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Priya Desai
she/her
4.8(170 reviews)
Priya Desai
4.8(170 reviews)

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! She 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 her passion for helping others - especially students - feel more empowered in their educational and professional trajectory, and has now devoted her career entirely to admissions advising. Priya also has work experience in healthcare technology, marketing, teaching English to non-native speakers, and tutoring from the preschool to high school level. As an oldest sister and cousin, she is passionate about helping younger students navigate the often-confusing and seemingly opaque world of college admissions.

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
University of California, Los Angeles – BA | Psychology
Psychology
Computer Science
Engineering
Biology
Health
STEM
Medicine
Next available sessions
View all
According to your time zone (CUT)
Fun Facts
💼
First job
Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Scooper
📓
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

Letter of Continued Interest/Appeal Assistance

1 hour

This is for letters of continued interest and appeals to universities where students have been deferred or rejected.
$75($75/hr)
Save 40%
First Five

5 hours

For those who just need help getting started on apps, or want to try a few sessions before they buy a larger package
$600($120/hr)
Save 4%
Underclassmen Package

5 hours

A discounted bundle for students who are not applying just yet and are looking for help improving their profile, building a school list, choosing a major, and anything in between!
$500($100/hr)
Save 20%
Starter

10 hours

For families looking for help on a couple of key schools
$1,100($110/hr)
Save 12%
Success

25 hours

For families looking for support across the admissions process
$2,500($100/hr)
Save 20%

Advising hours

College admissions advising

$125.00 / 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.

Half-hour advising session

$65.00 / 30 min

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

Level Up Your Extracurricular Profile

$65.00 / 30 min

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

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 +$5.00

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 +$5.00

Description

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

Priya’s most recent videos

See all livestreams

Live Essay Review with Priya Desai

All about the UCs: The ultimate guide to applying to the University of California schools

Recent reviews

4.8(170 reviews)

“Once again, thanks a lot. I found it really difficult to write about this topic but you did great edits. It just changed my essay completely. I highly appreciate it returning it within 24 hrs. I successfully submitted my essay on time. Highly recommended . "

Farheen I.

“The review gave me confidence in my essay and helped refine my wording."

Sammie B.

“Priya's suggestions were spot on, she really understood the message i was trying to convey and helped with fine-tuning the language and the flow. "

Raheel P.
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
University of California, Los Angeles – BA | Psychology
Psychology
Computer Science
Engineering
Biology
Health
STEM
Medicine
Next available sessions
View all
According to your time zone (CUT)
Fun Facts
💼
First job
Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Scooper
📓
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.