Rachel
Majors: Environmental Engineering (BS) & Philosophy (BA)
University of Notre Dame (Bachelors)
University of California-Berkeley (MPP)
Focus: Voting Rights & Electoral Politics
PAST CONSULTING CLIENTS ADMITED TO:
Schools Clients Admitted Into:
Penn State University - Harrisburg, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, University of Connecticut, Indiana University - Bloomington, Ohio State University, University of Iowa, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
COUNSELING AREAS
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Undergraduate Admissions
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Leadership Development
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Storytelling in Application Essays
PREVIOUS ADMISSIONS-RELATED EXPERIENCES
University of Notre Dame Admissions – Managed student recruitment, file reading, and yield efforts across a geographically diverse territory comprised of eight states. Reviewed hundreds of applications during both REA and RD.
Notre Dame TRiO Programs – Created and implemented academic programs, mentoring, and weekly workshops (encompassing topics such as financial aid, college admissions, and professional development) for high school students.
WHAT COLLEGES SEEK
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Thoughtful leaders who are passionate about public service
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Students who are academically well-rounded and intellectually curious
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Strong writing skills and ability to showcase personality in essays
ADMISSIONS CONSULTING PHILOSOPHY
The approach I take when advising students is to first and foremost center their passions. Often times, students become preoccupied with trying to figure out what admissions counselors “want” to hear, when really, what they want is for the applicants to express themselves genuinely. Students who are clearly passionate about a topic or subject are essential to any college campus, so I always try to let students write in a way that excites them.
I also think that the college admissions process is an incredible opportunity for students to be self-reflective in a way that they may not have had to before. I challenge students to know their strengths and weaknesses, and to learn how to articulate both. Ultimately, no applicant is perfect, and I often encourage students to embrace areas for improvement as enthusiastically as they embrace strengths.
BEST ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
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Be yourself in the college admissions process and let your voice come through in your essay writing
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Articulate skills and lessons learned for all extracurricular activities
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References should be able to speak to your character, not just your intellect
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Know your strengths and weaknesses; highlight your strengths and passions
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Be specific in your application to each school; details are helpful to include