Lydia Schooler is a college admissions advisor, writing coach, and incoming PhD student in Computational Neuroscience and AI at the Max Planck Society. She graduated from Yale University with a B.S. in Cognitive Science and has spent the past eight years helping students gain admission to top colleges, including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and selective liberal arts and public universities.

Lydia began her advising career at CollegeVine and CollegeAdvisor, where she quickly became one of the top consultants. She now runs her own advising practice and has worked closely with thousands of students.

Known for her ability to help students find their voice, make meaningful connections across their experiences, and write with clarity and purpose, Lydia combines deep writing expertise with real-world experience as a published cognitive science researcher and AI communications lead. She has particular experience with students applying to HYPSM or other top schools.

I tailor my approach to each student’s goals and working style. Some come to me for long-term mentorship, others for targeted essay coaching or final edits. I offer a range of services—from multi-year profile development to hourly-based application and essay support—and have particular experience helping students gain admission to the most competitive schools in the country, including HYPSM.

Over the past eight years, I’ve worked with students across a wide range of academic interests, cultural backgrounds, and learning profiles. This includes international students, recruited athletes, and students facing unique challenges, such as recovering from a traumatic brain injury during senior year. I’ve supported students who were laser-focused on a specific Ivy League program, as well as those still exploring their interests. As an older sister, I value my role as a trusted advisor who helps students figure out what’s right for them and build a clear, confident path forward.

I bring structure and accountability to the process. Between sessions, students receive personalized assignments and access to systems that keep them organized and on schedule. Many have shared that our conversations helped them clarify what they want, recognize patterns across different areas of their lives, and gain confidence in their direction.

I also often serve as a bridge between students and parents, helping both sides communicate expectations, goals, and concerns in a way that fosters understanding and minimizes tension.

A core part of my advising is teaching students how to write and think clearly. I see the college application as an opportunity to develop lasting skills in storytelling, analysis, and reflection. Many former students have said that our work together prepared them for college-level academic, scientific, and creative writing. My own college admissions process sparked a lasting love of personal essays, and I especially enjoy helping students express themselves through this powerful form.