About

Michael B. Lewis is a writer and college counselor. Since 2018, he has assisted students in their elite college admissions journeys. Michael works with a limited number of applicants each year to design personalized application plans, refine application materials, and secure admissions to the world’s most prestigious universities.

Education

B.A. Creative Writing, Magna Cum Laude, University of Pennsylvania

Ivy/Ivy+ Admission Stats

2023: 12/12 Applicants Admitted to Ivy/Ivy+ Schools

2024: 9/10 Applicants Admitted to Ivy/Ivy+ Schools

2023, 2024 Acceptances By School

Yale (6) Penn (6) Brown (5) Columbia (5) Stanford (3) Princeton (2) Harvard (2) Cornell (2) Duke (2) MIT (1)

The Process: Step By Step

  1. College List

  • Compile comprehensive list of safety, match, and reach schools based on applicant’s scores, transcript, and interests

  • Determine plan of action for early decision and regular decision application cycles

2. Activities & Awards List

  • Compile and order list of 10 activities and 5 awards

  • Sharpen language to elevate accomplishments

3. Personal Statement

  • Brainstorm, draft, revise, and complete 650 word personal statement

  • Ensure personal statement aligns with activities list, life experience, and intended major

4. Supplemental Essays

  • Brainstorm, draft, revise, and complete supplements for early and regular decision rounds

  • Counsel applicant on answering a range of prompts concerning community, extracurriculars, intended major, and more

5. Letters of Continued Interest

  • In the event of a deferral or waitlist decision: brainstorm, draft, revise, and deliver letters of continued interest.

Testimonials

  • Lily Scheckner, Princeton '29

    Through every up and down, Michael was the best support I could have asked for—his writing expertise comes second only to his kindness and generosity. With his help, I was able to overcome each challenge thrown my way, earning admission to Yale, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania.

  • David Mastour, Penn '29

    Michael helped me sort out everything for my early decision application to Penn: my activities list, my common app essay, my supplements…my sanity! I can’t wait to be a Quaker this fall.

  • Sarojini Nadella, Brown '28

    During the arduous waitlist process, Michael helped me brainstorm what I can confidently say are some of the most creative letters of continued interest out there. Because of Michael I created a unified theme for my applications, represented myself authentically on paper, and received admission to Brown and Duke.

  • Daniel Stein, Stanford '29

    I came to Michael after being rejected from most early action applications. In three weeks we revamped and wrote personal and unique essays that got me into Stanford, Brown, and Cornell. To turn around so many applications in such a short amount of time would not have been possible without Michael's hard work and writerly brilliance.

  • Kelly Kong, Yale '28

    Michael is such a thoughtful mentor. Having an advisor who cared about hearing my voice while offering invaluable creative insights made my essays realize their maximum potential. I feel very lucky to have been able to work with him!

  • Andrew Hwang, Columbia '29

    Working with Michael was the best decision I made during the admissions process. Not only does he provide insightful feedback to bring out the authentic me in my writing, but his enthusiasm made this (sometimes) stressful experience incredibly enjoyable.