Simone Thompson
I know how overwhelming the college process can feel — I was a first-gen student with no guidance. Now I help students like you build the application that gets you in.
About Simone
Growing up as a first-generation college student in Baltimore, I had no idea how the college admissions process worked. No one in my family had been to a four-year university, let alone an Ivy League school. I applied to Harvard almost on a whim, following the advice of a teacher who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.
Once I got in and learned the process, I realized how much of admissions success comes down to knowing the unwritten rules — how to tell your story, how to position your activities, how to write essays that actually sound like you. I became a mentor because I want every student to have access to the insider knowledge I wish I'd had. If you're a first-gen student, from an under-resourced school, or just someone who feels lost in this process — I'm your person.
Academic Credentials
Extracurriculars
- Varsity Track & Field (Captain, Senior Year)
- Harvard Investment Club
- Math Olympiad Coach (middle school students)
- Community College Access Program
- First-Generation Student Alliance (Co-Founder)
Awards & Honors
- National Merit Scholar
- AP Scholar with Distinction
- Gates Scholarship Finalist
Services Offered
Line-by-line feedback on your Common App personal statement and supplemental essays. Specific, actionable edits — not just vague encouragement.
Big-picture application strategy: how to position your profile, which schools to target, and how to differentiate yourself from other applicants.
Build a balanced, researched school list based on your academic profile, personality, and goals — not just rankings.
Navigate FAFSA, CSS Profile, merit aid, and financial aid appeals with someone who has been through it.
Student Reviews
Simone helped me completely reframe my personal statement. I went from a generic essay about volunteering to a story that was truly mine. Columbia was my dream school and I'm still in shock that I got in.
Simone helped me cut my essay from 750 words to 650 without losing any of the emotion. She has a real eye for what admissions officers want. Worth every session.
I was seriously considering dropping Harvard off my list because I thought it was out of reach. Simone convinced me to apply and helped me craft a strategy that worked. I'll always be grateful.
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