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College Consulting

Ivy Tutor provides provides college entrance guidance and insights at all levels of the application process. In addition, we help students build and convey a unique and compelling personal brand that resonates with college admissions people and wins their hearts and minds. 

Head of College Advising

Ivy Tutor College Advisors

Expert College Advising For A Brighter Future.

1.

8th – 10th Grade

High School Planning | Taking Advantage of the Early Start

Ivy Tutor starts students on a path to high school and collegiate success. We evaluate your student’s class selection, extra-curricular activities and volunteer work to develop a narrative that will intrigue college admissions representatives. By creating a focused pathway for students to pursue their passions, we can begin to build a narrative that puts your student at an advantage.

2.

11th Grade

College Selection | Choosing the Right Universities

We match parents and students with colleges and universities, offering an array of options, from high-probability schools to reaches. Ivy Tutor ensures that students apply to a range of schools that complement their academic pursuits, extracurricular interests, personality and goals. By selecting appropriate schools, students and parents will have the right options for a brighter future.

3.

Summer before 12th Grade

College Essay Creation | Writing a Winning Personal Statement

The personal statement shares a student’s story. More importantly, it tells college admissions officers how a student will benefit the university. Ivy Tutor evaluates a student’s unique qualities and life experiences, and then helps to craft a compelling narrative that helps the student stand out from the pack. Every student has a story to tell that can change “maybe” into “accepted!” We help tell that story.

4.

Fall 12th Grade

College Application Guidance | Skillfully Shaping an Exemplary Application

Our meticulous approach turns each application into a masterpiece that stands out in the competitive admissions landscape. With Ivy Tutor’s guidance, students submit applications that not only meet criteria but also capture the essence of their unique journeys, significantly increasing the likelihood of gaining admission to their dream schools. Students will submit polished supplements they’re proud of and be prepped for admissions interviews at their top-choice reach schools. 

5.

Spring 12th Grade

College Application Follow-Up Guidance | Demonstrating Continued Interest

Should your student be placed on the waitlist or in the regular decision pool (upon being deferred from the early application pool), Ivy Tutor advisors will guide students on the next steps to take. Ivy Tutor evaluates your student’s performance since a waitlist or deferral was received and investigates ways to improve their chances of earning admission.

6.

Summer Before – Fall of Freshman Year of College

College Success Coaching | Ensuring Success in College and Beyond

Once students are accepted, their new journey begins. It’s important that they are placed on a path to success. Ivy Tutor college advisors help prepare students for the college environment that requires increased diligence and discipline. Because freshmen are often in the same classes as upperclassmen, Ivy Tutor offers college-level writing support to ensure that students are equipped to thrive at the college level. 

Higher Scores,
Brighter Futures.

Anna Lenaker, MEM, MPA

Anna brings over eight years of experience as a college advisor and academic strategist to her role as Head of College Advising at Ivy Tutor. She has successfully guided a diverse range of students through the intricacies of the college application process. In the years leading up to their applications, Anna helps students pinpoint and pursue their academic and career aspirations, guiding students down individualized pathways towards their goals and ensuring their competitiveness when it comes time to apply to college.

Prior to her role at Ivy Tutor, Anna was immersed in academia, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies followed by a Master of Public Affairs from Brown University. Afterwards, she received her Master of Environmental Management with a focus on climate change science and water resource management from the Yale School of the Environment. Her interdisciplinary education, and her time spent living abroad in England, Mexico, and Japan, has broadened her appreciation for the unique backgrounds, interests, and perspectives that students bring to the table. On top of this, Anna is a published memoir author and is highly practiced at helping students craft compelling application essays that help them stand out in a crowd.

Originally from California, Anna is a Jeopardy! enthusiast who loves to travel and try new cuisines.

Fiona Riebeling

A Yale graduate, Fiona Riebeling has been an academic counselor for several years, dedicated to guiding students through the complexities of the college application process. Her expertise lies in helping students develop personalized academic and extracurricular plans, as well as crafting compelling application essays.

Fiona served as an Academic Counselor at a previous company, where she worked remotely to advise high school and graduate school students. She collaborates closely with students and their families to build tailored strategies that highlight their strengths and passions, ensuring they are well-prepared for college applications, internships, and standardized tests.

Prior to her introduction to college advising, Fiona honed her skills at Calvin Hill Day Care Center in New Haven, CT. There, she led educational initiatives and maintained strong communication with parents, demonstrating her ability to support students from diverse backgrounds.

Fiona earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Honors from Yale University, where she completed a thesis on young children’s understanding of reciprocity obligations. She also engaged in education studies, both domestically and internationally, with experiences in Chile and Spain that enriched her multicultural perspective. Fluent in German and Spanish, Fiona brings a broad, global outlook to her advising role. She is passionate about helping students navigate their academic journeys and achieve their college aspirations.

Niruban Balachandran, MPA

Niruban has a strong record of successfully advising applicants to America’s top universities. A Fulbright Specialist, he holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a Master’s from the Harvard Kennedy School. Niruban’s diverse background involves collaborating with universities, delivering leadership-development workshops, and fosters innovation in teaching and interfaith dialogues.

Previously, Niruban served as the Director of the Professional Development Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu. He led a team focused on executive education and capacity building, significantly enhancing program offerings and securing expanded funding. His earlier experience at the World Bank involved contributing to impactful results in rural village development, governance, and environmental sustainability.

Niruban’s academic involvement includes teaching roles at Harvard Divinity School and contributions to peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his commitment to higher education and research. He is actively engaged in mentoring through EducationUSA and interviewing scholarship candidates for the U.S. Fulbright Program.

Niruban brings a global perspective and a wealth of experience, making him an invaluable resource for students navigating the complexities of higher education and international opportunities.