Robert Carlson
Robert Carlson

About

My name is Robert Carlson. I live in Washington, DC, and I graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Duke University. This May, I completed my master's degree at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and I will be working at the U.S. Treasury Department starting this fall. With seven years of experience as a tutor, teaching assistant, learning pod instructor, and writing coach, I’m passionate about helping students in their admissions journey.As an alumni interviewer for Duke admissions, I’ve learned what top schools are looking for. I used those tips when I applied to grad school. After acceptances from Harvard, Columbia, Georgetown, and other schools, I decided to attend Johns Hopkins University—where I received a merit-based scholarship covering 80% of tuition. I look forward to sharing the same tips with you.Prior to grad school, I was the lead editor for Global Americans, a magazine focused on foreign policy. I’ve also written my own work i...

Robert helped students get into:
Columbia UniversityDuke University
Harvard UniversityStanford University
Johns Hopkins UniversityUniversity of Chicago
Georgetown UniversityTufts University
Columbia University
Duke University
Harvard University
Stanford University
Johns Hopkins University
University of Chicago
Georgetown University
Tufts University
Robert helps with…
Majors & Careers
Extracurriculars
Transfers
College Interviews
Waitlist & Deferral Assistance
Common App
Jobs & Internships
Highly Selective College Admissions
High School Course Selection
College Applications & Essays
Admissions Timeline
School-Specific Supplemental Essays
Washington, DC
7 years of experience
English | Spanish
Duke University – BS | Economics and Political Science
Johns Hopkins University – MA | International Relations and Economics
Economics
Psychology
History
Political Science
International Relations
Language
Philosophy
Public Policy
Community Organizing
Transfer Students
International Students
Graduate Admissions
Gifted and Talented Students
LGBTQ+ students
Fun Facts
🙏
Best piece of advice
Choose the school that's right for you

💼
First job
Camp Counselor

📓
Favorite subject in school
History

Favorite after-school activities
Debate, Boy Scouts, Quiz Bowl

🪄
Hobbies
Travel, Hiking, Camping, Learning Languages, Reading

My process

With every passing year, the college applications process becomes more competitive—and more stressful.I know from first-hand experience: applying to college in 2015, applying to grad school in 2021, and now helping other students craft their own applications.I've seen how the stress of college applications can weigh heavily on families. A lot of that stress comes from the unresolved questions that parents and students have. Do colleges want students who are focused or well-rounded? How much do grades and test scores matter? What experience should I draw on to write my essays?In my sessions with students, I answer questions like these from an insider's perspective, as an alumni interviewer for Duke University. But more importantly, I emphasize the importance of a cohesive application package.Many students think of their college application as a series of individual challenges. When I coach students, on the other hand, we approach their college application as one unified story. We work together to identify what story the student wants to tell. Then we figure out how each element in the application can tell a part of that story. Finally, I coach students on how to craft their essays and put their best foot forward with admissions officers.

Recent reviews

4.9(141 reviews)

“Very thoughtful review. Provided detailed feedback. It helped me improve the essay in a significant manner. Thank you."

Naman K.

“The review was extremely thorough and helpful in what I need to fix in my essay to make it the best version of itself!"

Valeriia S.

“Great! Helped me so much!"

Aryana W.
Washington, DC
7 years of experience
English | Spanish
Duke University – BS | Economics and Political Science
Johns Hopkins University – MA | International Relations and Economics
Economics
Psychology
History
Political Science
International Relations
Language
Philosophy
Public Policy
Community Organizing
Transfer Students
International Students
Graduate Admissions
Gifted and Talented Students
LGBTQ+ students
Fun Facts
🙏
Best piece of advice
Choose the school that's right for you

💼
First job
Camp Counselor

📓
Favorite subject in school
History

Favorite after-school activities
Debate, Boy Scouts, Quiz Bowl

🪄
Hobbies
Travel, Hiking, Camping, Learning Languages, Reading
Tips for success
1. Prepare for your first session
Plan out the questions and topics you'd like to discuss. If you'd like to work together in the long term, discuss expectations for each other.