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!

Orli completed her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and two Master’s degrees from Yale and Stanford. She brings a rich background in education and admissions guidance, including roles as a teacher, mentor, tutor, interviewer, and essay adviser. She also has direct experience with the admissions process at Dartmouth and Yale. Recognized for her exceptional interviewing skills at Yale, Orli has been commended by Dartmouth Admissions for her impactful interview reports, contributing significantly to the admissions decisions of numerous candidates. Currently, Orli advises students on their college essays at a prestigious high school in New York City and provides personalized application guidance for pre-college and internship programs. Her efforts have successfully aided students in gaining admission to top universities, including Cornell, Duke, Columbia, Princeton, Yale, and Rice.

Orli's admissions experience at prestigious Ivy League institutions, coupled with her various roles, keeps her deeply engaged and knowledgeable about the nuances of college admissions. She offers comprehensive application support, helping students develop their candidacy, discover their passions, and navigate the entire process. Orli is passionate about assisting students during this pivotal phase, guiding them through the excitement of realizing their academic and personal growth. She understands the stress that can accompany the admissions process, so her goal is to help students feel more comfortable. Using a creative and holistic approach, Orli focuses on organization, coping strategies, and self-discipline to help students prepare for college and beyond.

Recognizing the value of every student’s interest and passion, Orli excels in creatively integrating these interests into the students' application strategies. By prioritizing building these meaningful relationships with students, she ensures their experience is not only educational but also engaging, empowering, and enjoyable. 

Orli values building a strong rapport with students and strongly believes in the power of teamwork. She contends that collaborative effort between her and students creates the supportive and enriching environment necessary for success. She is excited to motivate and guide students toward their goals, instilling a sense of hopefulness and optimism about the future and its possibilities.

Orli's interests outside of coaching span a wide array of "nerdy" fandoms, from anime and manga to Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. She is an enthusiastic home chef, jeweler, fitness enthusiast, and avid reader.