to pass on his knowledge and experience to ensure that his students can more easily manage the college application process. He finds great joy in seeing his students' and their families' happy faces and tears when they receive acceptance letters from their dream school. Allan ensures that his students feel confident in their application and works hard to get each of his students to that state of mind and having fun along the way.

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When Allan isn't coaching, he mentors high school students and young professionals on career and professional development. He also enjoys playing competitive badminton–and winning!

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Allan's Pro Tip?

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Students often think they need the perfect resume and breadth of experience to be a competitive candidate. While having these experiences under your belt can be an asset, you can always find strength in your application through your weaknesses and shortcomings, making you much more resilient and competitive throughout the application process.