Meet Our Expert Consultants

Our team of consultants bring a wealth of experience from the highest levels of education. From former Ivy League admissions officers to seasoned educators, our experts are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.

College Counsellors

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John M.

Cornell

Don B

Don B.

Princeton

Jason S

Jason S.

Harvard

Demmy

Demmy

UChicago / UC Berkeley

Ann B

Ann B.

Princeton / Duke

Annabel C

Annabel C.

Cornell

Josh S

Josh S.

Princeton / Harvard

Kevin K

Kevin K.

Amherst College

Marcus L

Marcus L.

Columbia University

Quenton K

Quenton K.

Johns Hopkins

Krstie S

Kristie S.

Harvard

Lily

Lily M.

UCLA

Claire

Claire L.

Kenyon College

Art and Music Mentors

Jasonpaul M

Jasonpaul M.

Parsons

Jenny G

Jenny G.

Yale University

Longfei L

Longfei L.

China Central Conservatory of Music

Research and Competition Mentors

Raymond M

Raymond M.

Economics / Business

Sheng

Sheng Shi

Design/Engineering/Construction

Dr Yang

Dr. Chunlai Yang

Physics

John M.

John M is a seasoned college admissions professional with leadership experience at Cornell University, Lehigh University, and Moravian College. As the Director of Admissions at Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences, he managed over 20,000 applications annually and helped develop admissions policies and procedures.

John’s students have been accepted to elite institutions like Princeton, Harvard, Yale, and Duke. He is the author of Growing Ivy: How to Crack the Code on Elite College Admissions and a participant in the prestigious Ivy+ Conference. With his unique insights, John equips students with the tools to stand out in highly competitive admissions processes.

Don B.

Don B is a distinguished college admissions expert with over 30 years of experience serving on Princeton University’s Admissions Committee and as the Director of Financial Aid. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping Princeton’s admissions policies and introduced the groundbreaking “no loan” financial aid program, which gained national recognition.

As an advisor, Don has worked with over 350 students in the U.S. and China, guiding them to admissions at top universities such as Princeton, Yale, MIT, and Columbia. He is the creator of the BCP Evaluator™, a premier system for building realistic college lists. Don is also the author of Alma Mater and has served on advisory boards for multiple educational organizations.

A Dartmouth magna cum laude graduate with an MA from Rutgers, Don is a U.S. Naval Aviator veteran and former assistant professor at Princeton. Recognized for his service, he received Princeton’s Alumni Council Service Award and Bressler Award for contributions to athletics.

Jason S.

Jason S has over 20 years of admissions experience at Harvard University and George Washington University. He served on admissions committees, evaluated thousands of applications, and conducted interviews for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Jason specializes in guiding students through the holistic admissions process and preparing them for interviews. His students have gained admission to top universities such as Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and Stanford, as well as leading institutions in the U.K. and Canada. He is also an experienced speaker and workshop leader on the college admissions process.

Jason’s approach is relationship-driven, aiming to reduce stress and empower students to present their best selves.

Demmy V.

Demmy V is an expert college counselor with over a decade of experience, specializing in STEM and business applications. He has supported more than 300 students, with 90% gaining admission to reach schools and 20% to far-reach programs, including Stanford, Harvard, and MIT.

Demmy holds a PhD in History and an MA in Social Science from the University of Chicago, as well as a BA in History from UC Berkeley. His deep academic background and results-driven approach have helped students achieve their college dreams.

Ann B.

Ann B is an experienced college admissions consultant with a background in both admissions and student advising. A graduate of Duke University with an MBA from Rutgers University, Ann previously served as an application reader and evaluator for Princeton University’s Admissions Office, where she assessed applications and presented recommendations to senior admissions staff.

Since 2018, Ann has worked as a Senior Associate at Betterton College Planning, joining her father’s firm to provide expert guidance to students navigating the college admissions process. Known for her attention to detail and ability to build strong relationships, Ann helps students craft compelling applications, refine their personal statements, and present their best selves.

Ann’s personal experience as a parent adds a unique perspective to her counseling. Her daughter is a graduate of Williams College, and her son is currently attending Reed College. Her husband, also a Duke graduate, is a high school social studies teacher with a strong track record of success in AP Government & Politics and AP U.S. History.

Ann has worked extensively with students from China, including Chinese nationals studying in the U.S. and American-born Chinese students. She has also presented at college admissions conferences and judged student debate competitions in Beijing. Her students have been admitted to top-tier universities, including Harvard, Duke, Penn, Williams, Pomona, and Amherst, as well as other highly selective institutions across the U.S.

Annabel T.

Annabel T. is a dedicated college admissions consultant and academic mentor with a strong background in student development. A graduate of Cornell University, she has held academic support positions at some of the nation’s top universities, including Cornell, Stanford, Princeton, and Northwestern. As a senior writing consultant and application specialist at the Cornell Writing Centers, she gained extensive training in essay writing strategy and academic mentorship.

With experience as a writer, researcher, tutor, organizational leader, and college counselor, Annabel has guided thousands of students and families through the college admissions process. She has worked with students across a diverse range of academic interests—from business and humanities to STEM—helping them navigate their applications with clarity and confidence. Her personalized mentorship approach focuses on self-discovery and aligning each student’s strengths and goals with their college aspirations.

Annabel has successfully helped students gain admission to Ivy League and top-ranked universities, including Columbia, Penn, Cornell, Duke, UChicago, Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, the University of Michigan, Berkeley, and more. She is committed to ensuring that every student—whether an exceptional high-achiever or someone in need of extra guidance—unlocks their full potential in the college admissions journey.

Josh S.

Josh S has 18 years of experience in college application consulting, working with students from across the globe, including China, Brazil, and India. His students have been admitted to all eight Ivy League schools, Stanford, and other highly selective institutions.

Josh has served as a consultant for Interface Education Services and as Lead Editor at Application Boot Camp. He is a frequent speaker at college admissions conferences and a published writer on admissions topics. Josh’s expertise lies in essay writing and guiding students through the entire application process.

Kevin K.

With 23 years of admissions counseling experience, Kevin K has guided students to nearly every top U.S. institution, including Harvard, Stanford, and UCLA. An expert in both academic and creative disciplines, Kevin has successfully advised students on applications ranging from theoretical physics to the arts.

Kevin holds an MFA in Playwriting from UC San Diego, an MPhil in Shakespearean Studies from Oxford University, and a BA magna cum laude from Amherst College. His diverse expertise allows him to tailor his guidance to each student’s unique needs.

Marcus L.

Marcus L has been helping students achieve their college admissions goals since 2006. With a master’s in American Studies from Columbia University, Marcus brings a relaxed, conversation-driven approach to counseling, empowering students to showcase their best selves.

Marcus specializes in essay writing and values the relationships he builds with students. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, he ensures every essay is polished to perfection. Outside of work, Marcus enjoys crossword puzzles, trivia, and traveling with his wife and three cats.

Quenton K.

Quenton K is a dedicated college admissions counselor with a diverse academic and professional background. He earned a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University School of Education, focusing on psychology and mental health counseling.

Quenton’s academic journey began at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, where he studied finance, marketing, and philosophy. His professional experience includes roles as a bank loan senior associate, a big data marketing intern, and a tech and cloud computing marketing intern at Tencent.

His transition into psychology and counseling has allowed him to develop a unique approach to working with students. At Johns Hopkins Hospital, Quenton has provided counseling to HIV and AIDS patients and has worked as a substance use counselor, further strengthening his communication and mentorship skills.

Quenton’s multicultural background enriches his ability to connect with students. He is conversationally fluent in Mandarin Chinese and spent much of his upbringing in Beijing. His global perspective and deep understanding of psychology help him tailor his guidance to each student’s unique needs.

Kristie K.

Kristie K is a seasoned writing instructor and college admissions coach with over two decades of experience helping students craft standout essays. A graduate of Smith College with a degree in Psychology and English, she went on to earn a Master’s in Education from Harvard University.

Kristie has an extensive background in education, having served as a high school English Department Head, an AP English Language and Composition teacher, and a concurrent instructor for UConn’s Early College Experience Seminar in Academic Writing. She specializes in nonfiction writing, including personal essays and memoirs, and has delivered professional development presentations on literacy, writing, and course design.

As a Gateless Method-certified writing teacher and former Fulbright Exchange educator in England, Kristie’s approach is student-centered and engaging, often using humor as a teaching tool. Her students have been accepted to Ivy League institutions and competitive programs in business, environmental studies, arts, and theater.

Kristie lives in Connecticut with her cat, Luigi “Lui” Parkour Macaroni. An accomplished flute player trained at Tanglewood, she enjoys reading, musical theater, film, American Sign Language, and travel—having visited 18 countries to date.

Lily M.

Lily M has over six years of experience in college admissions counseling and a rich background in education as a teacher, instructional designer, and copywriter. A UCLA summa cum laude graduate, Lily trained under the former Director of Admissions at Cornell University and specializes in essay writing and coaching.

Lily’s students have been accepted to top universities such as Stanford, Columbia, and Yale. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with families and ensuring her students achieve their academic goals.

Claire L.

Claire L has over 20 years of experience in English education and five years in college counseling. A former teacher and supervisor with Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, Claire is skilled at helping students craft compelling application stories.

With a background in English and a passion for connecting with students, Claire blends organization and creativity to guide students through the admissions process. She specializes in essay writing and helping students present their best selves to top colleges.

Jasonpaul M.

Jasonpaul M is a highly accomplished fashion educator, designer, and advisor with over a decade of international experience in academia and the fashion industry. He has taught at esteemed institutions such as AIU, UEL, and SCAD, bringing his expertise to major fashion capitals, including London, Paris, and New York. Jasonpaul has worked with high-profile brands like LVMH, CFDA, and Vogue, contributing to creative projects and academic visions.

As a former Director of Associate Degrees in Fashion Design and Marketing at Parsons School of Design, and Program Director of the BFA Fashion Design program at Parsons Paris, Jasonpaul has successfully implemented academic programs, design briefs, and creative collections, while managing teams with a clear vision. He continues to be regarded as a leader in fostering creativity and academic excellence in the global fashion space.

Jenny G.

Jenny G is a Yale MFA graduate with 25 years of experience as a photographer, filmmaker, and educator. She has taught at Bard College, Yale, and Parsons/New School. Jenny’s work has been showcased at Luhring Augustine Gallery in NYC and other prestigious venues.

With her extensive background in visual arts, Jenny mentors students in building competitive art and music portfolios, helping them gain admission to top programs worldwide.

Longfei L.

Longfei L, a NYC-based composer and educator, is the co-founder and artistic director of Path New Music. His compositions have been performed across North America, Asia, and Europe, working with renowned ensembles like Loadbang, Longleash, and Nimbus Ensemble. Notable works include Simulacrum, Catalyz, Aurora, and Passacaglia.

Longfei’s accolades include first prize in the International Music Competition of Academia Musica Wien (2020), Samadis’ International Composition Competition (2016), and the Manhattan Prize for his Legacy Quartet. He has participated in prestigious new music festivals like the highSCORE Festival and the Loretto Project, among others.

Longfei holds a Bachelor of Music from China Central Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music from California State University, and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Manhattan School of Music. He is also an accomplished musicologist, having published numerous treatises and articles exploring music history, education, and analysis.

Raymond M.

Raymond M is an expert mentor in economics and business applications, guiding students to success in top competitions like the Wharton Global Investment Competition. His students have been accepted to Stanford, Wharton, UChicago, and other elite universities.

Raymond is the Managing Director of Viswise Global and a lead instructor at Viswise Academy, where he teaches investment and finance to K-12 students. A former portfolio manager, he has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and on CNBC for his expertise.

Sheng S.

Sheng S. is a seasoned design, engineering, and construction professional with 25 years of experience managing high-rise mixed-use, commercial, institutional, government, and historical preservation projects. From initial concept to project close-out, he has successfully coordinated clients, contractors, budgets, schedules, and manpower to deliver high-quality results. His leadership, communication skills, and ability to foster collaboration between design teams, contractors, and clients make him an invaluable asset to any project.

Sheng has played a key role in numerous large-scale and high-profile projects, including:

  • Cornell University – Stocking Hall Research and Laboratory Facility (Ithaca, NY).
  • Fordham University – New Residence Hall (Bronx, NY)
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn, NY)
  • Princeton University – Blair Hall Renovation (Princeton, NJ)
  • United States Military Academy – Sherman Barracks Building (West Point, NY)
  • University of Michigan – Mason & Haven Hall (Ann Arbor, MI)
  • Williams College – Mount Hope Farm House Code Upgrade (Williamstown, MA)

With a strong track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget, Sheng continues to apply his expertise to innovative and challenging engineering and construction initiatives.

Dr. Chunlai Yang

Dr. Chunlai Yang is a distinguished physics educator with a strong academic and teaching background. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physics from Peking University before obtaining his Ph.D. in Physics from Boston College. Dr. Yang has taught at both institutions, receiving the Outstanding Young Faculty Award at Peking University and the Excellence in Teaching Award at Boston College. He is also the co-author of Introductory Physics Laboratory Manual with Professor George Goldsmith.

For over a decade, Dr. Yang has been dedicated to tutoring high school students in AP Physics, AP Calculus, and Physics Olympiad preparation, including F=ma and USAPhO training courses. Known for his clear, engaging, and passionate teaching style, he has helped countless students achieve top scores on AP exams and excel in physics competitions. Each year, several of his students qualify for the U.S. Physics Olympiad Team, earning gold, silver, and bronze medals, significantly enhancing their college admissions prospects.

Dr. Yang also has personal experience guiding a student through elite academic pathways—his own child was a member of the U.S. Physics Olympiad Team and later earned an undergraduate degree from Harvard University before completing a medical doctorate at Stanford University.