About Us

Elissa Caterfino Mandel

I have been an independent college advisor since 2008.  As a former writer of college admissions materials, I learned about the application process when I worked closely with admissions officers at Northwestern University and Stevens Institute of Technology. I have a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Literature and Creative Writing from Drew University. I am a member of the New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC). To see what I’ve written for a range of publications, click below.

Penn Gazette

The Forward

AARP

Amy Giles

I have worked as a college counselor and essay advisor since 2012. My prior career was in Human Resources. I was a Vice President of Human Resources at Citibank for twelve years. Prior to that, I worked as a human resources management consultant for Sibson and Company. I earned a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. I use my knowledge of resumes to help students craft impactful activity lists; my understanding of university priorities helps me direct students on essays that resonate with admissions officers. I am a member of the New Jersey Association for College Admission Counseling (NJACAC).