One-On-One NYU Admissions Counseling To Help You Tell Your Story

Junior holds a Master’s degree from New York University. He has nearly 20 years of coaching experience and has supported 1,000+ students through their journeys to higher education. Junior served on the  Asia Pacific Leadership Program admissions committee at the University of Hawaii, helping review graduate-level applications. His work included reviewing their application materials, such as the application form, the essay for joining the program, the proposal for GIST (Group Independent Study Travel), and recommendation letters. Junior’s experiences have helped him learn to look at application material objectively while using his own knowledge to gauge the applicant's potential to succeed. 

Junior has also held many support and service roles which have allowed him to support students in grades six through 11 in obtaining internships, getting into STEM related-programs, applying to summer programs, and earning scholarships. Students he has coached have been accepted to top schools, including Duke University, Vanderbilt University, Pomona College, and others. 

Junior is a first-generation college graduate. This means that as a high school student, he could not go to his parents for help, which negatively impacted his college application experience. His journey led him to become a college counselor, working with hundreds of students through the college application process to help ease their anxiety and ensure they had the knowledge and tools needed to make well-informed decisions about their future without getting overwhelmed. Contributing to student success and helping them build confidence makes him passionate about coaching. 

Junior’s greatest power as a coach is his listening skills. Active listening requires empathy and putting one's feelings and opinions aside, allowing the coach to listen to understand—not to respond. Active listening helps him be present and facilitates mutual trust and understanding, leading to a better experience for everyone. Understanding his students' needs, fears, dreams, and aspirations allows him to focus on what's important to them, making it easier for him to help applicants accomplish their goals.

Outside of work, Junior consumes a lot of art and intellectual content. He loves listening to Afrobeats, attending Afrobeats concerts, and reading fiction, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez, James Baldwin, and Salman Rushdie. He also enjoys visiting museums and art shows and saw the Whitney Biennial 2024 and the Met's Costume Institute’s spring 2024 exhibition. Junior also loves watching independent and foreign films, running and hiking in New York's Adirondack Mountains, or traveling to places like Belize, Portugal, and the Dominican Republic.

Lena earned her BCom from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business before pursuing her Master’s degree at Harvard University. She has extensive admissions experience, including serving as a Harvard alumni interviewer. She’s helped students gain admissions to top schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, UChicago, UPenn, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UMichigan.

As a Harvard alumni interviewer, Lena evaluated prospective undergraduate applicants by conducting one-on-one interviews, and assessing their academic achievements, leadership experiences, and personal qualities. Her role involved writing detailed evaluations that provided insights beyond their application materials, helping the admissions committee make informed decisions. This experience has helped her gain key insights into what top colleges seek in applicants, which helps her guide students toward their higher education goals. 

Lena is passionate about coaching college applicants because she finds deep fulfillment in helping students unlock opportunities they never thought possible. Seeing students gain confidence, build impactful projects, and ultimately get accepted into their dream schools is incredibly rewarding for her. 

Lena strongly believes each student has a unique story to tell. She enjoys helping them craft their narrative—whether it’s through highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit, research achievements, or personal growth journeys. Above all else, what drives Lena the most is seeing students grow beyond the college application—whether it’s founding a club, competing in global competitions, or making a meaningful impact in their community. She doesn’t just aim to help students get into college—she aims to help them build a foundation for lifelong success. 

As a coach, Lena understands that the college admissions process can be overwhelming, especially for students with limited resources. She takes pride in providing highly personalized, strategic guidance tailored to each student’s strengths, aspirations, and academic profile to reduce stress and maximize success. Lena excels at identifying unique differentiators for each student, whether it’s a business-focused sports project, a STEM research initiative, or a self-founded volunteer organization. She skillfully turns each student’s unique journey and experiences into standout applications. Her analytical skills help her pinpoint areas for improvement, while her holistic approach ensures students not only excel academically but also develop leadership and positively impact  their communities. 

In her free time, Lena enjoys cooking, baking, going to the gym and traveling. 

Lena’s Pro Tip?

While strong academics are essential, the most successful applicants demonstrate intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a compelling personal story that aligns with their goals. Admissions committees look for students who align with the university’s values and academic culture, meaning applicants must convey why they are a great match. Authenticity matters! The most memorable applicants aren’t just well-rounded—they have a clear sense of purpose and a unique perspective on their experiences. Additionally, demonstrated impact is key—successful candidates don’t just participate in activities—they show initiative, leadership, and tangible contributions. 

Jessica holds a Bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a Master's from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has a wealth of experience assisting students in grades 5-10 seeking admission to independent day and boarding schools nationwide. At a community-based organization, she spearheaded group training and provided individual coaching sessions for prospective students and their families. Jessica has covered various aspects of the application process, interview preparation, and financial aid applications.

Her passion is ensuring students reach their full potential by finding their ideal school. Jessica takes great satisfaction in shepherding students through the application process, ultimately helping them discover the perfect fit. Jessica's commitment to the success of her students makes her an invaluable resource for those seeking admission to prestigious independent schools.

As a coach, she excels in helping students clarify their desires and expectations for their educational journey, encompassing academic, social, and experiential aspects. Jessica thrives on rigorously evaluating schools and delving into profound inquiries to create a narrative representing each applicant, including their unique interests. She has a knack for assisting students in recognizing their strengths, allowing them to shine in their applications.

Jessica's primary goal is to structure what sometimes feels overwhelming and daunting. She takes pride in offering a nurturing environment for students, fostering reflection and thoughtfulness to empower them to stand by their choices confidently.

Her dedication has yielded remarkable results, with students gaining admission to renowned institutions such as Phillips Exeter Academy, Andover Academy, St. Paul's School, Choate Rosemary Hall, Cate School, Thacher School, Midland School, Dunn School, The Webb Schools, Chadwick School, Brentwood School, Vistamar School, The Archer School for Girls, Harvard-Westlake, Flintridge Preparatory School, Oakwood School, The Buckley School, Viewpoint School, New Roads School, Crossroads School, Sage Hill School, and many more. 

Outside of her coaching endeavors, Jessica enjoys listening to podcasts, exploring walking trails, and cherishing quality moments with her family.