Emory University Admissions Counseling From Former Admissions Officers

Erica has a PhD from Emory University and has extensive experience ​​in undergraduate and graduate school admissions. She has served as an Honors Scholarship Application Reviewer, Scholar Interviewer, and Faculty Leadership Academy Application Reviewer at Georgia State University. She has also acted as PhD Recruitment Support for Emory University and was an Honors Fellow Interviewing and Recruitment specialist for the Honors College at the College of Charleston.

Erica finds it fulfilling to help people find the environments where they can thrive and guide them in taking the necessary steps to get there. As a coach, she cultivates a growth mindset and helps students learn project management and storytelling skills to present themselves in the best possible light. Erica believes in working hard and being kind, and she fosters a dynamic that encourages diligence and kindness in the people she mentors. She believes having a vision is wonderful, but there is freedom in not figuring everything out immediately. Erica sees this process as helping students take a big step toward figuring out who they want to grow into. She is always happy to help applicants find the right way to convey their readiness for the journey.

Erica's greatest learning from her time in admissions is that delivering a cohesive and convincing story is equally, if not more, important than the content of that story. Self-reflection is also essential, and Erica encourages students to describe what they have done in a way that shows an upward trajectory and willingness to continue learning.

One of Erica's most meaningful interactions with students has been through her role with the Brain Bee. She founded a series of Brain Bee Workshops in 2015 and became Graduate Student Chair and now Faculty Advisor for the event. Although the Bee focuses on learning about the brain, Erica has always prioritized bringing in college-preparatory skills and helping students determine who they want to become.

When Erica isn’t coaching, she is an avid Barre workout enthusiast, unique beverage connoisseur, and cat and plant parent. She enjoys cuddling with her furry family members, drinking bubble tea, and listening to podcasts.

Jesse has a Bachelor's degree from Emory University, an MBA from USC Marshall School of Business, and a JD from the USC Gould School of Law. Drawing on his experience in higher education, Jesse has honed his skills in mentoring, coaching, and providing comprehensive feedback. He has served as the Secretary of the Student Bar Association, an Admissions Representative, and the DEI President at the USC Gould School of Law. Furthermore, he has conducted mock interviews with business school students at both Emory and USC.

Jesse's passion for guiding students through college applications stems from his personal experience. He aims to be the mentor he needed when he was a student. His greatest strength is providing thorough and constructive feedback through a comprehensive strategy. He takes pride in making his feedback easy to digest and implement. Jesse believes college admissions can be scary, but it is a manageable process with the right guidance. He is always available to provide support and can be reached via email or text.

Jesse's approach to coaching is grounded in the importance of balancing being personable and professional. He believes that the key to success in admissions is building a strong relationship with the student and providing personalized guidance. His results-oriented approach has helped students gain admission to top universities, including Emory, USC, and the University of Michigan.

In his free time, Jesse enjoys cooking, working out, and listening to crime podcasts outside of work. He is also passionate about giving back to the community and volunteered as a Pro Bono Law Clerk at the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice Immigration and Human Trafficking Division.

Tamar holds a Bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University and a JD from the University of Michigan Law School. While at Vanderbilt, Tamar served as an Admissions Interviewer, conducting interviews and providing insightful recommendations to the admissions committee regarding applicants. This experience gives her invaluable insight into what admissions committees are looking for during the interview, and she looks forward to sharing her knowledge and expertise with Quad applicants. 

Tamar has a deep passion for working with students. Throughout her life, she has been involved in both tutoring and teaching. She finds immense satisfaction in offering one-on-one guidance, acting as a support system and cheerleader for students during the often stressful college admissions process. 

As a coach, Tamar prides herself on her meticulous attention to detail, making her exceptional at editing resumes and essays. Additionally, her organizational skills have proven to be an invaluable asset to students navigating the admissions journey.

Outside of her professional life, Tamar enjoys baking, indulging in a good book, and learning how to surf.