Experts in academics, extracurriculars, and admissions.

Through academic support, extracurricular development, and admissions coaching, we at Custom Academic Coaching help teens and young adults build clarity, confidence, and direction in an ever-evolving world.


  • "Working with Nena was some of the most rewarding time I've ever spent. Beyond simply collaborating on a good plan for the entire college application process and helping me write excellent essays, Nena was able to guide me as a mentor. My only regret is that we didn't start even sooner."

    Ethan, Cognitive Science student, UC San Diego

  • "Nena is patient, dedicated, and knows exactly how to build trust with both students and parents. [My daughter] Leyla was able to secure admission to several nation top universities."

    Carlo, Software Engineering Executive & Proud Dad

  • "If it wasn’t for Nena’s counseling I wouldn’t have been able to transfer to my dream school: NYU Tisch!"

    Arhana, Film Student, New York University

  • "Nena is the G.O.A.T. She helped me write stellar essays that got me into colleges like Harvey Mudd, UCSD, UCI, and a full scholarship to Oxy!!!"

    Mansib, Engineering Student, Harvey Mudd

  • "The outcomes of this process were OUTSTANDING. Our kiddo ended up with over 15 college acceptances, and all of them included generous merit scholarships, several colleges at $30,000 merit per year, as well as honors college invites in many cases."

    Daley, Business Owner & Proud Mom

  • "We wish we had consulted Nena earlier as my daughter was devastated last year after a string of rejections. With Nena's professional expertise, our daughter was admitted as a sophomore transfer to her dream college!"

    Monica, Business Owner & Proud Mom

  • "Nena really made the process significantly easier and less stressful. I wholeheartedly believe it is because of her guidance that I was able to get into my dream college (USC's Ioving & Young Academy)."

    David, Business Student, University of Southern California

  • "I consider myself a good writer, but Nena really took it to the next level. I felt that my essays were a lot stronger due to her critique and questioning. Big thanks for her for helping me get into NYU, USC, AND my dream school, UCLA. Go Bruins!"

    Vishruth, Medical Student, UCLA

  • "I was recently accepted to the PhD program at Johns Hopkins University due in no small part to Nena's extremely helpful counseling. As I pack my bags, I am grateful for Nena's positive advice, editorship, and most of all, gracefulness in the face of my worry."

    Mason, Doctoral Student, Johns Hopkins University

  • "Presenting the best version of myself has always given me extreme anxiety. Nena changed my life. She helped me realize that I have so much more to say than I ever thought I did."

    Emma, History Student, Bryn Mawr

  • "My only regret is that we did not begin to work with Nena sooner. I was impressed with Nena’s ability to draw my daughter out about her experiences and then help her craft effective narratives about those experiences. These discussions became the basis of her application essays. Working with Nena on a consistent basis helped remove much of the stress and anxiety out of the process for the whole family."

    Gloria, Proud Mom

  • "Nena is so much more than just a college advisor. She is a mentor, a supportive friend, a confidant and your student's biggest cheerleader. If Nena doubled her rates she would still be undercharging for her services."

    Nancy, Attorney & Proud Mom

  • "Thanks to Nena my son was accepted into UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSB, Cal Poly SLO, and UCSD. He was offered a scholarship from the UC system. He also used the same essay with some slight changes for another scholarship giving him an extra $5,000 a year for college."

    Colin, LAPD Detective & Proud Dad

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