Time-Tested, Customized Caltech Admissions Counseling To Meet Your Needs

Eli completed his Bachelor’s degree in East Asian languages, literature, and linguistics at Columbia University. Following his degree, he acted as Columbia’s Dean’s Assistant and Interview Program Coordinator. In this position, he oversaw the interview process and provided training sessions for new and returning interviewers. He was also involved with special scholar programs, meeting prospective students and their families. With his extensive experience as a coach and admissions officer, he has helped his students gain admission into their dream colleges. 

Eli has always been passionate about higher education and the college experience, which drives him to share his knowledge with prospective students. His passion fuels his commitment to helping them achieve their academic goals by guiding them through the college application process and crafting impactful applications. He strives to create a relaxing atmosphere so students can focus on creating the best narrative possible to market themselves.  

As a coach, Eli understands the importance of a holistic approach. He ensures students are well-organized and equipped to excel in every aspect of the application and he is very patient throughout the whole process. His structured yet flexible approach allows students to contribute actively, reducing their feelings of overwhelm. His greatest strength is identifying and highlighting the unique qualities that make a student stand out beyond just their numbers.

When Eli isn’t coaching, he enjoys travelling, reading, and playing the piano. 

Eli’s Pro Tip? 

Making sure you’re organized early in the admissions process will allow you to develop a better idea and understanding of your end goals and make the most of your college experience. 

Varna received a Bachelor of Science in Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology and English from the University of Michigan. After her undergraduate degree, she pursued a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Analysis at Columbia University before attending the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. 

Varna was a member of the admissions team at Columbia University, conducting admissions interviews for prospective students. She has coached many students through medical school applications helping with resume and CV development, personal statement writing, and interviews. As a member of the admissions team at Columbia, Varna conducted over 200 interviews, working closely with the department to field questions from prospective applicants throughout the admissions process. 

Throughout her career, Varna has applied to undergraduate and top graduate school institutions, receiving acceptances from Yale, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and Dartmouth. With years of experience, she has learned what makes a strong personal statement, what admissions officers look for, and what makes someone stand out as an applicant. As a coach, she has helped students gain admission into the country’s top schools, such as Yale, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins, Columbia, Georgetown, and the University of Michigan, among others. 

Varna’s favorite part of coaching college applicants is learning about each student’s spark. She is passionate about helping her students identify their “why” and helping them articulate that. To Varna, coaching is a unique opportunity to provide applicants with the tools to identify their passions, likes, dislikes, and what they want to accomplish in the short and longer term. She excels in helping candidates communicate their strengths meaningfully and effectively–employing her skills as an English major and writer to extract the most essential pieces of information to develop an authentic and impactful narrative.  

When Varna is not coaching, she teaches yoga and enjoys writing about public health and medicine. She also loves cooking, exploring new restaurants, and going outdoors on long runs and hikes.  

Varna’s Pro Tip?

There’s more than one way to achieve your goals. Having spoken to applicants from all over the world, you realize that every applicant shared a unique story. As a prospective student, it’s essential to understand that colleges look for more than a “perfect” applicant; they look for mission-driven individuals with experiences that demonstrate resilience, leadership skills, and a willingness to grow and learn.