Priya Desai
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Priya Desai

About

Priya Desai has worked in college admissions for over five years and has helped others with writing for as long as she can remember! Priya graduated summa cum laude from UCLA's Class of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and worked for a top human resources consulting firm shortly after graduation. During the pandemic, Priya realized a passion for helping others - especially students - feel more empowered in their educational and professional trajectory. Priya also has work experience in healthcare technology, marketing, art, teaching English to non-native speakers, and tutoring from the preschool to high school level. As an oldest sister and cousin, Priya is passionate about helping younger students navigate the often-confusing and seemingly opaque world of college admissions on a personal level.

Priya helped students get into:
University of California, Los AngelesUniversity of California, Berkeley
Texas Christian UniversityUniversity of Michigan
Purdue UniversityGeorge Mason University
University of Illinois at Urbana–ChampaignUniversity of Virginia
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Berkeley
Texas Christian University
University of Michigan
Purdue University
George Mason University
University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
University of Virginia
Priya helps with…
Majors & Careers
Extracurriculars
Building a School List
College Interviews
UC Schools
Common App
Jobs & Internships
Highly Selective College Admissions
High School Course Selection
College Applications & Essays
Admissions Timeline
School-Specific Supplemental Essays
Los Angeles, CA
5 years of experience
English | Gujarati
University of California, Los Angeles – BA | Psychology
Psychology
Political Science
Art
Computer Science
Engineering
Biology
Health
Cognitive Science
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Students with ADHD
Volunteering
STEM
Community Organizing
Non-Traditional Students
Transfer Students
International Students
Graduate Admissions
Medicine
LGBTQ+ students
Next available sessions
According to your time zone (CUT)
Fun Facts
💼
First job
Ice Cream Scooper at Baskin Robbins

📓
Favorite subject in school
Psychology

🎵
Favorite artist
Doja Cat

📺
Favorite TV show
Avatar the Last Airbender - I'd also love to hear your recs!

🍴
Favorite food
Panipuri

🪄
Hobbies
Painting, reading, exploring new cities

My process

I cater my advising very closely to my clients' needs. Some students need more week-to-week, hands-on guidance, while others do well with periodic check-ins to ensure they're on track. I can help out with everything from strengthening your extracurricular profile before you apply, to crafting essays that showcase your skills in the best light, to helping you fill out the Common App itself. My goal is to help you put your best foot forward to colleges and answer your questions and concerns about admissions along the way!

If you'd like to book a session with me but are not available at the listed times, please reach out to me via Messages so that we can coordinate a new timeslot. I look forward to meeting you!

Packages

2 Hours

2 hours

A two-hour block to work through multiple essays. Can also be split into two hour-long sessions.
$290($145/hr)

First Five

5 hours

For students who just need help getting started on apps, or want to try a few sessions before they buy a larger package.
$725($145/hr)

Starter

10 hours

For families looking for help on a few key schools. Comprehensive advising towards building a school list, drafting and revising essays, and anything else related to college preparation.
$1,400($140/hr)
Save 3%

Success

25 hours

For families with multiple students applying in the same cycle or who are looking for comprehensive support across the admissions process.
$3,450($138/hr)
Save 5%

Advising hours

College admissions advising

$145.00 / 60 min

Set a focus for each session or get help with any aspect of the admissions process.


Activities Section Review

$80.00 / 45 min

I will look over your Activities section and provide suggestions for improvement.


Boost Your Resume This Summer

$75.00 / 45 min

Figure out how to make the most of this summer per your interests and career goals.


Building a Balanced School List

$80.00 / 45 min

Craft a perfect school list with a personalized blend of safety, target, and reach schools.


Half-hour advising session

$75.00 / 30 min

Open advising session; we can cover extracurriculars, essays, or anything else you'd like!


Know What to Take Next Year

$75.00 / 45 min

Build a stellar schedule for the following school year that will impress admissions officers.


Letter of Continued Interest/Waitlist Appeal

$100.00 / 60 min

This is for letters of continued interest and appeals to universities or programs where students have been deferred or rejected.


Level Up Your Extracurricular Profile

$65.00 / 30 min

I'll evaluate your extracurriculars and help you tier them, and give insights for improvement.


Speedy UC Essay/Application Review

$150.00 / 60 min

In this session, I'll review your UC essays and Activities section and answer any questions you may have about the application process.

Essay review

Topic Check

$15.00 + 5 cents per word
Return time
  • Standard delivery: up to 48 hours
  • Guaranteed fast delivery: get your essay back in as little as: 24 hours +$7.00

Description

Feedback and guidance on the direction of your topic and themes. Recommended if you’re unsure about your topic and essay outline.


Full Review

$25.00 + 10 cents per word
Return time
  • Standard delivery: up to 48 hours
  • Guaranteed fast delivery: get your essay back in as little as: 24 hours +$7.00

Description

A comprehensive review of your essay draft. Recommended if you have a rough or strong draft.

Recent reviews

4.9(232 reviews)

“Priya is a wonderful expert! She finished the review on time (almost 10 hours earlier than the deadline!!), and her comments were incredibly insightful and constructive. Her attention to detail and thoughtful suggestions greatly enhanced the quality of my essay. Additionally, Priya was very kind throughout the process, providing encouragement and support. I truly appreciate her professionalism and generosity, and I highly recommend her expertise to anyone seeking valuable feedback."

hyejin p.

“The review was great Thank you "

Raneem A.

“Absolutely phenomenal review process! The reviewer's eye for detail was impressive, ensuring no stone was left unturned. The speedy delivery exceeded expectations. Keep up the outstanding work - your diligence is highly appreciated!"

Samuel C.
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
Los Angeles, CA
5 years of experience
English | Gujarati
University of California, Los Angeles – BA | Psychology
Psychology
Political Science
Art
Computer Science
Engineering
Biology
Health
Cognitive Science
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Students with ADHD
Volunteering
STEM
Community Organizing
Non-Traditional Students
Transfer Students
International Students
Graduate Admissions
Medicine
LGBTQ+ students
Next available sessions
According to your time zone (CUT)
Fun Facts
💼
First job
Ice Cream Scooper at Baskin Robbins

📓
Favorite subject in school
Psychology

🎵
Favorite artist
Doja Cat

📺
Favorite TV show
Avatar the Last Airbender - I'd also love to hear your recs!

🍴
Favorite food
Panipuri

🪄
Hobbies
Painting, reading, exploring new cities
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.