“Dr. Castilla is a true expert as a college counselor and a first rate professor.
The immense range of skills that I gained under his guidance has facilitated my success, shaped my character and are serving me well at Harvard. With gratitude and sincerity, I can say Dr. Castilla changed my life.”
— Danny, Harvard (BA & JD)
High energy and on-trend, Dr. Alexander Castilla's approach to leadership development helps students become more ambitious, assertive, & creative.
An authoritative and accomplished strategist, Alexander Castilla (Ph.D., Columbia University) has successfully advised students for over fifteen years by providing the highest quality consulting to discerning families.
Parents appreciate his straightforward approach, innovative strategies and ability to connect with their kids. Under his guidance, students have gained acceptance into a broad range of highly selective and elite colleges that are a good fit.
Dr. Castilla has worked hand-in-hand with and received training by Admissions Deans & Officers from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Chicago, Stanford and MIT. A world traveler, he continues to lead college essay writing and application building workshops in the United States, Europe, and China.
He has also received advanced training in diplomacy, communications, and political strategy from senior level Foreign Service Officers in the State Department and affiliated agencies. These experiences have sharpened his approach to leadership, decision-making, and long-term positioning.
A master of storytelling, Dr. Castilla, an Ivy League-trained communications specialist, professor, and published writer, teaches students how to craft creative college essays. Students feel empowered as they build narratives that captivate the attention of admissions officers, enabling them to gain admission into America’s best public and private universities.
Most importantly, colleges that are a good fit!
After 9/11, as a scholar, advisor and writer, Dr. Castilla’s work focused on international politics. His book, Re-imagining European Identity Politics in the 21st Century, promotes democracy. Castilla’s contributions to cultural diplomacy, peace, security & counterterrorism studies, and higher education have been supported and recognized by the U.S. State Department, the United Nations, UNESCO, and distinguished American and European universities & NGO’s.
Dr. Castilla’s no-nonsense approach and trusted reputation make him a valued advisor to families seeking the highest level of academic counsel and support for their children.
Dr. Castilla does not write essays for students.
“We are in disbelief! Jamie got into Brown, Penn, Dartmouth, and Cornell (transfer option), and was waitlisted at Yale. Thank you for all your help!!”
College Acceptances 2019-2025
1. Columbia University
2. Princeton (2)
3. Cornell (3)
4. Duke
5. Oxford
6. Brown
7. Georgetown (2)
8. Berkeley (2)
9. Dartmouth
10. Northwestern (2)
11. University of Pennsylvania
12. Notre Dame
13. University of Michigan (5)
14. University of Texas, Austin (3)
15. Boston University (5)
16. University of Toronto (3)
17. Fordham (4)
18. University of Wisconsin, Madison (3)
19. Penn State (6)
20. Ohio State University (4)
21. University of Massachusetts, Amherst (3)
22. University of Indiana, Bloomington (7)
23. Florida State
24. Rutgers (4)
25. University of Pittsburgh (3)
26. University of Maryland (3)
27. University of Miami (3)
28. Clemson (2)
29. Baylor
30. Texas A&M (2)
31. Southern Methodist (2)
32. Emerson (2)
33. Brandeis
34. Temple (2)
35. Tufts (2)
36. Babson
37. Syracuse (2)
38. American University (4)
39. George Washington University (3)
40. McGill (3)
41. Wellesley (2)
42. Georgia Tech (2)
43. William and Mary (2)
44. Wake Forest (2)
45. Boston College
46. Emory
47. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
48. University of Southern California (2)
49. UCLA (4)
50. NYU (3)
50. Northeastern (8)
+ Many more!
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Dr. Castilla has also mentored students who have gone on to intern and work for the public and private good at the US Congress, US Chamber of Commerce, Teach for America, US State Department, United Nations, Oxford University Press, Peace Corps, Boston Children’s Hospital and leading Wall Street and Silicon Valley firms.
Since 2014, as an alumni representative, Dr. Castilla has coached students & alumni at Columbia University's Center for Career Education and has led young professionals who have gone on to shape the world in STEM, higher education, the arts, law, entrepreneurship & business.
“As an Asst. Dean & Asst. Director of undergraduate admissions at Princeton, Johns Hopkins and NYU, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented professionals in higher education. Alex stands out for his ability to connect with the students and increase their confidence.
He is a fantastic counselor who teaches students how to use their voices in an impactful way. Alex can effectively help a student develop their academic interests, engage in unique extracurricular and leadership activities, strengthen their personal qualities, and ultimately, position them to get into the best schools possible.”
“Under my guidance, families are able to maintain a healthy peace of mind so that their kids can focus on getting accepted into selective universities that are a good fit.
As a trusted source for families and with an authoritative insight on college admissions, I’m eager to share my expertise and help your child succeed!”
“Dear Alex, Thanks for all your help throughout my college application process. I really could not have done what I have without your help!
I got into RISD, Cornell, Wellesley, William and Mary, and Princeton. Again, thanks for all your help!!”
Since 2007, Dr. Castilla’s students have gained admission into highly selective American universities that are an outstanding fit, including:
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITIES
“Incredibly helpful, Dr. Castilla’s coaching was beneficial and irreplaceable. I am honored to have worked with him.”
“Alex’s guidance was direct, thoughtful, and helped my writing become clearer, stronger and more engaging. Getting the acceptance letter has been a game changer and I strongly recommend his work. Thanks, Alex!””
“Dear Alex, I have heard back from colleges, and have decided to go to Brown. Again, thank you so much for helping me during the college process! ”
“Alex’s direct approach helped me to reach my goal of getting into graduate school. My application showed my true self, and I got into my first choice, the University of Pennsylvania!”
“Alex is an expert in college counseling who continuously provides winning advice for students and families around the world!”
“Alex was a real blessing when I applied to law school. He’s truly versed in many disciplines and has a great deal of knowledge about college admissions. ”