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:
Neha's Valedictorian Speech At Top Private School:
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
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Our team consists of professors, former admissions officers, Ivy graduates, and tens of years of experience.
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.
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.
Jennifer is a broadly skilled professional who holds a Master’s Degree in Education and is associated with various educational & admissions organizations. She serves as an academic advisor and an admissions specialist eager to assist students with navigating the complexities of the admissions process so they can gain acceptance into best-fit, highly selective, or Ivy League schools. Jennifer uses effective strategies to formulate strong student profiles and to help her students craft memorable essay narratives, showcasing their unique skills and talents. By strategically positioning their applications to stand out, Jennifer’s students will maximize their chances of acceptance into elite undergraduate programs. Known for her compassionate and encouraging style, Jennifer builds positive connections with all her students, leading to increased confidence and the discovery of their full potential for personal and academic growth.
Dr. Alexa is a Doctorate Level graduate. She has worked as a lead college counselor, a director of college counseling, and an independent counselor for the last five years. Alexa currently works at Emory University as an Assistant Director. Alexa's expertise focuses on: creating a balanced college list, personal statement and supplemental essay writing, resume building, and supporting all forms of financial aid. During her tenure, Alexa has had 13 QuestBridge Scholars, 5 Posse Scholars, and 3 Bill Gates Millennium Scholars. Alexa has supported students applying to schools such as the Ivies and top 20 schools. Alexa's philosophy is that students are the pilot and she only serves in a support capacity to help them reach their destinations.
Rachael is a passionate and dedicated college admissions coach who brings years of hands-on experience guiding students toward their dream schools. With a background in academic advising, college readiness programming, and mentorship, she specializes in helping students uncover their authentic stories and translate them into powerful applications that stand out.
Before joining College Shortcuts, Rachael mentored high school seniors through the college process as part of Breakthrough New York, supporting them with essay development, time management, and application strategy. She also worked at Columbia University’s Pre-College Programs, where she counseled students on academic, social, and emotional growth, and at her alma mater, where she designed the college’s first college prep curriculum to promote equitable, holistic advising.
Rachael's approach blends warmth and precision—she meets every student where they are and helps them grow into confident, purpose-driven applicants. Fluent in Spanish and Italian, Rachael thrives in diverse, multicultural settings and is committed to making the college admissions journey empowering and stress-free for every family she works with.
Bridget is a medical student at the California University of Science and Medicine. She mentors students interested in medicine and health-related careers, with a focus on strategic planning, authentic storytelling, and confidence-building throughout the application process. Bridget takes a supportive, step-by-step approach to mentoring and enjoys helping students clarify their goals and navigate high-pressure academic decisions with clarity and purpose.
Chelsea is an M.D./M.P.H. candidate with a B.A. in Health Science. She has extensive mentoring experience as a clinical skills trainer, anatomy teaching assistant, and lead instructor for surgery preparation workshops, and has supported multiple students through their STEP 1 and STEP 2 dedicated study periods. Chelsea’s leadership extends into the community through her work with Miami Street Medicine and Canes 4 Kids, where she has coordinated volunteer teams and developed engaging health education programs. With a strong foundation in public health and clinical research, she brings a supportive, organized, and student-centered approach to mentorship for pre-medical students. She is passionate about helping learners build confidence, grow academically, and reach their full potential.
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.
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.
Rishi bridges the worlds of engineering, entrepreneurship, and innovation—helping students turn their curiosity into real-world impact. With more than two decades of experience building cutting-edge technology solutions, he’s led teams that have transformed how industries operate, from healthcare and energy to data-driven enterprise systems.
A seasoned entrepreneur and strategist, Rishi has built and exited multiple startups, led large-scale transformations inside Fortune 500 companies, and advised founders on bringing breakthrough ideas to market. His engineering journey has spanned IoT, AI, clean energy, and digital transformation, blending hands-on problem-solving with the strategic vision required to bring bold ideas to life. Rishi is a graduate of multiple Ivy League degrees including UPENN.
As a mentor, Rishi is passionate about unlocking each student’s unique spark. He specializes in helping future engineers build compelling portfolios, prototype creative solutions, and think like real innovators—not just test-takers. Students working with Rishi learn how to frame their ideas like builders, structure projects like entrepreneurs, and communicate like future changemakers.
Rishi is especially skilled at guiding students interested in engineering, robotics, AI, energy systems, and product design. His mission: to help the next generation see engineering not just as a subject—but as a launchpad to build the future.
Meet Dr. Jae Kim, an inspiring mentor, positioned to guide students aiming for the nation's most elite STEM, data science, and business programs. As an Associate Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dr. Kim is a practicing academic and leader in high-demand fields. He teaches university courses in data science, operations research, and energy sustainability. His is frequently featured in the media as an expert on the future of energy and mass electric vehicle (EV) adoption. He has worked as consultant to private companies ranging from startups to large retailers in areas such as supply chain innovation and software development. Dr. Kim's own academic journey is a model of the interdisciplinary excellence that top colleges seek. He holds five degrees from world-renowned institutions:
With his unique background combining engineering, business, and data science, Dr. Kim is exceptionally qualified to help high-achieving students navigate their academic choices, build a powerful profile, and prepare for a future solving real-world challenges.
Anna is a Florida-licensed attorney with extensive experience guiding individuals through high-stakes, detail-driven processes. As a former public defender and practicing attorney, she has spent her career advocating for others, evaluating complex records, and crafting clear, persuasive written narratives. Anna works closely with students and families to reduce stress, provide structure, and help students develop projects that reflect their unique strengths and goals.
Dalu is a seasoned medical device regulatory affairs professional at Abbott Laboratories, where she helps bring cutting-edge cardiac implantable devices and digital health technologies to patients around the world. She plays a key role in guiding new medical innovations from concept to real clinical use, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that life-saving devices are safe, effective, and ready for the people who need them. Her work earned her the Modern-Day Technology Leader Award, a national recognition presented at the 2024 BEYA STEM Conference.
Before stepping into her current role, Dalu spent several years directly supporting healthcare professionals in the hospital setting during percutaneous cardiac procedures. She led medical device training programs to help clinicians adopt new technologies and served as a technical expert during clinical trials involving advanced imaging and cardiac device systems.
Dalu holds a master’s degree in Applied Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, graduating summa cum laude. She is passionate about mentoring and loves helping students discover how their interests can grow into meaningful, impactful careers in medical technology.
Outside of work, Chidalu enjoys watching anime, traveling, and exploring new experiences. She brings warmth, clarity, and real-world insight to her mentorship, empowering students to build confidence, find direction, and pursue their goals with intention.
Chelsea is an M.D./M.P.H. candidate with a B.A. in Health Science. She has extensive mentoring experience as a clinical skills trainer, anatomy teaching assistant, and lead instructor for surgery preparation workshops, and has supported multiple students through their STEP 1 and STEP 2 dedicated study periods. Chelsea’s leadership extends into the community through her work with Miami Street Medicine and Canes 4 Kids, where she has coordinated volunteer teams and developed engaging health education programs. With a strong foundation in public health and clinical research, she brings a supportive, organized, and student-centered approach to mentorship for pre-medical students. She is passionate about helping learners build confidence, grow academically, and reach their full potential.
Bridget is a medical student at the California University of Science and Medicine. She mentors students interested in medicine and health-related careers, with a focus on strategic planning, authentic storytelling, and confidence-building throughout the application process. Bridget takes a supportive, step-by-step approach to mentoring and enjoys helping students clarify their goals and navigate high-pressure academic decisions with clarity and purpose.
Josh is a MIT graduate who wants to make people's lives better, not necessarily easier, as is the case with most technology. Josh has been tutoring for over 20 years and completed a postgraduate fellowship in systems biology at Harvard Medical School, received the Quest AI Award for Artificial Intelligence research, and led his own research at Yale University and the University of Cambridge. His research spans xenobiotic materials, international peace, and artificial intelligence, and agricultural technology, and his projects have been featured in DEZEEN Magazine, Netflix’s Abstract, the Wall Street Journal, the National Design Awards, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Cooper Hewitt Museum, Centre Pompidou, and Smithsonian Museum. Josh is also an advisor to the MIT Media Lab and Engineering Innovation Group at MIT, as well as the Diagnostics Accelerator at Harvard Medical School. Currently, Josh is the CIO of Kerix Jad, CEO of EcoPhilic Corporation, and he has also been designated as a UNESCO Peace Fellow. In terms of student success, Josh's students have a 71% success rate of admission into top 10 global universities and have published 21 papers in peer-reviewed journals, some of which were first-author publications. Josh also gets his students research positions and internships with professors at top universities. In addition, Josh has mentored one International Math Olympiad winner and two International Biology Olympiad winners, as well as entrants with top-five placements in the Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science Olympiads.
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.
