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. 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 starting grad school, I was the lead editor for Global Americans, a magazine focused on foreign policy. I’ve also written my own work in outlets such as The Diplomat and World Politics Review. I draw on this experience as a college coach, helping students turn their ideas into memorable and effective essays. ...
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 starting grad school, I was the lead editor for Global Americans, a magazine focused on foreign policy. I’ve also written my own work in outlets such as The Diplomat and World Politics Review. I draw on this experience as a college coach, helping students turn their ideas into memorable and effective essays. ...
Robert helped students get into:
Columbia UniversityDuke University
Harvard UniversityJohns Hopkins University
University of ChicagoGeorgetown University
Tufts UniversityAmerican University
Columbia University
Duke University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
University of Chicago
Georgetown University
Tufts University
American 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
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
📺
Favorite TV show
🍴
Favorite food
🪄
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.
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.
Packages
College Advising (Starter Package)
5 hours
For students who are applying to a few schools. Best for students who have already written drafts.
$695($139/hr)
Save 7%
College Advising (Success Package)
10 hours
For students who are seeking comprehensive help with college admissions. Students may or may not have drafts ready for review, and they can choose how to best use their 10 hours, including advice on selecting colleges, live or offline editing, final review of their applications, mock interviews, and more.
$1,295($130/hr)
Save 13%
Advising hours
College admissions advising
$149.00 / 60 min
Set a focus for each session or get help with any aspect of the admissions process.
College admissions advising (30 minutes)
$99.00 / 30 min
Get help with any aspect of the admissions process with this half-hour session.
College admissions advising (90 minutes)
$199.00 / 90 min
Get help with any aspect of the admissions process with this one and a half hour session.
Mock College Interview
$149.00 / 60 min
As a Duke Alumni Admissions Interviewer, I've learned the most common questions that interviewers ask and what qualities admissions officers are looking for in response. We'll do a practice interview, followed by personalized feedback.
Essay review
Full Review
$25.00 + 19 cents per word
Return time
- Standard delivery: up to 48 hours
- Guaranteed fast delivery: get your essay back in as little as: 12 hours +$49.00
Description
Have your essay reviewed by a professional editor. I'll suggest direct edits to the text, as well as provide comments in the margin.
Second Round Review
$15.00 + 12 cents per word
Return time
- Standard delivery: up to 48 hours
- Guaranteed fast delivery: get your essay back in as little as: 12 hours +$49.00
Description
Already received my comments on your draft but want me to take another look? I'll provide comments on your updated draft. This review is available for students who have previously purchased the full review or who have received my live essay feedback in a one-on-one session.
Supplements Package
$35.00 + 19 cents per word
Return time
- Standard delivery: up to 48 hours
- Guaranteed fast delivery: get your essay back in as little as: 12 hours +$49.00
Description
Do you have multiple essays for a single school? I'll be happy to review them together.
Robert’s most recent videos
Recent reviews
4.9(110 reviews)
“Robert was a great help; I had a miscommunication but got it figured out. This information will be pretty in-sightful on the Common App. "
Rittik B.“Great edits and feeback"
Adib K.“Great review with helpful tips! "
Nathan S.Join a quick meeting
Let’s chat
Any questions? Let’s hop on a quick call to learn more about your needs in the admissions process and how I can approach them
Join a quick meeting
Let’s chat
Any questions? Let’s hop on a quick call to learn more about your needs in the admissions process and how I can approach them
Washington, DC
7 years of experience
English | Spanish
Duke University – BS | Economics and Political Science
Johns Hopkins University – MA | International Relations
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
📺
Favorite TV show
🍴
Favorite food
🪄
Hobbies
Travel, Hiking, Camping, Learning Languages, Reading