“Dr. Castilla is a true expert as a college counselor & a first rate professor. The immense range of skills that I gained under his guidance have facilitated my success, shaped my character and are serving me well at Harvard. With gratitude and sincerity, I can say Dr. Castilla changed my life.”

— Mentee, Harvard (BA & JD)

High energy and on-trend, Dr. Alexander Castilla's approach to college counseling is ambitious, assertive, & creative. For over 15 years, he has consistently provided the highest quality consulting services to discerning families. Dr. Castilla does this by applying his skills and expertise as a professor and published writer to his work as a college counselor.

Families working with Dr. Castilla have special access to fully customized & bespoke services. Parents deeply & consistently appreciate his straightforward approach and innovative strategies.

Under his guidance, students have gained acceptance into a broad range of highly selective and elite colleges that are a great fit.

We are in disbelief! Jamie got into Brown, Penn, Dartmouth, and Cornell (transfer option), and was waitlisted at Yale. Thank you for all your help!!
— Maryanne, Chief Counsel, Oncology @ Pfizer

ABOUT

Alexander Castilla holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and a Masters degree from New York University. An authoritative and accomplished strategist, he’s worked with and has been professionally trained by Admissions Officers from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Penn, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Chicago, and MIT.

Dr. Castilla has led college essay writing workshops in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and China.

Having worked as a professor, scholar and writer, Dr. Castilla authored the bookRe-imagining European Identity Politics in the 21st Century. The United Nations, UNESCO, the US Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and prestigious American & European NGO's have supported and recognized his contributions in higher education.

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES 2019-2023
*Dr. Castilla's students have gained acceptance into the following universities, including:

 1. Columbia University

 2. Princeton (2)

 3. Cornell (3)

 4. Duke

 5. Oxford

 6. Brown

 7. Georgetown

 8. Berkeley  

 9. Dartmouth

10. Northwestern

11. University of Pennsylvania

12. Notre Dame

13. University of Michigan (4)

14. University of Texas, Austin

15. Boston University (5)

16. University of Toronto (3)

17. Tufts

18. University of Wisconsin, Madison (3)

19. Penn State (5)

20. Ohio State University (4)

21. University of Minnesota (4)

22. University of Indiana, Bloomington (5)

23. Florida State

24. Rutgers (3, 1 Honors)

25. University of Pittsburgh (4)

26. University of Maryland (3)

27. University of Miami (3)

28. Clemson (2)

29. Baylor

30. Texas A&M

31. Pepperdinev(2)

32. Emerson (2)

33. Brandeis

34. Temple (2)

35. Vassar

36. Babson

37. Syracuse (2)

38. American University (4)

39. George Washington University (3)

40. McGill (2)

41. Wellesley (2)

42. Georgia Tech

43. William and Mary

44. Wake Forest (2)

45. Boston College

46. Emory

47. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

48. University of Southern California

49. NYU (3)

50. Northeastern (6, 1 Honors)

+ Many more!

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Castilla has also mentored students who have gone on to intern and work for the public and private good at the US Congress, US Chamber of Commerce, Teach for America, US State Department, United Nations, Oxford University Press, Peace Corps, Boston Children’s Hospital and leading Wall Street and Silicon Valley firms.

Since 2014, as an alumni representative, Dr. Castilla has coached students & alumni at Columbia University's Center for Career Education and has led young professionals who have gone on to shape the world in STEM, higher education, the arts, law, entrepreneurship & business.

As an Asst. Dean & Asst. Director of undergraduate admissions at Princeton, Johns Hopkins and NYU, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented professionals in higher education. Alex stands out for his ability to connect with the students and increase their confidence.

He is a fantastic counselor who teaches students how to use their voices in an impactful way. Alex can effectively help a student develop their academic interests, engage in unique extracurricular and leadership activities, strengthen their personal qualities, and ultimately, position them to get into the best schools possible.
— Celeste, Former Asst. Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Princeton
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Under my guidance, families are able to maintain a healthy peace of mind so that their kids can focus on getting accepted into selective universities that are an outstanding fit.

As a trusted source for families and with an authoritative insight on college admissions, I’m eager to share my expertise and help your child succeed!
— Dr. Alexander Castilla
Dear Alex, Thanks for all your help throughout my college application process. I really could not have done what I have without your help!

I got into RISD, Cornell, Wellesley, William and Mary, and Princeton. Again, thanks for all your help!!
— Nicole, Princeton
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Since 2007, Dr. Castilla’s students have gained admission into highly selective American universities that are an outstanding fit, including:

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES

Incredibly helpful, Dr. Castilla’s coaching was beneficial and irreplaceable. I am honored to have worked with him.
— Emily, Columbia College
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Alex’s guidance was direct, thoughtful, and helped my writing become clearer, stronger and more engaging. Getting the acceptance letter has been a game changer and I strongly recommend his work. Thanks, Alex!”
— Daniel, Harvard Graduate School
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Dear Alex, I have heard back from colleges, and have decided to go to Brown. Again, thank you so much for helping me during the college process!
— Emma, Brown University
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Alex’s direct approach helped me to reach my goal of getting into graduate school. My application showed my true self, and I got into my first choice, the University of Pennsylvania!
— Carl, University of Pennsylvania
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Alex is an expert in college counseling who continuously provides winning advice for students and families around the world!
— Yu, PhD, Columbia University
Alex was a real blessing when I applied to law school. He’s truly versed in many disciplines and has a great deal of knowledge about college admissions.
— David, J.D., Berkeley

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