PrepNow Tutor - Gabe H.
A dedicated college admissions consultant since 2012, Gabe holds a BA in human and organization development from Vanderbilt University and an MS in applied psychology—with an emphasis on school counseling and guidance—from New York University. Gabe’s strong communication, self-management, and leadership skills leave no stone unturned in the time-sensitive admissions process. “I empower students to pursue their academic and personal goals confidently, knowing that they have a knowledgeable and supportive guide by their side,” Gabe says.
Gabe entered the world of admissions counseling when he was an undergraduate at Vanderbilt University. It all began with giving a campus tour to a prospective student and providing his family with valuable insights into Vanderbilt's admissions process. “Through that tour, I discovered my passion for helping students navigate the complex and often overwhelming college admissions process,” Gabe recalls. “Witnessing the excitement and relief on their faces when they found the insight they were looking for was incredibly rewarding, and this experience sparked my interest in college admissions counseling.” Gabe realized that he could leverage his knowledge and firsthand experience to guide students through every step of the admissions journey, from selecting the right schools to crafting compelling applications.
Gabe has extensive experience with athletic recruiting, financial aid, and Ivy League applications. He has worked with students with learning disabilities and has received specialized certifications in Pre-Med/BS/MD and STEM majors. Gabe’s favorite part of the admissions consultant process is watching his students grow and mature. “They are never the same student after going through the process,” Gabe says. “They truly become a better version of themselves. Watching them gain insight, find their voice and their ‘WHY’ is just as rewarding as learning that they were accepted to their dream school.” Some of Gabe’s key additional roles have been acting as an SAT Testing Administrator at College Board and as the Director of the College and Career Readiness Program for exceptional students in Virginia. He also has over twelve years of extensive experience crafting, editing, and polishing dynamic admissions essays until they are submission-ready.
“This application process may seem daunting and the path not always clear,” Gabe says. “Growing up I didn't have a true guide in this process but I embraced the challenge and sought the information to complete the right steps. As a student in this landscape, you must be willing to seek out the tools necessary to complete the right steps. My sole purpose is to be your guide on that mission.” When considering a recent success story, Gabe recalls one particular student who was facing a significant challenge: despite being a top-tier student, he had taken the SAT four times without achieving a competitive score for the institutions he was targeting. “Together, we recalibrated his strategy, focusing on the aspects of the admissions process that we could control,” Gabe shares. Ultimately, they decided to go test-optional and identified key areas where the student could shine and make a compelling case for his candidacy. Gabe adds, “Most importantly, we worked together to clarify the student’s ‘why’ for applying to each institution. By articulating his motivations and aspirations clearly and convincingly, the student was able to demonstrate a genuine connection to each school's values and offerings.” Today, that student is not just attending Columbia University; he's thriving there and was named a Krueger Scholar. “This success story is a reminder that with determination, strategic guidance, and a clear sense of purpose, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome!"
In addition to his work as an admissions consultant, Gabe is also an NCAA Men's Division 1 Basketball Referee. “I love officiating college basketball!” He also loves to work out, spend time with his wife and two dogs, and have big family gatherings. “Family, fellowship, and food are my three favorite things,” Gabe says. “I truly look forward to guiding my students every step of the way as we navigate this amazing, yet time-sensitive journey."
