Founder & CEO of College Shortcuts | TEDx Speaker | Educational Entrepreneur | Transformational Leader
Neha Gupta is a visionary in the world of education, college admissions, and youth empowerment. A graduate of Rice University with dual degrees in Economics and Business, and a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, jointly developed with Wharton Business School, Neha blends Ivy League pedigree with real-world entrepreneurial impact. She and her team are members of NACAC, the largest global organization for independent educational consultants.
She is the founder of College Shortcuts, Dream Life Foundation, and Dream School TV, and was recognized as one of Houston Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Companies, placing in the Top 5 out of 100. With over 18 years of hands-on experience, Neha has helped thousands of students gain admission to the Ivy League and Top 20 colleges, and she continues to oversee every aspect of the College Shortcuts experience—from personally selecting mentors to guiding the innovation of its ed-tech platform and AI-powered tools.
As a Jacobs Fellow and recipient of the Wharton Innovation Fund, Neha has been invited to exclusive global think tanks including Richard Branson’s private island, Tony Robbins’ business mastermind retreats, and Mindvalley University, where she advises on reimagining education for the next generation.
Neha is also a three-time bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and media-recognized expert featured on Good Morning LA, FOX News, ABC News, Entrepreneur Magazine, Vanity Fair, and over 100 media outlets. Her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and passion has made her a sought-after speaker for organizations such as Rice University, KPMG, and hundreds of school districts nationwide.Education runs in Neha’s blood.
Raised in a family of educators, her parents—both IIT graduates—built schools in the U.S., founded a university in India, and brought international teachers to underserved American communities. That legacy fuels her drive to ignite passion, direction, and excellence in the next generation.
Neha’s approach fuses academic precision with emotional intelligence and personal development. Trained in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and deeply committed to her own growth, she has attended every Tony Robbins event, studied under Joe Dispenza, completed silent retreats, and integrates holistic practices like sound baths, meditation, and yoga into her life and leadership.
As the hands-on CEO of College Shortcuts, Neha knows every family who joins her program. She’s not just building college applications—she’s helping build legacies. High-performing families, industry leaders, and aspiring changemakers call on Neha to help their children unlock their potential, clarify their passions, and chart their path to a dream future.
To learn more about Neha personally, visit www.heyneha.com and her non-profit www.dreamlifefoundation.com.
College Shortcuts Is Powered By:
Senior Enrollment Director & Family Assessment Expert at College Shortcuts
Jeff Newman is the warm and knowledgeable first voice many families hear when they begin their journey with College Shortcuts — and for good reason. As the Director of Enrollment with over a decade of experience at the company, Jeff has helped guide thousands of families through the critical early stages of the college admissions process, ensuring that each family is matched with the right services, strategy, and support system.
With a calm demeanor and a data-driven mindset, Jeff leads the initial family assessment process, diving deep into each student’s academic profile, extracurricular background, and college goals. His job isn’t just to share information — it’s to truly understand the student behind the transcript and help families see what’s possible with the right mentorship. His thorough evaluations and honest, compassionate conversations are a cornerstone of what makes the College Shortcuts process so personalized and effective.
Jeff is also a parent who’s walked this journey himself — his two children currently attend Top 20 universities, and he brings both professional insight and personal empathy to every conversation he has with families. He knows firsthand how overwhelming and high-stakes the college admissions process can feel, and he’s passionate about making it more transparent, less stressful, and more empowering for parents and students alike.
Over the years, Jeff has developed a keen eye for what top-tier schools are truly looking for. He has assessed thousands of family applications, helping students from all academic backgrounds identify their strengths and unlock the mentorship support that will help them stand out. Whether a student is aiming for an Ivy League institution, a top STEM program, or a competitive liberal arts college, Jeff helps families clarify their goals and build a roadmap that feels achievable and inspiring.
Beyond assessments, Jeff plays a strategic role in shaping the enrollment experience at College Shortcuts. He partners closely with our founder and executive team to continually refine our family intake process, ensuring it’s responsive to admissions trends and tailored to the evolving needs of today’s students. His insights often inform how we position students for success — before the first mentor call even begins.
What families appreciate most about Jeff is his straightforward communication, grounded perspective, and genuine care. He isn’t here to sell a dream — he’s here to guide families toward a plan that works. His ability to make parents feel heard, informed, and confident is one of the many reasons College Shortcuts maintains such a high referral rate and trusted reputation among high-achieving families nationwide.
When you speak with Jeff, you’re not just talking to an enrollment director — you’re speaking with a seasoned guide, a proud parent, and a committed partner in your child’s success.
Marketing and Advertising Specialist
AI Engineer and Development
Operations & Social Media Management
Computer Engineer and Developer
Our team consists of professors, former admissions officers, Ivy graduates, and tens of years of experience.
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Bassel is an experienced admissions Masters level mentor with a Master’s from a top 20 university and over five years guiding students worldwide. He specializes in helping students across STEM, Business, Finance, Medicine, and Law build standout applications that showcase both academic and extracurricular impact. His expertise includes essays, strategy, and scholarship advising. Families value his warm, student-centered approach, and his students have gone on to attend Ivies and other top universities.
Nimi brings global perspective and a proven record of student mentorship, with degrees from Georgetown University and the University of California. She guides students in STEM, Business, Law, and interdisciplinary fields, empowering them to showcase their authentic voice. Skilled in essay coaching and admissions strategy, Nimi has helped students craft compelling stories that secured acceptances at top schools, including Ivies.
Sompa is pursuing her master’s at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and brings a rich background in global education and mentoring. She works with students in STEM, Business, Law, and cross-disciplinary fields, helping them design applications that are authentic and competitive. Students appreciate her supportive yet detail-oriented guidance, which has helped many gain admission to Ivies and other highly selective schools.
Catalina is an experienced mentor with a Master’s from NYU and a graduate of UT Austin, and over a decade in education. She has guided students across STEM, Business, Law, Medicine, and the humanities, helping them build authentic narratives and competitive applications. With expertise in advising, essay development, and financial aid, she empowers students to stand out and has supported many in gaining admission to Ivies and other top universities. Certified as a school counselor in both Texas and New York, Catalina has worked in diverse educational settings, including early college high schools, newcomer programs, and international schools.
As a former Ronald E. McNair Scholar, Catalina conducted research on educational resiliency among first- and second-generation college-going students, exploring how cultural strengths, mentorship, and community support help students persist through systemic barriers. This work deepened her commitment to equity in education and continues to inform her student-centered, advocacy-driven practice.
With deep expertise in academic advising, social-emotional development, and college readiness, Catalina specializes in guiding first-generation, multilingual, and historically underrepresented students. She empowers students to identify their strengths, craft authentic personal narratives, and navigate the college admissions process—from building thoughtful college lists to writing meaningful essays and understanding financial aid. Her approach is compassionate, strategic, and rooted in equity, consistently centering student voice, identity, and growth.
Joanna is a mentor with elite training from MIT and Georgia Tech and hands-on aerospace experience at Boeing, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and Northrop Grumman. Currently a lead developer in Boeing’s Product Development division, she has worked on projects ranging from Mars rover instruments to next-gen propulsion systems.
She specializes in guiding students in the application process across STEM, engineering, aerospace, robotics, AI, and sustainability, helping them design impactful projects, research, and portfolios that stand out in admissions. Known for her clarity and strategic mindset, Joanna has supported students who went on to Ivies and other top universities.
Rachel is a graduate of Williams College, and has over five years of admissions experience. She has coached more than 100 students to success at elite universities including Yale, Cornell, and other Ivies. Rachel specializes in writing and narrative development, helping students across STEM, Business, Law, and the humanities stand out with powerful applications.
With nearly a decade of admissions expertise, Jaquala has guided hundreds of students through complex application processes. She has worked at Carnegie Mellon University, Penn State, and national access programs, equipping her with deep knowledge of admissions strategy and financial aid. Jaquala mentors students across STEM, Business, Law, and Medicine, and her students have gained admission to top universities nationwide.
Alejandra holds advanced degrees in education and is pursuing a PhD in Higher Education Administration. She mentors students across STEM, Business, Medicine, and the humanities, supporting them through every stage of the admissions process. Known for her energetic and encouraging style, Alejandra has helped students from diverse backgrounds gain admission to top universities, including Ivy League schools.
Aman is a dedicated and results-driven academic tutor with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a minor in Neuroscience from The University of Texas. With years of experience tutoring K-12 through college-level students, Aman brings a unique blend of academic rigor, personalized teaching strategies, and real-world research insight to every session.
During his time as a Team Leader in the University’s Peer Education Program, Aman directly supported over 1,500 students, helping them master complex concepts in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. His approach is both data-informed and heart-led — focusing on each student’s learning style while boosting performance by an average of 15+ points across key subjects.
What sets Aman apart is his passion for both education and science. He was a semifinalist in the prestigious Undergraduate Research Scholars Award, presenting innovative research on molecular dynamics and protein stability using cutting-edge tools like AlphaFold2, Python, and MATLAB. This depth of scientific expertise translates into high-quality tutoring for students preparing for AP exams, STEM majors, and competitive college programs.
Aman also tutors elementary and middle school students in math and science, making complex concepts feel clear, relevant, and even fun. Whether it's helping a fifth grader build confidence in math or guiding a pre-med student through organic chemistry, Aman is committed to helping students unlock their potential and build lasting academic skills.
When he’s not tutoring, Aman volunteers with free clinics and first responder teams, reinforcing his belief in service, empathy, and real-world impact — values that shape his teaching philosophy every day.
Zackary is a dynamic full-time educator whose deep expertise in academic subjects and standardized testing has helped students across the country achieve breakthrough results. With a decade of experience in both individual tutoring and classroom instruction, Zack specializes in simplifying complex material, building student confidence, and delivering measurable academic gains.
A graduate of Tufts University with a degree in Economics, Zack pairs analytical thinking with an approachable teaching style. He has worked with students of all levels—whether preparing for the SAT/ACT, mastering Algebra and AP Statistics, or improving reading comprehension and writing structure.
Zack’s students consistently achieve significant score jumps and grade improvements. Many of his test prep students have scored in the 95th percentile or higher. He is known for his ability to break down challenging concepts, motivate students with personalized strategies, and make learning feel empowering and even enjoyable.
At College Shortcuts, Zack offers tutoring in:
His approach blends content mastery with pacing strategies, time management, and test-taking confidence. Zack provides each family with session summaries, clear communication, and a results-driven curriculum tailored to the student’s goals.
In addition to his academic work, Zack brings a background in policy analysis and project management—skills he uses to keep tutoring sessions highly organized and goal-oriented. He’s an expert in helping students build not just skills, but habits that lead to long-term academic success.
What families love most about Zack? His calm demeanor, clarity of instruction, and ability to motivate students of all learning styles. He meets each learner where they are—and helps them rise.
As a senior mentor at College Shortcuts, Kevin brings visionary thinking and elite global experience to students ready to build real-world business acumen. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Kevin has advised and accelerated ventures through Techstars, Hub71, and other global innovation ecosystems, making him uniquely qualified to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.
With a background in Computer and Communication Engineering, Kevin specializes in AI, machine learning, immersive technology, and smart city innovation. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Eleven22, a leading PropTech firm pioneering hyper-realistic digital twins and automation tools that have reshaped how real estate and technology intersect across industries and borders.
At College Shortcuts, Kevin guides students through business accelerator programs that transform raw ideas into polished, pitch-ready ventures. He helps students identify market problems, map solutions, and develop business models, financial forecasts, and competitive strategy. His mentorship emphasizes hands-on learning through startup-style projects, empowering students to craft their first business pitch deck and gain exposure to real entrepreneurial frameworks.
What sets Kevin apart is his ability to make complex technical and strategic concepts accessible to ambitious high school students. His leadership style blends visionary insight with practical guidance—ensuring each student not only learns the language of business, but builds something they can proudly call their own.
With experience mentoring startups in AI, digital infrastructure, gaming, healthcare, and blockchain, Kevin helps students see business not as theory—but as opportunity.
Whether a student is interested in launching a venture, building a product, or exploring a career in business, Kevin provides the mentorship, structure, and strategic clarity to help them think—and build—like a founder.
Joshua is a standout mentor at College Shortcuts who specializes in supporting students on pre-med and BS/MD admissions tracks, combining his academic excellence with a strong background in research, leadership, and mentorship. A graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and a current M.D. candidate at WashU School of Medicine, Joshua brings firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in competitive STEM pathways.
At Cornell, Joshua served as a top-ranked teaching assistant in general and organic chemistry, and at WashU, he served as President of the AI in Medicine Group, combining interests in emerging technology with healthcare innovation. He has mentored dozens of students through WashU's Health Careers Collaborative and Saturday Scholars Program, and has extensive experience guiding students through essay development, personal narrative work, and interview prep.
Joshua’s internship programs at College Shortcuts include topics such as AI in Medicine, health equity research, science communication, and organ system deep dives. His structured yet supportive approach helps students build compelling, application-ready projects that reflect their unique academic interests.
What families love about Joshua is his balance of rigor and relatability. He brings the clarity of a medical student, the empathy of a mentor, and the strategic insight of someone who has helped students gain admission to top BS/MD and Ivy League schools.
Joanna brings a rare blend of elite academic training, aerospace innovation, and mission-driven mentorship to her work with students. A graduate of both MIT and Georgia Tech—two of the top aerospace programs in the world—Joanna has spent the past several years engineering the future of flight at Boeing, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and Northrop Grumman.
Currently a lead developer in Boeing’s cutting-edge Product Development division, Joanna designs advanced systems that help shape the next generation of aircraft. Her previous roles span everything from Mars rover instrumentation at JPL to spacecraft systems for NASA’s Artemis lunar missions. Whether developing zero-emission aviation models or integrating next-gen propulsion into Blackhawk helicopters, Joanna’s career reflects a deep commitment to bold, meaningful innovation.
But Joanna’s passion doesn’t stop at the engineering lab. She is equally committed to mentoring the next generation of STEM leaders. Known for her clarity, humility, and strategic mindset, she helps students translate their curiosity into high-impact projects, research papers, and passion-fueled portfolios that stand out to top universities.
Joanna is especially skilled at guiding students interested in STEM, engineering, aerospace, robotics, AI, and sustainability. Her mentorship emphasizes not just technical excellence, but the mindset that fuels it: intellectual resilience, systems thinking, and creative problem-solving.
Her mission? To help students see engineering not just as a subject—but as a superpower to design, build, and change the world.
Shana's mission is to end the student debt crisis, one family at a time. Shanna guides parents and students through the complex financial aid landscape so families can make smart, informed decisions without sacrificing retirement plans or limiting a student’s future with unnecessary debt. She brings clarity, confidence, and strategy to one of the biggest financial decisions a family will make.
As a former fee-only financial planner, Shana has long helped families align their capital—time, money, attention, and energy—with their values. She brings that same intentional, approach to college planning, working solely in the best interest of each family.
Shana is deeply committed to service. She has served as a board member, advisor, seminar leader, and coach to hundreds of individuals ranging from teens to retirees. Her work centers on helping people use their resources to live with purpose and make a meaningful impact.
