PrepNow Tutor - Michael F.
A seasoned admissions specialist of over ten years, Michael has handled thousands of applications as a college admissions officer and a high school college counselor. He earned his BA in liberal arts from Sarah Lawrence College and his MS in higher education from Drexel University, where he earned two honors awards and was invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society. Since graduating from college in 2011, Michael has primarily worked in college admissions. He’s been an assistant director of admissions, a college counselor at a private high school, and currently serves as an application reader for two liberal arts colleges, where he has made final admission decisions on hundreds of applications. “I love working with students and their families to help craft their perfect application for their perfect school,” Michael says.
Michael entered the field of admissions as a sophomore in college when he worked as a tour guide for Sarah Lawrence College's admissions office. “I gained a reputation as someone who would go above and beyond when touring families as I was always interested in their stories and reasons for wanting to attend, and I would give them advice on how to make a good impression with their applications,” Michael says. “I discovered how gratifying it is to help students with their college applications and help them express who they really are and put their best foot forward.” Michael will never forget the first-generation student he mentored during the application process and who was accepted with a full scholarship and went on to thrive in college.
When counseling, Michael is fun with high energy while also dedicated to connecting with his students and determining what makes them tick. “I know the admissions process can be very daunting and scary to some students so I want to provide a friendly atmosphere where students can feel comfortable and accomplish what needs to get done,” he explains. “I also try to keep a very open mind about what a student wants, as there are so many great colleges and universities out there, and sometimes a big-name school isn't the right fit. I'm all about finding what's right for the student.” As an application reader for both Occidental College and Connecticut College, Michael has read thousands of applications and has a true insider sense of what liberal arts colleges are looking for from current applicants.
In high school, Michael was captain of his cross country team and directed an independent play. In college, he was a theater actor and director, school radio DJ, and stage-managed an off-broadway performance. Currently, he is an avid athlete, loves to cook, and runs multiple tabletop roleplaying games per week. He also enjoys pop culture and is a former voice-over actor. Michael is a proud owner of a celebrity Corgi, who has been in viral music videos and internet ads. “I am ambidextrous but still have certain hands that I prefer to use for certain activities,” Michael shares.
