Aja Altenhof
5.0(13 reviews)
5.0(13 reviews)
Aja Altenhof
About
I went to the University of Pennsylvania (C’ 21) where I double majored in Linguistics & Cognitive Science and graduated magna cum laude. I just finished my Masters in the Evolution of Language and Cognition at the University of Edinburgh, where I graduated with the highest honors. In 2023, I worked at Princeton University as a research specialist in a computational neuroscience lab. Now, I’m a PhD student in Linguistics at UW Madison. Fall 2024 will be my sixth admissions cycle working working in college advising! I emphasize a holistic approach to advising. I'm here to guide my students through every step of the process, from creating the perfect school list and admissions narrative, through submission and finally, interview prep. I have extensive experience teaching both the SAT and ACT allowing for the seamless pairing of tutoring and admissions guidance. Finally, as someone who studies and writes about language for a living, I am a precise and effective editor. There is nothing more satisfying than helping students manifest the best possible version of their writing, and themselves, for their applications!
Madison, WI
7 years of experience
English | Spanish
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University of Pennsylvania – BA | I doubled majored in Linguistics and Cognitive Science!
University of Edinburgh – MS | MSc in the Evolution of Language and Cognition
University of Wisconsin-Madison – PhD | I'm a current PhD student in Linguistics, focused on experimental and computational approaches to language evolution
How I work
I take a holistic and structured approach to advising, ensuring that each session supports the next and centers the student's needs. As a low-income student, I am intimately familiar with the ins and outs of financial aid and securing lucrative scholarships. As an academic linguistic, someone who thinks about words and meanings for a living, I am a meticulous, knowledgeable and constructive essay editor.
I’ve helped students get accepted to…
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, San Diego
University of Chicago
University of Connecticut
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Southern California
University of Texas at Austin
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vanderbilt University
Virginia Tech
Yale University
Bard College
Skidmore College
Sarah Lawrence College
Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Drexel University
Duke University
Fordham University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Pennsylvania State University
Princeton University
Rice University
Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Stanford University
Temple University
Texas A&M University
Services
Advising sessions
Getting to know you! (and me!)
$20 | 30 min
Let's chat to discuss your college goals. Decide if I'm the right advisor for you!
Book session
Essay Brainstorming
$150 | 60 min
Too many ideas? Too few? In this session, we'll find the right path for your essay!
Book session
Interview Prep II (Mock Interview)
$187 | 75 min
Put your new skills to the test in a mock interview!
Book session
Interview Prep I (General)
$187 | 75 min
Learn all the information you need to nail your next interview!
Book session
Essay Editing II
$225 | 90 min
Receive comments and revisions for a 200 - 400 word essay paired with a 45 min Zoom meeting to apply them
Book session
Essay Editing I
$300 | 120 min
Receive comments and revisions for a 500-600 word essay paired with a 1 hour Zoom meeting to apply them!
Book session
Advising packages
Advising - 5 hours
5 hours
For families looking for a little additional support during the college admissions process!
$700 ($140/hr)
Book package
Advising - 10 hours
10 hours
For families looking for help on a couple of key schools!
$1,300 ($130/hr)
Book package
Advising - 25 hours
25 hours
For families looking for greater support across the admissions process. Perfect for students with more supplemental essays!
$3,000 ($120/hr)
Book package
Advising - 40 hours
40 hours
For families with a longer college list looking for more support throughout the application process!
$4,400 ($110/hr)
Book package
Advising - Unlimited
60 hours
Unlimited college support! Best for families with a long college list composed of lots of competitive schools!
$6,000 ($100/hr)
Book package
Reviews
5
| Over 1 year ago
Thanks Aja! The comments and suggestions were really helpful!
5
| Over 1 year ago
5
| Over 1 year ago
Amazing and talented Aja was excellent in reviewing my daughters essay to update/review. I was very impressed with Aja. High recommendations from this family.
5
| Over 1 year ago
5
| Over 1 year ago
Excellent and to the point. Loved the input and guidance. Very knowledgeable in the process of school applications and essay process.
Fun facts
🗣
Favorite piece of advice
"At the end of the day, you are going to college — not your parents or your friends — and you deserve to be happy there."
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Favorite movie
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
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Favorite author
V.E. Schwab
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Favorite classes in school
English
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Favorite sport
Volleyball
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Favorite album
Melodrama by Lorde
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First job
Camp Counselor