PrepNow Tutor - Gina F.
“Now is the time for students to figure out who they are,” says admissions counselor Gina F. “They should base this important choice on their personal strengths, interests and ambitions. That is how you become the change the world needs, by identifying your passions and gifts earlier. Even though things are uncertain, we can focus inward, and get clear on who we are and what we want to bring to the world.”
Gina earned both her associate’s from Dean College and her bachelor’s from Syracuse University in four years. She completed various internships, including one that led to two job offers. “My different experiences in college, although at the time the nontraditional path, lead me to an incredible career path later,” she says. “The best thing a student can do is focus on themselves, and not compare their journey to that of others. When I attended Dean College, I utilized the school's support services and worked closely with my professors to strengthen the areas where I felt weak. I also got involved in many campus and community activities which allowed my leadership skills to shine.” Gina later earned her master’s in organizational leadership from Mercy College.
Gina began working with students as an admissions officer for seven years, including three years as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. “I read hundreds of applications and essays every cycle,” she says, “working particularly with students in the STEM disciplines, and developed a clear picture of the student who not only stands out to an admissions officer, but also the student who can find a place for themselves in the university.”
Since 2012, she has worked as an admissions consultant, providing guidance to students and families through what she calls “the full life cycle of the college search.” Her time at NYU developed her specialty in working with students with an interest in STEM (science, math, engineering and technology), helping them identify which major is ultimately the best fit for their strengths, interests and passion, and which schools are the best fit for their needs and goals.
“I take my students on a path of self-discovery to empower them to choose what major and university setting will put them in their ideal environment to grow and learn,” she says. “I feel when students are in alignment with their strengths and natural abilities, they are happiest and will have a positive impact on the world around them. In addition, I provide students with career coaching if they are ready for it based on my business experience.”
One great success story was a student Gina started working with when he was in the 10th grade. “He loved digital media, art, design, and computer science and was a big videographer,” she says. “He wanted a program that would both utilize his creative skills and give him marketable skills for when he graduated. He wanted to make an impact, not be a ‘starving artist.’ We built out projects, research, community service projects, internships and an art portfolio of meaningful work. He was successfully admitted early decision to his dream school—NYU Tandon School of Engineering--for interactive digital media, minoring in computer science.”
When she’s not working, Gina enjoys swimming, boating, jewelry-making, painting and Disney!
