Princeton Admissions Counseling From Former Admissions Officers

Patrick earned a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and an MBA from Trinity College Dublin. He has served as an interviewer for Columbia University and participated in the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation's Scholarship Decision Committee, where he has evaluated over 80,000 applicants and collaborated on selecting scholarship recipients for 16+ years. Applicants Patrick has coached have attended numerous top schools, including Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Brown, UPenn, Princeton, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Duke, and others. 

Patrick is passionate about ensuring students have all the pieces in place to achieve their goals and dreams. With 12+ years of experience in product marketing and sustainability, he brings a blend of expertise in digital transformation, AI, global business strategy, and college admissions expertise to his role as a counselor. He is experienced in guiding students through the college admissions process, with a focus on helping them discover what sets them apart and how to express it in their applications.

Patrick’s approach to advising is grounded in the belief that college admissions is not just about academics and extracurriculars; it’s about learning what truly defines each student. His deep expertise extends across admissions for transfer students, liberal arts and humanities, STEM, and international applicants. Patrick excels in driving students toward successful outcomes, keeping them on track with deadlines, and providing a welcoming, judgment-free environment that empowers them to pursue their ambitions.

As a coach, Patrick’s greatest strengths lie in his ability to empathize with students, understand their goals, and provide tailored guidance that suits their individual needs. His student-centered approach encourages self-reflection and helps students build compelling personal narratives that authentically capture their growth and aspirations. He is adept at helping students meet key milestones as they follow their application timelines and brings a welcoming attitude to every interaction.

Patrick believes that choosing a student’s best-fit college is an exercise in self-reflection, evaluation, and building a deeper connection to themselves. He takes much pride and joy in being a sounding board for ideas, learning about students’ true passions, and giving space to define and identify what would ultimately lead them to a fulfilling college experience, career, and life.

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys CrossFit, performing improv theater at Second City New York, and spending time with his partner and their corgi in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He is also an accomplished solo traveler, TED speaker, marathon runner, and producer of musicals.

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.

Samir earned a BS from the University of Chicago, followed by an MA from Columbia University and a PhD from Princeton University. He has held several academic roles, serving as a Robert Wood Johnson Health and Society Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, Assistant and Associate Professor at Dartmouth College, and later as Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Samir also served on the admissions committees at Columbia and the University of Chicago, where he reviewed applications, interviewed students, and made admissions recommendations.

Over the past 15 years, Samir has developed and applied advanced quantitative methods to leverage big data for meaningful insights in industry, public health, and public policy. He has authored over 80 peer-reviewed articles and op-eds, with his work being published in outlets such as The New York Times, The New England Journal of Medicine, and Health Affairs. After earning an MA from Columbia University, Samir served as a military officer in the United States Air Force for four years. 

Samir is deeply passionate about advising students and helping them discover and express their authentic selves during pivotal moments in their lives. He guides students through the process of reflection, helping them clarify their values, articulate their goals, and craft compelling narratives that showcase who they are beyond grades and test scores. With his background as a college professor and firsthand experience on admissions committees, Samir understands what resonates in the application process and uses these insights to help students present their stories with confidence and clarity. His goal is to empower students to take ownership of their college admissions journey and envision the future they want to build. He has helped students gain admission to top schools such as Columbia, UChicago, UPenn, Dartmouth, Duke, Northwestern, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, Barnard, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Washington University in St. Louis, USC, and UMichigan.

As a coach, one of Samir’s greatest strengths is his ability to connect deeply with students. He creates a space where they feel heard, supported, and motivated to do their best work. Samir asks thoughtful questions that prompt reflection and help students uncover the values and experiences that define them. With a strong foundation in writing and years of experience evaluating applications, Samir helps students craft essays that are both strategic and sincere. He also brings a structured, organized approach to the process, breaking it down into manageable, purposeful steps, while adapting to each student’s unique needs and working style.

In his free time, Samir loves to swim, bake with his young daughters, and chase after his two-year-old golden retriever.

Samir’s Pro Tip?

A well-told, authentic story can be incredibly powerful. Beyond grades and test scores, what often sets an applicant apart is their ability to reflect on their experiences with clarity, depth, and purpose. It’s crucial for students to present a cohesive narrative—one where academic interests, extracurricular involvement, and personal insights align to tell a clear story of who they are and what they hope to contribute to a college community. Every part of the application, including essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities, works together to create a full picture of the student.