Alan Shusterman
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS MENTORING
Thoughtful, individualized mentorship
for students navigating the college application process.
No preset formulas. No canned advice.
Just meaningful conversation, authentic storytelling,
and honest guidance.
How I Support Students
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I typically support students through personal statement development, supplemental essays, interview preparation, college fit exploration, and broader application guidance. Many students continue to turn to me long after the application season as they navigate the transition to university life.
You wanted to understand me more fully as a student and person
Your perspective ​honestly changed the way I looked at the college process
“Personalization and Connection — these are the two words I would use to describe Mr. Alan's teaching style. He genuinely values spending time getting to know students and finding unique approaches that work best for each individual. It has truly been a pleasure to get to know and work with Mr. Alan.”
Student attending Stanford University
“As a computer science student, my extracurricular activities are often filled with jargon and technical ideas that are hard to understand…. you always asked questions about every detail of my technical projects and patiently listen to them. You even went above and beyond to discuss and explain your feedback…. When working with you I felt that my ideas and voice were not being replaced but instead raised to a higher level.”
Student attending University of Waterloo CFM
"I remember feeling really listened to while talking with you... At that time, I was honestly struggling a lot with self-doubt…. [Your words] lifted me up more than you probably realized. They genuinely gave me motivation and helped me believe in myself again.”
Student attending Denison University
($72K Scholarship)
“The session we had, where you went through my full resume and application to help me align my narrative, was incredibly insightful. Your specific advice and rephrasing help on my Harvard and Princeton essays truly gave me clarity on how to present my story cohesively.”
Student attending Yale University
"You were the only teacher who asked to look at my resume and personal background to deeply understand my essays before giving feedback... Your approach genuinely changed the way I see writing, not only as something that needs to sound polished or perfect, but also as a way to reveal the deeper layers of myself."
Student attending Michigan State University Honors College
"He had the ability to spot unique details in my story that I wouldn't have noticed myself; he helped me bring out elements that made my essays truly feel like they belong to me and are distinct from others."
Student attending University of
Minnesota Twin Cities