Yale University Admissions Counseling & Application Guidance

Juan earned a BA from the University of Texas, Austin, and an MFA from Yale University. He has 20 years of senior leadership experience and  extensive selective admissions experience to his coaching, including serving as an interviewer at Yale. Additionally, he has auditioned students at Long Island University - Brooklyn for the BFA Acting Program in conjunction with the New Group Theater. Students he has coached have gained admission to top schools such as Cornell, Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, and MIT. 

Juan is the current Chair of the Yale Latino Alumni Association for the Tri-state Area. In this role, he actively helps recruit students through various on-campus and off-campus events. Juan has also been the Executive Director of Y Tu Tambien College Access Program, offering college application workshops, mentorship, and networking for minority and first-generation students. He has held this role for over 7 years, and coordinates 70+ Latino volunteer alumni, and 100+ Ivy League students for year-round college application workshops and individualized student mentorship. 

With a strong background in program development and stakeholder collaboration, Juan has structured several college access programs and initiatives that build confidence and preparedness in students. He actively collaborates with schools, social service agencies, and other community organizations, reflecting his unwavering dedication to empowering young people to make informed choices and achieve their educational goals.

Juan’s dedication to coaching stems from his own educational journey and extensive work with underserved communities. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of higher education, he understands the challenges faced by diverse students. His experience building educational programs fuels his desire to equip students not only with application skills but also with the confidence to believe in and reach their full potential. To Juan, there is no greater joy than witnessing a student receive the acceptances they have worked so hard for. 

As a coach, Juan’s strengths stem from his own application journey and extensive experience in educational leadership. Growing up in an immigrant family with limited college opportunities, he deeply understands the importance of resilience and community support. This empathy informs his approach with every student to foster trust and create a safe space that welcomes open communication. Additionally, his expertise in storytelling and strategic communication enables him to help students effectively present their unique strengths and experiences. He ensures each applicant's story is compelling and authentic, showcasing the value they bring to admissions committees. Juan’s strong project management skills also keep students organized and on track throughout the application process. From initial brainstorming to final submissions, he is committed to ensuring every detail showcases each student's best self. He is a big believer in making sure students have fun during the admissions process—he believes Joy is an overlooked essential ingredient in any student application.

Living in NYC, Juan likes to take advantage of the dynamic art scene. He loves museum nights, theater and dance performances, and outdoor concerts.

Juan’s Pro Tip?

Most students try to be something they are not because they think it’s what a school wants to hear. A student should never fight their talents in the application process, but embrace them! Students should also be careful not to overlook their letters of recommendation. Always get a recommendation from a teacher who truly believes in you!

Dr. Scyatta Wallace holds a BA from Yale University and a PhD from Fordham University. As an award-winning scientist and nationally recognized leader, she has been featured in Time Magazine, ABCNews, CNN, and Essence Magazine. With over 16 years of experience in higher education, she served as an Associate Professor at St. John’s University for 12 years and as an assistant professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center for over four years. 

Additionally, Dr Wallace sat on the Yale admissions committee  as an applicant interviewer, and served on an inaugural admissions committee at a health-focused graduate program for years, where she worked to develop guidelines for admissions, reviewed applications, and provided recommendations for admission. 

Dr. Wallace believes college is a transformative journey where students not only gain knowledge but also grow emotionally and socially. Recognizing the profound impact this experience can have, she is deeply passionate about guiding applicants toward colleges that align with their unique needs and aspirations. She has helped students gain admission to top institutions, including UCLA, Brown, Yale, NYU, UChicago, Columbia .

As a coach, Dr. Wallace takes the time to understand each applicant’s unique personality, talents, and concerns. She tailors her approach to fit their individual working style, encouraging them to learn more about themselves to enhance the application process. Dr. Wallace aims to make her sessions relaxed and engaging, creating a comfortable environment for open conversation. Her motto is that the college application process should be fun because it’s such an exciting time! Dr. Wallace considers it an honor to share the joy of such a special moment in applicants’ lives as they find their perfect match to start their college career.

In her free time, Dr. Wallace enjoys photography, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family.

Dr. Wallace’s Pro Tip?

Admissions officers need to grasp who you are through your application materials, with limited time to read between the lines. That’s why it’s crucial to be clear, concise, and captivating in your application!

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.