PrepNow Tutor - Alvanita H.
With over sixteen years of wide-ranging experience in college admissions, Alvanita possesses a profound understanding of the intricacies of the admissions process from both sides of the desk. She holds a BA from Agnes Scott College and an MSA from Central Michigan University. Growing up in a family of educators, Alvanita experienced firsthand the transformative power of education, an upbringing that instilled in her a deep passion for guiding students. Her journey in admissions counseling began as the Associate Director of Admission at her alma mater. “Recognizing the profound impact I could have in helping students and families make critical decisions about their future, I saw it as an opportunity to not only educate but also counsel, coach, motivate, and support students in unlocking their potential and pursuing their dreams,” she says. Alvanita has worked as a private admission consultant since 2016 and her favorite part is witnessing her students' transformations as they navigate through critical decisions about their future. “Being able to provide guidance as they explore their options, overcome challenges, and ultimately find the right path for themselves brings me immense joy and fulfillment,” she says.
Throughout her career, Alvanita has had the opportunity to work with diverse populations and handle various aspects of the admissions process. She has extensive experience navigating student-athletes through the complex landscape of athletic recruitment, ensuring they meet both academic and athletic requirements. She is an expert in guiding families through the financial aid application process, identifying scholarship opportunities, and advising on strategies to make college more affordable. Alvanita has also successfully assisted countless students in showcasing their performing-arts talents and accomplishments.
In addition to her work in college admissions, Alvanita has acted as a Director of Enrollment Management at a highly selective independent school, where she oversaw all aspects of secondary school admissions, recruitment, and financial aid. “My experience working with unique populations and various parts of the admissions process equips me with the knowledge and skills to effectively support families with diverse needs, ensuring they receive personalized guidance tailored to their circumstances,” she says.
Alvanita’s counseling style utilizes a blend of art and science as she recognizes the complexity of the admissions process. “I provide personalized guidance that considers both the qualitative aspects of a student's application, such as their narrative and extracurricular experiences, as well as the quantitative factors like grades and test scores,” Alvanita explains. By serving as the intermediary between students and their parents, Alvanita’s goal is to alleviate the stress and uncertainty of the senior year, making the admissions journey joyful and memorable for all involved. “I firmly believe in the power of choice and empowerment,” Alvanita adds. She explains that every student deserves the opportunity to explore their options and find the academic environment that aligns with their goals and aspirations. “By fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship with students, I empower them to make informed decisions about their future, ultimately setting them up for success in their college endeavors and beyond.”
One success story from Alvanita’s time as an admissions consultant involved a student who was a late bloomer academically and therefore faced significant challenges. “Their academic performance and standardized test scores did not fully reflect their true potential,” Alvanita says. Through a comprehensive approach, Alvanita worked closely with the student to highlight their strengths and potential while addressing the disparities in their academic record. “By crafting a compelling narrative that emphasized their personal growth and determination as a late bloomer, we were able to present a more holistic picture of the student's abilities to college admissions committees,” she explains. “Additionally, we strategically utilized other application components to further showcase the student's intellectual curiosity and creativity.” Ultimately, the student gained acceptance to several top-choice colleges that recognized and appreciated their unique strengths and potential for academic success. “This success story highlights the importance of personalized support and advocacy in helping students overcome challenges and achieve their goals in the college admissions process."
Beyond Alvanita’s work in admissions, she has a wide range of interests that enrich her life. She’s been passionate about dance since she was young, and this passion culminated in her serving as an Assistant Choreographer for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 1996 Olympics. She’s also a dedicated sports fan, particularly enjoying golf, American football, soccer, and basketball.
Additionally, Alvanita values quality time with family and friends and finds solace in spending time with her dog and losing herself in the pages of a good book. Moreover, she prioritizes staying informed and engaged in her field, often attending conferences and participating in studies to further her understanding of admissions processes and educational trends.
