What are different financial aid options now that my parents may have more reduced income?
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is going to hit everyone – hard. Some may even be feeling its effects already. And amidst all the uncertainty that is brewing, the question of college may fall to the side of the road. However, it is still important to be cognizant of the impact these trying times will have on the future of your academic career. You may be wondering what options are available to you moving forward, especially now that you or your parents may have had a substantial reduction in income due to COVID-19. Luckily enough, there are plenty of options for students looking to attend college with income constraints in the wake of the pandemic.
1. California’s Free Tuition Program for Community College
As of 2019, graduating seniors having attended a high school in California, and having been accepted into one of the 115 community colleges across the state, are eligible for two years of free tuition. How does one qualify you ask? They must be first-time, full-time students (taking at least 12 units per semester). This is becoming an increasingly popular option as students look to knock out their undergrad general education requirements for free before transferring into a four year university to finish up their bachelor’s. If you are asking about why community college, check out our blog piece Should I go to community college and then transfer to a university?
2. Colleges with Free or Reduced Tuition
It sounds too good to be true, right? According to Forbes.com, there are currently 75 colleges offering free and/or reduced tuition across the United States. The list of schools runs the gamut, including top tier universities like Brown and Cornell, as well as college staples like Arizona State University and Miami University. These offerings have cropped up in light of the 44 million student debtors that collectively owe roughly $1.5 trillion in student loans. As college tuition costs continue to climb, student loan debt is skyrocketing alongside it. Many schools are offering “no-loan” financial aid packages, which aim to curtail the increasing pool of student debt, and instead seek to replace loans with grants and scholarships. Some universities require a minimum student or parental contribution (which can be met with loans), or part time employment of the student.
Student Financial Aid
The light amidst the darkness in all of this is: your financial aid options will remain the same despite many schools closing their campuses and moving classes online. Scholarships and grants are still available; in fact, even though some schools and funds are finding their awards to be limited, other institutions are upping the ante and pouring out even more money to support their students with Student Relief Funds. Furthermore, loans will still be available, and perhaps more manageable as well. According to the office of Federal Student Aid, student loan borrowers can be placed in an administrative forbearance, allowing them to temporarily stop making their monthly loan payments. If you are still concerned about your ability to fund your higher education, contact us at info@writetrackadmissions.com, and we will put you on the path to success. Aly Hartman Communications Director – Write Track Admissions
5 ways to keep you competitive for college admissions while on COVID-19 lockdown
With COVID-19 (coronavirus) bringing lives to a grinding halt across the world, far-off goals like getting into your dream college can seem a bit out of picture at the moment. However, it is important now more than ever to maintain your scholastic resume to ensure your success when it inevitably comes time to apply to college. Here are 5 key things you can do while staying at home now and throughout the summer to ensure you remain competitive for college admissions, in light of the restrictions brought about by COVID-19:1. Develop a hobby/passion: Nothing stands out more on a college application than a clearly developed passion. Use this time at home to really dedicate yourself to something: learn a new skill, cultivate an existing hobby, or develop tangibles according to your passions that, if need be, you can submit alongside your college applications to beef them up. Music, dance, stock trading, home-based exercise are just some examples.2. Take a higher-level online course: Most schools are going online anyway, so adding an extra online AP or college-level course will blend in seamlessly with your regularly scheduled academics, and set you out from the competition. Check your local community college for their selection of online classes or at your high school.3. Entrepreneurship: Now is the perfect time to enact that lightbulb idea you had way back when. Start taking the first steps to building your project or business – almost everything you need to do so can be found online. Maybe you can even tailor your idea towards helping people in this current crisis (see point 5 below).4. Take on a remote internship or job: As businesses shift to better accommodate everyone staying in their homes, there will be no shortage of new online-based jobs cropping up. This can definitely help you bolster your resume as we approach the summer. Stay up to date on platforms like Handshake and LinkedIn to find one that best suits your talents.5. Tackle something creative that will positively contribute to those affected by the pandemic: Yoga instructors are offering live-streamed classes. Writers are publishing their own readings of their books for free. Educators are putting their courses online so anyone can use this down time to better themselves academically. And even creatives are putting their work into good use like stitching masks, spinning melodies for online concerts, offering other awesome freebies to communities locally and globally. You can even start a fundraiser or offer a service that ties in to your passions… Anything that helps or is poised to brighten someone’s day is a noteworthy contribution. Basically, there is no shortage of routes to take with this one! The point is, don’t give up hope. Really try to maximize this one in a lifetime opportunity to step out of your normal routine to truly shine and become the best college applicant possible. Feel free to email us at info@writetrackadmissions.com with any questions, concerns or innovative ideas!Aly HartmanCommunications Director – Write Track Admissions
Don’t Lose Hope – Coronavirus: A Message from Our Founder
Attention at Home College Students: 6 ways to stay productive and healthy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic!
You may be reading this article from home, not because you are ditching classes, but because your university is one of the many that has asked their students not to return after spring break due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Now, if you have not heard about the coronavirus or COVID-19, then you have been hiding under a rock. Local and international news outlets are covering the novel (new) coronavirus as well social media and the outbreak has been affecting daily life as schools are shutting down, experts warn against travel and caution against large gatherings. People are increasingly searching on Google about coronavirus with questions such as:
What is the coronavirus?
How many people have died from coronavirus?
How to prepare for the coronavirus
How did the coronavirus get started?
How is coronavirus spread?
Image from Google Trends
What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
According to the CDC (2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Situation Summary), the novel (new) coronavirus is a respiratory disease that was first detected in China, but has spread internationally. (Live updates: Coronavirus cases pass 115,000 worldwide) For frequent updates of confirmed locations of the coronavirus/COVID-19 cases, please check with the CDC website. Locations with Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Global MapUp to the minute updates of the coronavirus outbreak can be found on CNN’S website. All major sporting events for the NBA, NHL, MLB are being cancelled, amusement parks are shuttering their doors, businesses are asking employees to work from home, and travel has been ground to a halt. With the number of coronavirus cases rising, the effects it is having on our communities is serious. You may have noticed a shortage of toilet paper, water and hand sanitizer at your local stores.Trader Joe’s in Santa Monica, CA (3/12/2020)
Universities shutting their doors
In direct response to the CDC limiting large gatherings of people, Large universities such as Harvard, Northwestern, UCLA, Stanford, NYU, Yale and Columbia (among many others) have announced cancelled classes, shutting down campus and holding their courses online. (Major colleges and universities going remote over coronavirus fears & Harvard University is shutting down because of coronavirus). Indeed, for example in a statement, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Saturday; “It’s a question of when — not if — some California public schools will face closure because of COVID-19. School districts must prepare for these scenarios so that parents and children can plan for what would happen if their local school faced closure.”
What can I do to stay productive and healthy?
With schools shutting down likely until the end of spring term, you have to find ways to stay healthy and productive! Why? Because at first it may seem like a dream, but after a few days without your regular routine, you may find yourself going stir crazy or unmotivated from lack of a strict schedule. So here are a few ways to stay active and productive during this time:
1. Self care. Your school may be putting your courses online, and while that may seem like a breeze, you may struggle with staying focused. Take a break. You don’t find yourself sitting in classes for hours on end, or sitting completing work without getting up for a few breaks here and there. Stand up and stretch, go for a walk or give a friend a call. Avoid being stagnant.
2. Designate a work space. You may find yourself working remotely or studying from home, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be regimented. You may work best from a coffee shop or a local park bench. Find what works for you and reserve some areas of your home for work-free spaces (such as your bed or that cozy nook you like to read in).
3. Have a schedule. Working or studying from home may feel like freedom, but the key to success is having a little structure. Manage your time and structure time blocks for getting things done. Building a schedule instead of aimlessly floating around your home will help you continue to stay productive and happy.
4. Eat healthy and stay hydrated. Don’t neglect your diet, workout routine or sleep habits. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will continue to help you stay healthy and active. “Eating well, getting plenty of sleep and taking regular breaks for 10-15 mins to stretch the arms and legs helps keep focus and avoids eye strain from computer monitors.” (21 Tips for Online Classes Success | How to Study)(It is key to stay ahead of this virus by being informed. Here are some top ways to avoid being exposed to this virus:Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
5. Try new things! If you’re finding yourself with more free time in your hands, pick up a hobby or participate in something you haven’t done in awhile. Dance, read, listen to music, play games, draw, FaceTime your parents or start an online community.
6. Stay connected. If you find yourself quarantined or thrown off your regular schedule, it’s easy to feel alone or depressed. Make sure you utilize technology to stay connected to friends and family. If you are not sick, take the time to get coffee or grab a meal with a friend or colleague.
To read more on how to prevent coronavirus, please visit the CDC’s website HERE.
CONCLUSION:
Keep yourself informed by doing your own research:
*Direct link to case map: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html…Stay busy, read, continue with any class assignments, study, workout, etc. While there are a ton of funny memes floating around, if you do have tests to prepare for or assignments due, make sure you’re mapping out a timeline and staying organized. Contact your professors for additional guidance for classwork. We are all in this together, and Write Track is committed to being a resource for our students. Please feel free to contact us with any admissions questions: info@writetrackadmissions.com.
9th Grade: Pre-SEED
Pre-Secondary Extracurricular and Educational Development (PRE-SEED) is aimed for those just starting high school. The goal is to provide 1:1 personalized guidance to help the student maximize their Personal, Social, and Academic experiences for their growth and long-term goals. This is a 1-2 month process.
PASS
Post-Acceptance Success Strategy (PASS) provides candidates with success mapping using Write Track’s proprietary IDEAS Plan so that the college bound student maximizes the Personal, Social, and Academic aspects of college to best prepare them for their professional path. This is a 2 week process.
CAAP
College Admissions Assessment Program (CAAP) is aimed at rising 12th graders before applying to college to provide you with a strategic profile review of your candidacy and to map out the journey from school selection to financial aid guidance, so you hit-the-ground-running when you actually start your college applications. This is a 2-3 week process.
Attiya Latif
Academics:
University of Virginia| B.A. Political and Social Thought | Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude | Jefferson Scholar
University of Oxford | M.St. Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Distinction | Marshall Scholar | Truman Scholar
SOAS, University of London | M.Sc. Migration, Mobility, and Development Studies | Highest Distinction | Marshall Scholar | Truman Scholar
Stanford Law School [Admitted]| Knight-Hennessy Scholar Recipient
Area(s) of Expertise: College, Graduate, Law, Scholarships/Fellowship
Overcoming an Admissions Hurdle:
Going through the law school application process during COVID was like navigating a maze blindfolded! The pandemic complicated everything, especially with the financial strain it brought along. I found myself juggling applications and LSAT prep all while dealing with the uncertainties COVID threw our way. As a first-gen American, I didn’t have much support to lean on. Plus, I was wrapping up my grad studies in another country where lockdown measures meant all classes were virtual—it felt like I was swimming against the tide! Despite all the odds stacked against me, I kept pushing forward. I ultimately received admissions offers from Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, NYU, UVA, Georgetown, UPenn, and Berkeley, among others. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and flexibility in the face of adversity: there are always unique ways to solve new problems!
Fun Fact: I’m an aerialist- you can usually catch me on the weekends spinning 7 feet in the air on a steel hoop. 🙂
Divya Navani
ACADEMICS:
Harvard University | B.A. in Government, Film & Visual Studies, Spanish Language
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College and Scholarships
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
The SAT and ACT exams were more difficult than I could have imagined! I took each test about three times and, no matter what I did to study or prepare, I kept getting the same score (a score that wasn’t anywhere close to what the top schools were asking for). However, although my scores weren’t the best, I made my essays and interviews the best they could possibly be. I didn’t let a low score take away from the great high school experience that I had and all the other things that I was proud of. Harvard agreed, and several other top schools did too. I believe that no matter what hurdle you may face, you can push through it with all the other things you’re proud of – and I want to help you do that.
FUN FACT:
I was an extra in a Meryl Streep movie! You can find me as “girl holding fruit” (an Academy Award-worthy performance) in Netflix’s The Laundromat!
Ana Salas
Academics:
Northeastern University | MS. Global Studies & International Relations
Universidad Católica Andres Bello| BS Marketing & Communication
Area(s) of Expertise: Communications, Marketing, Partnership Development
Overcoming an Admissions Hurdle:
Preparing for the GRE was a major hurdle for me during the admissions process. The pressure to achieve a high score felt overwhelming, especially since I was balancing work and other responsibilities. I struggled with test anxiety, which made it challenging to perform at my best despite thorough preparation. However, I remained determined and focused, utilizing every resource available and finding effective strategies to manage my anxiety. Ultimately, my hard work paid off, and I achieved a score that allowed me to get into the program I wanted.
Fun Fact: I’m an avid tennis player, and I have an English Bulldog named JLO
Sama Kubba
Academics:
Harvard University | B.A. Government
Area(s) of Expertise: College and Scholarships
Overcoming an Admissions Hurdle:
It’s extremely nerve-wrecking to know that everything you’ve worked for is determined by one application process. Every time you’ve sweat a test, practiced for extracurriculars, and even dealt with difficult people — all your hard work is captured in this two-dimensional application of just words. That really scared me. I felt like there was so much to my personality I wanted to convey and it honestly felt like a puzzle to do so. Also, I wasn’t really applying with the best test scores or had cured cancer or anything, so I was pretty unsure about my application. Honestly, it wasn’t until I got to Harvard that I finally understood I shouldn’t have been so anxious. Colleges invest in you as a person, not just in your ideas. I looked at my admissions file and my international relations focus/academic history/extracurriculars were interesting to officers, but it was really my personality they cared about. I think that’s the missing element of college consulting. I learned it’s not about doing the “right things,“ it’s about having the right essay and interview to reflect what you do and who you are.
Fun Fact: My hair is currently hip-level long
Desiree Rickett
ACADEMICS:
Harvard University | B.A. Economics
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College, Scholarships
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
When I was in high school, it seemed like my entire life was building up to my college application. I needed to show who I was as a person, my academic potential, and my capabilities in a short application that would be openly judged by college admissions officers. It felt like a rejection of my application was equivalent to a rejection of who I was as an individual. Even after I spent dozens of hours pouring over every aspect of my application, turned in my essays and completed my interview, and was accepted into Harvard University, I still did not fully understand the college application process. After my first semester of college, however, I realized that colleges were not looking for perfect scores, presidents, and working bees. Colleges wanted potential, and people who are passionate about what they do. I hope to help others find their potential and showcase what they are passionate about. Ultimately, it is your passion, not a perfect GPA, that will move your admissions officer.
FUN FACT:
I love to try new hobbies. It would be hard to find something I have not tried before!
Hebatalla (Heba) Mohamed
ACADEMICS:
Harvard University | B.A. History of Science
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health | MSc Global Health & Population (2025)
Harvard University Presidential Scholarship Recipient for Masters degree
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College, Graduate, Medical School, Scholarship & Fellowships
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
My experience navigating the intricacies of college admission as a recent immigrant in the United States and as the eldest daughter in a family unfamiliar with U.S. higher education was a daunting task at first. With limited knowledge and guidance, the process seemed like an insurmountable hurdle until my junior year of high school. I immersed myself in research and sought advice from mentors and peers. I eventually gained the insights and skills needed to craft an effective college application and turned what once began as a journey of uncertainty into a success story!
FUN FACT:
I love staying active; I play tennis, bike and roller skate often!
Toya Leary
ACADEMICS:
St. Thomas University | B.S. Chemistry/Mathematics – Magna Cum Laude
Columbia Theological Seminary | MA Theological Studies
Florida State University | PhD Religion (Spring 2025)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
Management, Operations, Customer Relations
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
When taking the GRE, I struggled with high levels of test anxiety and did not get the scores that best represented my aptitude. I worked to submit a great application with strong writing samples and secured one of three spots in an excellent graduate program with a teaching fellowship.
FUN FACT:
I love the arts. I’ve played every woodwind instrument except the oboe and have experience in percussion and piano.
Elisa Kurzban
ACADEMICS:
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | MBA (Joseph Wharton Fellowship)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | BS in Mathematics
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College, Business School, STEM
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
When I started applying to business school, I didn’t have a strong sense of the main “story” of my application. I wrote an entire four-page essay, and after reading it, I realized that the entire thing needed to be scrapped. I then took the time to think about my experience and my unique contributions to a school, which helped me refine my application and get into my dream school! I’m excited to work together to help you tell your story.
FUN FACT:
I love the arts. I’ve played every woodwind instrument except the oboe and have experience in percussion and piano.
Ashraf Joseph, Esq.
ACADEMICS:
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | B.A. Near Eastern Studies, Political Science – Honors
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | J.D. (DC Bar)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
Law School
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
University of California – Berkeley Law has always been a dream school. However, being admitted was extremely difficult, in no small part because I was an out-of-state applicant. On my first time applying, I was rejected and enrolled at Northwestern School of Law instead. But something didn’t feel right. I withdrew and re-applied to Berkeley Law a second time and was rejected again. This time, I decided to pursue my studies at the University of Michigan School of Law. While there, I applied yet again to Berkeley Law, this time as a visiting student, and thankfully, my persistence paid off as I was admitted!
FUN FACT:
I love traveling and languages. The past three summers I spent time in Barcelona learning Spanish and taking in the incredible culture!
Faheem Rathore
ACADEMICS:
Davidson College | B.A. Political Science
Harvard Kennedy School of Government | M.P.P.
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
Graduate School
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
I remember going through the college application process as a student and struggling with my personal statement. I have always found it difficult to talk about myself, especially in an environment as seemingly sterile as an application essay. Luckily for me, I had a great network of teachers, guidance counselors, and family who directed me during the process. The best advice I received was framing my essay around something I cared about or enjoyed, using that as a way to explore deeper themes. I ended up writing about playing Halo with my friends, an essay that explored how to create a community out of shared interests. I would not have been able to write that essay without the help and support I received, and I hope to offer the same to anyone I work with!
FUN FACT:
In college, Steph Curry once help me move into my dorm room.
Ali Assareh, Esq.
ACADEMICS:
University of California, Berkeley | B.A., Philosophy | B.A., Political Economy
New York University School of Law | J.D. (Admitted to Practice in New York, and California)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
Law School
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
I was at the lowest point in my life when I was applying to law school. My brother was fatally ill, my personal life in shambles, and my motivation at rock bottom. I was going through the motions of writing my law school admissions essay when I bumped into Hamada (WTA’s Founder), with whom I occasionally played soccer — and Hamada lit a fire under me. He taught me the value of storytelling, and motivated me to write MY STORY. That was the first time I had thought about my life as a powerful story — and that story got me into my dream school (and more). I’m now part of the WTA team because I’m a WTA alum.
FUN FACT:
As a side gig to being a lawyer, I occasionally perform stand-up comedy — last performing at The Punch Line comedy club in San Francisco!
Abdelhamid 'Hamid' Arbab
ACADEMICS:
Princeton University | B.A. Public Policy
Oxford University and the University of Birmingham | Masters in Islamic Studies (Marshall Scholar) (2025)
Harvard Law School | JD, Class of 2028 (Junior Deferral Program)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College, Graduate School, and Law School
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
As I enjoy dipping my toes in several different areas at once, I’ve always struggled to put together a coherent narrative that best captures my journey and interests. For example, when applying to college, I had to explain why I decided to spend hours in a week in a microbiology lab while spending my weekend volunteering for local political campaigns. I then faced the same struggle when I tried to explain why a law school bound public policy major needed to study Islamic Studies in the UK under a Marshall Scholarship. I ultimately realized that your story and/or niche don’t need to be programmatic in order to be inspiring, coherent, and effective.
FUN FACT:
I love learning languages and I’m currently learning Persian!
Matias Mayesh
ACADEMICS:
Washington University in St. Louis | B.A. Economics, B.A. Political Science
Harvard Law School | J.D. Candidate (2025)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
Law School
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
For my law school application, my resume was lacking in some respects, but I was able to write a compelling personal statement detailing the adversity I had overcome in my own life. It is not enough to have a compelling story. I learned what matters is your ability to communicate it and demonstrate why your story makes you a desired member of your future campus.
FUN FACT:
I own an African Grey parrot, he is very talkative!
Vanessa Deering
ACADEMICS:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | B.S. Physics (2025)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College, Scholarships
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
Entering the college application process as a student with an eclectic range of seemingly unrelated academic and personal interests, I found essay writing to be incredibly overwhelming at first! I struggled to pinpoint a singular experience to talk about in my personal statement and whenever I did pick one, even my best drafts somehow felt incomplete. Pressured by fast-approaching deadlines, I eventually took a new approach. After doing some soul searching and determining what aspects of myself/my life felt most important at heart, I began writing about each separately: my passion for physics and teaching, my first rock band, my childhood creative writing escapades, and so on. Through countless experimental writing sessions, I steadily accumulated small pieces of clarity–a paragraph here, a sentence there–that captured me partially but authentically; figuring out the underlying narrative connecting these snapshots then became an exercise in self-reflection and self-discovery. By the time I pressed those long-awaited ‘Submit Application’ buttons, I had a body of writing that took readers on a tender journey through the most cherished pockets of my identity. And I ended up getting accepted to every school I applied to!
FUN FACT:
I used to sing in a rock band in high school and am working on a solo music album right now.
Patrick Taqui, Esq.
ACADEMICS:
Stony Brook University | B.A. Philosophy Honors
New York University School of Law | J.D. (Admitted to Practice in New York)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
Law School
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
I worked for a little over seven years before applying to law school, and the many positions I held and businesses I started at this time were substantially unrelated to my interest in practicing law. I was worried that my reasons for applying would not be credible, given such an unconventional career path. Nevertheless, I leaned into these experiences to craft a profile that made me a more complete candidate than I would have been had I not worked to this extent. I talked about how anxious and timid I was graduating from a college, and how my first sales job in Manhattan helped me build confidence, forcing me to learn how to connect with people I meet for the first time; I explained how the real estate firm I co-founded and led taught me to be self-motivated and responsible for the development and success of other agents; I shared how working as an interpreter for a nonprofit organization that specializes in helping African immigrants in New York fueled my interest in immigration law. Essentially, I told my story authentically, and was able to show how these experiences would make me a better law student and, ultimately, a better lawyer.
FUN FACT:
I co-own a cajun seafood restaurant in Brooklyn, NY. If you’re ever in town look us up – we make the best fries in town!
Isabelle Marín
ACADEMICS:
Loyola Marymount University | B.A. in Political Science and Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies
University of San Francisco | M.A. in Urban and Public Affairs
Claremont Graduate University | Ph.D. Political Science (2025)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College and Graduate Admissions
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
When I was applying for college as a first-generation student, I faced a big challenge. I didn’t know much about the application process, and my test scores weren’t great. But I didn’t let that stop me. Instead, I focused on my passion and wrote a heartfelt personal statement. I shared my personal background, genuine experiences and dreams, showing the admissions team who I really am. My hard work paid off, and I not only overcame the obstacle but learned how to write my story in all my admissions statements. Now, I’m on my way to being a Ph.D!
FUN FACT:
I enjoy exploring botanical gardens!
Avital 'Tali' Datskovsky
ACADEMICS:
University of Chicago | AB in South Asian Languages & Civilizations and Human Rights
SOAS, University of London | MSc in Development Studies
Syracuse University | PhD in Cultural Anthropology (2026)
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College, Graduate School, Scholarships
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
University of Chicago was my dream college because I loved learning and wanted to go to a school that emphasized learning for its own sake. My grades, however, while good, were not great, and my college admissions advisor told me UChicago would be a reach. When I was deferred after applying early admissions, I wrote a letter to the admissions committee explaining why, exactly, UChicago was my dream school and included an essay about my upbringing that demonstrated my ability to be both thoughtful and critical. My undergraduate experience and my years working in academia have led me to believe that far more than grades, your ability to express yourself, to demonstrate passion, and to ask the right questions are the greatest indicators of your ability to succeed in college and graduate school.
FUN FACT:
My decision to study Hindi for my language credit in undergraduate led to a degree in South Asian Languages and Civilizations and five years living, working, and conducting research in India with non-profits and academic institutions!
Sarmed Rashid
ACADEMICS:
University of Texas at Austin | BA in Mathematics, Government, Literature – Rhodes Finalist
Harvard University (HKS) | MPA
Wharton School – UPenn | MBA in Finance
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
College, Business School, Graduate Schools
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
As a public servant with nonprofit and government experience, I had a nontraditional MBA background, and I had to find ways to explain my work (and my contribution to the MBA community) to a very corporate school like Wharton.
FUN FACT:
I was a volunteer EMT in DC from 2017 – 2021. This included the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hamada Zahawi
ACADEMICS:
UCLA | B.A. History, Political Science – Summa Cum Laude
University of Cambridge | MPhil International Relations – Honors
UC Berkeley Law | J.D. (CA Bar)
Harvard University (HKS) | Masters in Public Administration
(Full Merit Scholarship)
Each time I applied to college, graduate school, and law school my standardized scores were in the 50th – 60th percentile. Despite taking the SAT, LSAT and GRE several times, the scores simply did not reflect my efforts or true aptitude. I knew I could not get into a top program without an outstanding application including a bulletproof addendum and a unique personal statement. Thankfully in each case I was able to extensively research and artfully craft an application that not only helped get me over the admissions hurdle at top programs, but also receive funding for my studies!
FUN FACT:
I am obsessed with traveling. To date I have traveled to 150+ countries and attended 7 Soccer World Cups!
Brandon Martinez
ACADEMICS:
Harvard University | B.A. Government, secondary in Economics — magna cum laude
Harvard Law School | J.D., Class of 2025
AREA(S) OF EXPERTISE:
Law School, College, Graduate School
OVERCOMING AN ADMISSIONS HURDLE:
My LSAT score was lower than the recommended minimum score of 170 for admissions to Harvard Law, and I worried that, because my GPA was not a 4.0, I would not stand out as a political science major. I was very grateful to receive support from mentors and law school students who knew how I could explain the connections between my passions and the education I wanted out of law school. I applied to one law school and got in. I am excited to be a resource for you to find your potential in higher education at the best school for you.
FUN FACT:
I love the arts, including theater and dancing. In college, my friends helped me direct a play at the American Repertory Theater in Boston.
SEED
Secondary Education & Extracurricular Development (SEED) is geared to help 10th graders with all the academic mentorship, extracurricular guidance and social support through your own personal counselor to maximize high school and pave the path towards college. This is a 3-4 month process.
COMPREHENSIVE 1:1 APPLICATION GUIDANCE
This is a Comprehensive service for college applicants ready to start their college applications. We will help you craft powerful and personal essays and application materials tailored and perfected for each college in the U.S., Canada and the UK (UCAS)*. This service will not only paint you as an exceptional candidate, but will be the ‘pen-dropping’ quality you need to stand out from the 10,000s of other applicants! This is a 2-3 month process.
*Note, the U.S. Common Application is billed as an ’Individual School Package’ and not as part of any single school application.
Please Contact Write Track for personalized package prices and timeline
COMPASS
COMPASS (11th Grade): College Orientation & Mentorship Pre-Application Services (COMPASS) is aimed at 11th graders and provides all the academic mentorship, extracurricular guidance, social support, and pre-college planning you need to build your story, strength your profile, and be the “best high school college candidate possible!” This is a year-long process service.
The right school and a great story is only half the battle; you need to ensure that you can effectively translate that story onto paper in a convincing and articulate manner to become a top choice candidate. Our experts are published authors who have helped applicants turn complex and confusing ideas into jaw-dropping statements that truly reflect who they are.
“Write Track showed me the ways I could re-work my essay so that I conveyed everything I wanted to about myself in a coherent and convincing way.” ~ Kevin S. (Admitted Yale Law)
Once you have identified your top choice schools we help you with the most difficult part of the application: discovering and telling your story in authentic, articulate, and effective manner using the WriteStory philosophy. Storycrafting is an art that we have truly mastered with over a decade of admissions experience working with over a thousand of applicants from over 30 countries!
“To get into a top school … you need a hit-me-over-the head-this-is-amazing story. Write Track will provide that edge!” ~ Sara A. (Admitted Berkeley Law)
The application process is often very confusing for applicants. To respond to this need, Write Track has created numerous online resources (newsletters, podcasts, blogs, videos, webinars) as well as a proprietary service for our College, Law, and MBA clients: Application Preparation Process (APP). This unique service will provide you with all the guidance and resources you need to succeed in your applications.
“Write Track gave me the tools and advice I needed to make my complete application impressive.” ~ Rita G. (Admitted LSE)
Ivan Rahman
Director of MBA Admissions
Academics:
New York University | B.A. Individualized Study
Harvard University | Master in Public Administration
(Full Merit Scholarship)
Stanford Graduate School of Business | MBA (Fellowship Recipient)
Area(s) of Expertise: MBA
Overcoming an Admissions Hurdle: Coming from a nontraditional background, I had almost no idea about what it takes to get into a top MBA program. Therefore, my biggest hurdle was communicating my experience in a way that would convince MBA admissions committees that I can excel both in business school and the private sector. To do this, I spoke with several people that also possessed nontraditional professional backgrounds and who were in or had completed business school to glean which parts of my experiences to highlight given my present and future goals. Doing so ultimately helped me to receive offers from several top business schools!
Fun Fact: During my first year at Stanford, a few of my classmates and I would take over the empty MBA lounge on Saturday nights, shut the doors, close the blinds, and blast instrumental hip-hop beats. After cranking up the bass, we would freestyle for hours!
One of the main issues facing clients that can derail the whole application process is time management and sticking to key deadlines. We not only help you strategize an effective timeline from the start but also coach you through the whole process, even when life gets in the way! We do not rest until you submit an outstanding application in a timely fashion!
“Write Track really helped me out of a jam by keeping me focused and aware of deadlines.” ~ Farina B. (Admitted Stanford MBA)
Locations with Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Global Map
Up to the minute updates of the coronavirus outbreak can be found on CNN’S website. All major sporting events for the NBA, NHL, MLB are being cancelled, amusement parks are shuttering their doors, businesses are asking employees to work from home, and travel has been ground to a halt. With the number of coronavirus cases rising, the effects it is having on our communities is serious. You may have noticed a shortage of toilet paper, water and hand sanitizer at your local stores.
Locations with Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Global Map
Up to the minute updates of the coronavirus outbreak can be found on CNN’S website. All major sporting events for the NBA, NHL, MLB are being cancelled, amusement parks are shuttering their doors, businesses are asking employees to work from home, and travel has been ground to a halt. With the number of coronavirus cases rising, the effects it is having on our communities is serious. You may have noticed a shortage of toilet paper, water and hand sanitizer at your local stores.
