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 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.
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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Geetha is a deeply thoughtful, highly versatile mentor who brings together the worlds of education, mental health, and creative expression to help students shine — not only on paper, but in who they are becoming.
With over a decade of experience in teaching and mentoring, Geetha is widely recognized for her ability to unlock student potential across academic, emotional, and creative domains. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she blends the science of psychology with the art of communication to help students craft authentic, emotionally resonant college applications that reflect who they truly are.
Geetha holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a specialization in Cognitive Neuroscience, and her academic approach is rooted in strength-based strategies, neurodiverse learning models, and evidence-based practices. As an award-winning English Language Arts Teacher-Mentor and Department Head at Fusion Academy, Geetha is known for creating one-on-one, personalized learning environments that address each student’s academic, emotional, and social development.
She doesn’t just consult — she transforms. Whether she’s helping a student explore engineering, coding, or build a medical project, Geetha excels at connecting the dots between a student’s interests, inner world, and long-term goals. She has helped students with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and anxiety not only succeed but thrive and lead, thanks to her therapeutic lens and whole-student philosophy.
At College Shortcuts, Geetha mentors students in essay writing, creative project design, and passion project development. She has coached students through everything from STEM and law to liberal arts and entrepreneurship — and has a special talent for guiding unconventional thinkers in creating college applications that feel both bold and grounded.
She has also guided many students through essay development, college exploration, and purpose-driven mentoring — with a strong commitment to supporting neurodiverse learners, creatives, and students from underrepresented backgrounds. Geetha’s approach is both nurturing and empowering, combining high standards with deep emotional insight. She’s especially gifted at helping students express themselves with clarity and confidence, turning their lived experiences into powerful, authentic narratives that resonate deeply in the admissions process.
Beyond the classroom, Geetha’s past experience as a creative director, media strategist, and nonprofit board member gives her a dynamic, real-world perspective. She’s managed branding campaigns, produced multimedia content, and built youth engagement strategies for artistic and community-based organizations — all of which inform how she helps students build their personal brand and tell their story with clarity, confidence, and style.
Parents consistently describe Geetha as empathetic, intuitive, and intellectually gifted, with a calming presence and a clear ability to “see” their child’s potential before it’s fully formed. She is the rare type of mentor who supports both the mind and the heart — helping students navigate academic goals while also building resilience, purpose, and joy along the way.
When your student works with Geetha, they’re not just applying to college — they’re stepping into a fuller, more empowered version of themselves.
Vibi is not your typical college admissions consultant — she’s a powerhouse of intellect, creativity, and heart. With nearly a decade of experience mentoring students across academic disciplines, Vibi brings a rare blend of academic prestige, emotional intelligence, and cross-sector expertise to every student she works with.
As a college professor, published scholar, and former admissions advisor at Rhodes College, Vibi offers a uniquely strategic lens into what top-tier institutions are truly looking for. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Philosophy, earned on a full-ride scholarship, and a bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College, where she graduated cum laude and competed as a national champion on the #1 Mock Trial Team in the country.
Her published work — spanning intersectional justice, sustainability, and animal ethics — has received recognition from globally renowned thinkers like Dr. Peter Singer. And her academic ascent is nothing short of extraordinary: Vibi became the only woman of color in six years worldwide to graduate in her field and secure a full-time professorship within weeks — a feat that typically takes 4–6 years.
But it’s not just her academic background that sets her apart.
Vibi has served in a diverse range of roles — from legal advocacy and youth education to artificial intelligence and even property management/business/entrepreneurship — giving her a rich, real-world understanding of how today’s students can stand out in both their college applications and their future careers. She has worked as an AI trainer, taught students with disabilities through adaptive yoga, and supported students with both STEM and humanities-driven passion projects that showcase their full potential.
Her admissions experience is also hands-on: Vibi has worked in the undergraduate admissions office at Rhodes College and has guided students into competitive undergraduate and graduate programs across the U.S. She has a gift for helping students clarify their story, articulate their purpose, and align their talents with the right opportunities — all while deeply honoring who they are at their core.
At College Shortcuts, Vibi is known for her empathetic mentorship style, her ability to help students connect seemingly unrelated interests into powerful personal narratives, and her strategic mindset when it comes to college admissions. Whether she’s helping a student explore biomedical engineering through the lens of global sustainability or guiding a budding artist through a civic impact project rooted in design, she’s committed to helping students create work that is both authentic and admission-worthy.
Vibi has mentored students in every academic discipline — thanks in part to the proprietary College Shortcuts system that equips our consultants with a rich database of student projects and best practices. 98% of students who go through our mentorship system get into one of their top three college choices, and Vibi has helped many of them publish research, launch entrepreneurial ventures, and build creative portfolios that win national recognition.
Vibi has worked closely with many students across academic levels, guiding them through personal essays, college selection, and impactful project development. With her rich background in philosophy, ethics, and interdisciplinary research, she helps students connect their passions to meaningful, real-world issues. Her thoughtful and intuitive mentorship style empowers students to express their values and ideas with authenticity and depth — resulting in applications that are not only strategically strong, but also deeply reflective of who they are.
When she’s not mentoring students, Vibi is often writing, teaching yoga, or exploring the intersections of ethics, technology, and education. Above all, she is dedicated to helping the next generation of students unlock their voice, own their brilliance, and step boldly into their future.
John is a dynamic and multidisciplinary educator who brings over 15 years of teaching experience, an expert command of digital learning platforms, and a deep passion for student development to his role at College Shortcuts.
With a Master’s degree in Anthropology and Forensics and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a Sociology minor from UNC, John combines a research-driven mindset with a people-first approach. His educational foundation is both rigorous and deeply humanistic, making him especially effective at helping students build powerful narratives for college admissions that highlight both intellectual depth and emotional resonance.
John’s teaching career spans multiple institutions and disciplines. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Anthropology for over a decade, teaching at institutions like the University of North Carolina and other colleges. At UNC, John pioneered innovative courses examining resistance movements, propaganda, and cultural change — courses that encouraged critical thinking and inspired students to connect historical movements to modern-day challenges.
Known for his digital fluency and instructional creativity, John designs immersive online learning environments, complete with original audio and video lectures, interactive modules, and multimedia tools that elevate the learning experience.
His expertise in platforms like Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, WordPress, Adobe Suite, and Final Cut Pro allows him to guide students in crafting standout projects, creative portfolios, and compelling digital content — a huge asset in today’s competitive admissions landscape.
As a former middle and high school science instructor, John also knows how to engage younger learners and help them grow their confidence early on. Whether he’s working with a student exploring forensic science, cultural studies, or an interdisciplinary research idea, John is known for meeting each student exactly where they are and helping them level up with clarity and purpose.
At College Shortcuts, John works with students across disciplines, helping them explore their academic interests, structure their passion projects, and sharpen their application materials with precision and creativity. He’s especially passionate about supporting students who love the intersection of science, history, media, and social justice — and he brings a calm, methodical energy that helps students feel grounded and empowered in the process.
John has mentored many students through the college admissions journey — from refining their personal statements to shaping academic interests into standout application themes. Drawing from his extensive teaching background and digital expertise, he helps students articulate their ideas clearly and confidently. His calm, methodical approach fosters a sense of trust and focus, making him especially effective at guiding students as they navigate complex topics and present their unique strengths in compelling, thoughtful ways. In addition, he’s involved in our editing process for essays.
What parents love most about John? His steadfast commitment, clear communication style, and unmatched attention to detail. He doesn’t just help students get organized — he helps them think bigger, communicate smarter, and present themselves as thoughtful, driven young scholars ready to make an impact.
Dhaya brings a rare and powerful mix of educator, operations leader, and admissions expert to her role at College Shortcuts. With over 15 years of experience in education — from classroom teaching and curriculum design to COO-level leadership in boutique test prep — Dhaya is the kind of mentor who sees both the big picture and the small details that make all the difference.
Dhaya is currently fully booked.
Dhaya is a Harvard-educated education specialist with a master’s in International Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelor’s degree in English with a specialization in Education from Columbia University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Her academic foundation reflects her deep commitment to equity, intellectual rigor, and student voice — values she weaves into every session.
At College Shortcuts, Dhaya helps students design college applications that feel authentic, elevated, and strategically brilliant. Whether she’s guiding a student through a personal statement that reflects cultural identity, or helping a neurodivergent learner structure a passion project in STEM, she meets students exactly where they are and empowers them to rise with confidence.
For over a decade, Dhaya has served in the past as the Chief Operations Officer at another college prep company, where she oversaw everything from tutor recruitment and training to curriculum development, marketing, and tech implementation. Under her leadership, the company has produced industry-leading results, with students increasing their ACT scores by an average of +7 points and SAT scores by +226 points, and securing admissions to Ivy League and highly selective universities each year.
She has also personally coached hundreds of students through essay writing, college list building, and career-oriented mentorship, with a special focus on first-generation students and students of color. Her approach is gentle but effective, balancing high expectations with real emotional intelligence — and she’s especially gifted at helping students find their voice and tell their story in a way that feels both personal and powerful.
Prior to her executive leadership in test prep, Dhaya taught across disciplines — including English, history, social studies, biology, and chemistry — at a specialized private high school for students with learning differences. She also helped develop citywide curricula in NYC focused on intercultural learning, social-emotional development, and confronting bias in schools. Dhaya’s mentorship style is deeply inclusive, strategic, and joyful.
She’s fluent in Tamil, loves Bollywood dancing with her family, and knows firsthand what it takes to juggle big goals with a busy life.
What parents love most about Dhaya? Her ability to translate chaos into clarity, her unshakeable calm, and her brilliant mind for helping students present their most compelling selves. When your child works with Dhaya, they don’t just get application support — they get a strategic partner and deeply invested mentor who will advocate for them at every step.
Mackenzie brings a uniquely powerful blend of Wall Street experience, entrepreneurial grit, and educational leadership to her work at College Shortcuts. With a background that spans institutional fixed income, private wealth management, startup consulting, and even founding her own general contracting firm, Mackenzie offers students and families a perspective that is both worldly and deeply strategic.
Mackenzie is currently fully booked.
A graduate of Rice University, Mackenzie began her career during the height of the credit crisis on the asset-backed securities desk at Merrill Lynch, where she quickly became known for her analytical skill, client relationship acumen, and steady leadership under pressure. Over the years, she’s held roles in wealth advisory, capital markets strategy, and high-stakes fundraising consulting—giving her the rare ability to help students craft narratives that resonate with both rigor and relevance.
She is a trusted mentor to students interested in business, finance, economics, STEM, and entrepreneurship. In Fall 2025, she will begin teaching at her alma mater, Rice University, underscoring her deep commitment to educating and empowering the next generation.
Mackenzie is especially passionate about mentoring students who want to understand the real-world application of their studies—from STEM and economics to leadership and impact. Her coaching style blends structure, candor, and encouragement, helping students dig deep into their interests and articulate their goals with clarity and sophistication.
She has also mentored many students through essay development, college list planning, and career-focused exploration — particularly those with interests in economics, business, and engineering. Known for her strategic thinking and honest feedback, Mackenzie excels at helping students bridge their academic strengths with real-world application, building compelling narratives that stand out in competitive admissions.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mackenzie is an active member of her community. She has served on multiple nonprofit boards including a Montessori School, and previously served as a board member for the Rice Business Jones Partners. Her life reflects a deep commitment to service, family, and intellectual curiosity.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring the fine arts, and traveling with her family.
Sophia is a thoughtful, energetic, and deeply committed college admissions consultant who brings a strong foundation in education theory, test prep strategy, and student mentorship to her role at College Shortcuts. With years of hands-on experience tutoring students from elementary through high school, she understands how to meet learners where they are — and guide them toward meaningful academic and personal breakthroughs.
Sophia is currently fully booked.
Sophia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education Studies from New York University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Education, further deepening her understanding of instructional design, student development, and educational psychology. Her dual focus on academic growth and emotional support makes her an exceptional mentor for students navigating both coursework and the college application process.
Prior to joining College Shortcuts, Sophia worked at C2 Education, where she tutored students from 2nd to 12th grade in SAT/ACT preparation, reading comprehension, and writing. She was known for customizing curriculum to fit each student’s learning style, using data to track progress and fine-tune her approach. Her results-driven strategies consistently helped students boost their scores and build confidence.
In addition, Sophia has worked as an educator and mentor with the Living Classrooms Foundation, where she led creative, hands-on lessons and service projects, while also meeting one-on-one with students to support personal goal-setting and academic planning. These experiences sharpened her gift for engaging students of all ages and backgrounds in ways that are both motivating and meaningful.
At College Shortcuts, Sophia has mentored a wide range of students — from aspiring engineers and doctors to student-athletes and first-generation applicants. She’s especially skilled at working with students from diverse backgrounds and guiding them through every step of the college admissions journey. Having supported hundreds of students, she’s developed a reputation for being both highly effective and genuinely caring.
In addition to her work with students, Sophia plays a leadership role in training our team and onboarding new consultants, ensuring the College Shortcuts experience is consistent, high-quality, and aligned with our mission of transformational mentorship. Her ability to translate big-picture strategy into day-to-day action makes her an invaluable asset to both students and staff.
She has also mentored many students through test prep, essay writing, and academic planning. Sophia’s style is patient, strategic, and highly personalized, empowering students to express their ideas clearly while developing strong self-advocacy and time management skills along the way.
At College Shortcuts, Sophia helps students craft compelling applications that reflect both their academic talents and personal growth. She’s especially passionate about helping students discover what makes them unique — and guiding them to tell their story with purpose, creativity, and confidence.
Dahlia is a passionate and seasoned college admissions consultant whose work bridges direct student mentorship with deep expertise in education policy and access equity. With over a decade of experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds, Dahlia brings both heart and strategy to the college application process.
Dahlia is currently fully booked and has only one opening for tutoring in Houston, TX.
Currently completing her Master of Public Administration with a Certificate in Public Policy at the University of Houston, Dahlia’s academic focus centers on educational equity, college access, and student persistence. Her capstone research, “Advancing Educational Equity Through Promise: Lessons and Prospects for a Texas-wide Implementation,” reflects her commitment to ensuring that all students — regardless of background — have the tools and opportunities to succeed in higher education.
She is a recipient of the MPA Public Official of the Year Scholarship and the Kathleen P. Rubinstein Best Short Paper Award, and she continues to apply her policy expertise to real-world impact through mentorship and programming.
At College Shortcuts, Dahlia serves as both a strategic guide and a student advocate — helping students uncover their voice, shape compelling personal narratives, and build college lists that align with their ambitions. Whether coaching a first-generation college applicant, an aspiring public health student, or a student exploring arts or athletics, Dahlia meets each student with empathy, direction, and practical tools for success.
Dahlia has worked with hundreds of students through her roles as a college counselor at KIPP Texas Public Schools, a Post-Secondary Success Coach at the Martha O’Bryan Center, and a mentor in various community programs across Houston, Nashville, and Washington D.C.
She’s advised students on college and career pathways, coordinated college access events, led financial aid workshops, and helped students prepare for standardized tests and scholarship opportunities. She is known for helping students build self-advocacy, problem-solving, and networking skills that extend far beyond the application process.
She has also coached many students through college list development, essay writing, and application strategy — particularly those from historically underrepresented communities and multilingual households. Dahlia brings warmth, focus, and a deep well of experience to every interaction. Her strength lies in helping students translate lived experiences into powerful, future-focused college applications that stand out.
In addition to her counseling expertise, Dahlia has held research, policy, and communications roles at organizations including the Legal Services Corporation, DC SCORES, and Duke University Athletics. She’s a talented communicator and workshop leader who understands how to connect with students across a range of learning styles and personality types.
Outside of her professional life, Dahlia is a dedicated volunteer, choreographer, and cultural ambassador who’s worked with youth soccer teams, refugee families, and mentoring programs across the country.
She’s fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese, and brings a global perspective to everything she does — whether helping a student apply for a summer program abroad or connecting them to service opportunities that match their passions.
What families love most about Dahlia? Her relatable personality, tireless commitment, and ability to bring both inspiration and structure to the college admissions journey. When your student works with Dahlia, they gain more than a college coach — they gain a lifelong advocate, cheerleader, and guide.
