Private School · Undergraduate · Graduate Admissions

Your story is the
application.

Personalized academic advising for private high school, Ivy League, top-20 universities, and graduate programs. Every student arrives with a story that is entirely their own — nuanced, layered, and worth telling well. The work is drawing it out, shaping it with intention, and delivering it with the clarity and conviction that admissions committees don't forget.

Elisabeth Ryann

"Every student has a story worth telling. The work is uncovering it — and making sure the right people hear it."

Elisabeth Ryann — Founder
98%
First-choice placement
3
Admissions levels
Ivy+
Top-20 & Ivy placements

About

Admissions is a craft,
not a checklist.

Every student arrives with more material than they realize — a conversation they had, a problem they solved, a moment that shifted how they see the world. The work is listening closely enough to find it, and knowing what to do with it once you do.

A strong application is not a list of accomplishments. It is a carefully constructed narrative that reveals who a student is, how they think, and why they belong in a particular room. Grades and scores create possibility. Story determines outcome.

Navigating the path to the right school — at any level — is one of the most consequential journeys a family will undertake. Elisabeth brings a full-spectrum, intellectually rigorous approach to every stage: from private high school placements and Ivy League undergraduate admissions to graduate school strategy across MBA, law, and medical programs. An expert in every step of the process, and a 1-on-1 partner through all of it.

With extensive experience living and studying abroad, Elisabeth brings particular depth to advising students from Europe and Asia navigating the American admissions landscape — and American students seeking opportunities internationally.

The path to the right school is high-stakes — and it should also be deeply clarifying. Elisabeth's approach is structured, rigorous, and genuinely supportive, designed to ensure that every student arrives at their decision not just accepted, but confident in who they are and certain of where they're going.

Education & Credentials

—
The Hun School of Princeton
Graduate · ACT 35 · AP Scholar with Distinction · Cum Laude Society · National Honor Society
—
Haverford College
B.S. Biology · Double Minor: Neuroscience & Health Studies · Cum Laude · Admitted to UPenn (Ivy League), Georgetown & several top-20 universities
—
King's College London
Research Fellow · St John's Institute of Dermatology
—
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
M.D. Candidate — Thomas Jefferson University

By the Numbers

35
ACT Composite
36 English
5×
AP 5s — Bio,
Calc, History & more
10+
Years tutoring
K–12 & college

Former editor-in-chief with extensive essay coaching experience. Passionate advocate for students with learning differences and special needs. Fluent in the nuances of both American and international admissions — with firsthand experience living and studying in Europe.

01
Story Architecture

We find the thread that connects your experiences into a cohesive, compelling identity.

02
Strategic Positioning

We identify where you're strongest — and which schools will see it that way.

03
Test Mastery

SAT, ACT, ISEE, SSAT — structured prep that fits your learning style.

04
Essay Coaching

Great essays don't announce themselves — they pull you in. We develop essays that are precise, unexpected, and unmistakably yours.


Services

Expert guidance at every step of the process.

From the nation's most selective boarding schools to Ivy League campuses and top graduate programs — Elisabeth brings the same rigor, personalization, and 1-on-1 attention to every level and every stage. Comprehensive packages for families who want a partner through the entire journey, and targeted engagements for those who need support at a specific step.

Admissions Advising

I
Private High School

An area of deep expertise — and her own path. A graduate of The Hun School of Princeton, Elisabeth brings rare firsthand fluency to the private school admissions process, both boarding and day. She works with families navigating the nation's most selective institutions, guiding every step from initial school list to final enrollment.

Private high school admissions is high-stakes, nuanced, and often begins earlier than families expect. Elisabeth's edge is knowing exactly what these schools are looking for — because she lived it.

Full-Cycle Advisory Essay Only ISEE / SSAT Prep School List Strategy Interview Coaching Boarding & Day Schools
II
College Admissions

Full-cycle undergraduate advising for Ivy League and top-20 universities — from story development and school list curation to Common App, supplemental essays, and final submission. Extensive experience with transfer admissions. Targeted packages also available for students who need support with a specific part of the process.

Full-Cycle Advisory Essay Only SAT / ACT Prep School Strategy Transfer Admissions
III
Graduate School

MBA, JD, MD, and specialized master's program strategy. For driven professionals who know where they want to go and need a precise, expert partner to build the application that gets them there — from personal statement to recommender briefings and interview prep.

Full-Cycle Advisory Personal Statement Only GMAT / GRE / LSAT Interview Prep

Academic Tutoring & Enrichment

IV
Subject & Class Tutoring

1-on-1 tutoring across all academic subjects for K–12 and undergraduate students. Whether a student needs support keeping pace with a rigorous course load or wants to go deeper than the classroom allows, Elisabeth meets them exactly where they are — with the same precision and care she brings to every engagement.

All Subjects K–12 Undergraduate Learning Differences
V
Academic Enrichment

For students who want to go beyond the standard curriculum — building intellectual depth, sharpening critical thinking, and developing the academic identity that makes an application genuinely stand out. Enrichment that creates story, not just grades.

Critical Thinking Writing & Research STEM Enrichment Academic Identity

Resources

Tools to guide the journey.

Expertly crafted guides and reports available for purchase — designed for families who want a head start before working 1-on-1 with Elisabeth.

Coming Soon

Test Preparation

The SSAT Study Guide

A comprehensive, expertly structured guide to mastering the SSAT — built on the same strategies Elisabeth uses with her highest-performing private school applicants.

Coming Soon Digital Download
Coming Soon

Essay Coaching

The Essay Brainstorming Guide

Elisabeth's signature framework for uncovering the story only you can tell — the same process she uses with every private client to find the essay that is unmistakably, authentically theirs.

Coming Soon Digital Download
Coming Soon

School Selection

The School Match Report

A personalized, in-depth school match report based on your academic profile, goals, and personality — going far beyond rankings to identify the schools where you will genuinely thrive.

Coming Soon Digital Download

Find your best-fit college.

This tool is designed specifically for undergraduate college admissions. It goes far beyond rankings — factoring in class size, social life, campus culture, climate, geography, and more to surface schools where you will genuinely thrive, not just gain admission.

For private high school or graduate school placement, reach out directly — those require a different and more tailored conversation.

Question 1 of 15

How would you describe your academic record?

Be honest — the right fit matters more than the most prestigious name.

A
Top of my class — strongest GPA, rigorous course load
B
Strong — high grades with honors/AP courses
C
Solid — good grades, upward trend
D
Mixed — strong in some areas, weaker in others
Please select an option to continue.
1 / 15
Question 2 of 15

Where do your standardized test scores land?

Approximate is fine — or where you expect to be.

A
1450+ SAT / 33+ ACT
B
1300–1450 SAT / 29–32 ACT
C
1100–1300 SAT / 24–28 ACT
D
Haven't tested yet / applying test-optional
Please select an option to continue.
2 / 15
Question 3 of 15

What lights you up intellectually?

Your academic identity matters as much as your major.

A
STEM — math, science, engineering, computer science
B
Humanities — writing, history, languages, philosophy
C
Arts — visual art, music, theater, film, design
D
Business, economics, law, entrepreneurship
E
Genuinely interdisciplinary — I can't choose one
Please select an option to continue.
3 / 15
Question 4 of 15

How do you learn best in the classroom?

This shapes whether a large university or small college is right for you.

A
Small seminars — I want professors to know my name and deep discussion
B
Mid-size classes — a balance of discussion and lecture
C
Large lectures are fine — I'm self-directed and seek out professors independently
D
Research-driven — I want lab time, mentors, and hands-on work over class time
Please select an option to continue.
4 / 15
Question 5 of 15

How do you approach academics?

Your intellectual style matters as much as your GPA.

A
Competitive — I thrive when the bar is extremely high and peers push me
B
Collaborative — I learn best through discussion, teamwork, and community
C
Independent — I go deep on my own and thrive with intellectual autonomy
D
Creative — I need space to experiment, question, and think differently
Please select an option to continue.
5 / 15
Question 6 of 15

What does your ideal social life at college look like?

Social fit is as important as academic fit — be honest.

A
Greek life or a strong social scene with lots of events and traditions
B
Tight-knit community — deep friendships, everyone knows each other
C
City-driven — social life extends well beyond campus into restaurants, culture, nightlife
D
Low-key — I want a calm, focused environment where academics come first
Please select an option to continue.
6 / 15
Question 7 of 15

What size school feels right?

Think about how you want to feel walking around campus every day.

A
Small (under 3,000) — intimate, every face becomes familiar
B
Medium (3,000–10,000) — community feel with more variety
C
Large (10,000+) — anonymity, breadth, and a university feel
D
No strong preference — program and culture matter more
Please select an option to continue.
7 / 15
Question 8 of 15

Where do you want to be?

Geography shapes daily life more than most students expect.

A
Northeast — NYC, Boston, DC corridor; culture, prestige, density
B
South — warmer climate, strong traditions, hospitality
C
West Coast — California, Pacific Northwest; innovation, outdoors, sunshine
D
Midwest — strong academics, lower cost of living, tight communities
E
Open — the school matters more than the zip code
Please select an option to continue.
8 / 15
Question 9 of 15

How much does climate matter to you?

Four years is a long time — weather affects mood, activity, and daily life more than you think.

A
I need warm weather — cold winters are a dealbreaker
B
I love four seasons — fall foliage and snowy winters appeal to me
C
Mild and temperate — not too hot, not too cold
D
Climate doesn't factor into my decision
Please select an option to continue.
9 / 15
Question 10 of 15

What kind of campus culture fits you best?

Every campus has a personality — what's yours?

A
Socially engaged — activism, advocacy, and social justice are central to campus life
B
Traditional and preppy — established traditions, school pride, strong alumni network
C
Creative and artsy — expressive, unconventional, celebrates individuality
D
Entrepreneurial and driven — startup culture, ambition, career-focused
E
Balanced — I want a mix of all of the above
Please select an option to continue.
10 / 15
Question 11 of 15

How far do you want to be from home?

There's no right answer — just an honest one.

A
Close — I want to be able to get home easily (within 2–3 hours)
B
Moderate — a flight away but not across the country
C
Far — I want a complete fresh start, distance is appealing
D
No preference — other factors matter more
Please select an option to continue.
11 / 15
Question 12 of 15

What are your goals after college?

This shapes which schools' pipelines and networks matter most for you.

A
Graduate or professional school — med, law, PhD, MBA
B
Industry — finance, consulting, tech, media
C
Entrepreneurship or startup — I want to build something
D
Public service, government, nonprofit, or the arts
E
Undecided — I want a school that keeps all options open
Please select an option to continue.
12 / 15
Question 13 of 15

How much does athletics matter to campus life for you?

Whether you play or just want to cheer — this shapes the campus energy enormously.

A
I'm a recruited or serious athlete — D1 or D3 programs matter to me
B
Big game days and school spirit are important to me, even as a fan
C
I'd play intramurals or club sports but it's not a deciding factor
D
Athletics culture doesn't factor into my decision at all
Please select an option to continue.
13 / 15
Question 14 of 15

How important is campus diversity and international student presence?

Some students thrive in globally diverse environments; others prefer a more regional feel.

A
Very important — I want a globally diverse, international campus
B
Somewhat important — diversity matters but isn't my top criterion
C
Not a top priority for me in school selection
Please select an option to continue.
14 / 15
Question 15 of 15

Where should we send your personalized school match report?

Your results appear instantly. Your email gets the full breakdown.

Please enter your name and a valid email.
15 / 15
Your Profile Type

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Your Best-Fit Schools

"These matches are a strong starting point. A full strategy session reveals the schools where your specific story will land best."

Book a Free Consultation

How It Works

From first conversation
to acceptance letter.

01
Discovery Call

A free 30-minute conversation to understand your student's profile, goals, and timeline. No pressure — just a chance to see if we're the right fit for each other.

02
Story Development

We dig into who your student is — not just grades and activities, but how they think, what drives them, and what makes their narrative unique and compelling.

03
School Strategy

A curated school list built on fit, academic match, and strategic positioning — not rankings. We identify your reach, target, and safety schools with intention.

04
Application & Acceptance

We support every component of the application — essays, recommendations, testing, and interviews — from first draft to submission day and beyond.


Results

What students & families say.

College Admissions

"I got into Harvard and Princeton. Elisabeth, I cannot thank you enough for helping me create an essay that feels like me — and that tied my whole identity and academic experiences together."

H+P
— Maddie · Student, Class of 2025
Harvard & Princeton Admit

College Admissions & School Fit

"I committed to Vanderbilt. I would never have thought it was my top choice — Elisabeth helped me find the best fit for my goals and personality, and craft an application that got me in and was authentically me."

— Avery · Student, Class of 2025

Private High School

"Elisabeth is a master at the private school admissions process. My son got into Exeter and she guided him every step of the way. She knows the process inside and out."

— Megan · Parent of Dylan, Exeter Admit, Class of 2025

Private High School

"Your hard work and dedication was instrumental in Katherine's journey. She was just accepted into Deerfield Academy's Class of 2030 — we are so grateful for everything you did. God bless you for the light you shine and the standards you embody."

— R.J. & Julia, Parents of Katherine

College Admissions

"I got into UPenn, Georgetown, and several other top-20 universities. I cannot thank you enough for your help and for making this process so joyful. My biggest dream is coming true."

— Emma · Student, Class of 2025

Graduate School

"I got into three M.D. programs. I could not have done it without you."

— Kennedy · Student, Class of 2024

Essay Coaching

"I feel so confident in how my essay turned out — and I got into every school I applied to. Thank you so much for all your help."

— Rebecca · Student, Class of 2024

Standardized Testing

"I got a 36 superscore on my ACT. I cannot thank you enough. I will remember your grammar rules forever and apply them to my future writing."

— Beckett · Student, Class of 2025

Standardized Testing

"My score came back 350 points higher than my last one. I reached my 1590 goal. Thank you so much."

— Sophie · Student, Class of 2025

Learning Differences

"My daughter has severe ADHD and a processing learning disability. Elisabeth has a gift. She is patient, joyous, and kind — making every session focused on learning, but without stress."

— Katie's Mom · Middle School Parent

Academic Enrichment

"The academic enrichment is really helping. I can see a dramatic difference in her reading and writing comprehension — and her honors English teacher has already commented on her improvement."

— Saanvi's Mom · Middle School Parent


Get Started

Begin with a conversation.

Availability is limited. If you're considering working together, the best first step is a free 30-minute advising session — no commitment, no pressure.

You'll receive a response within 24 hours with available times.

Or email: elisabethryannprep@gmail.com  ·  +1 (908) 246-8545

Paris · New York · London