Prime Ivy is a New York–based educational consulting firm founded in 2016, built around long-term academic mentorship and thoughtful college application strategy. We work with students aiming for selective U.S. universities by combining admissions expertise, academic coaching, and writing guidance into one coordinated approach.
Our team brings together experienced admissions consultants, educators, professors, and competition coaches. Rather than operating in isolation, we collaborate across counseling, academics, and writing to support students holistically—helping them develop direction, depth, and confidence over time.
Co-Founder & Chief Education Strategist
Former University of Pennsylvania alumni interviewer and college application columnist. Matt previously served as Program Director of the New York Cares SAT Tutoring Volunteer Program and has been featured in multiple media outlets discussing college admissions strategy. He leads long-term academic planning, application positioning, and narrative development at Prime Ivy.
Co-Founder & Chief College Admissions Consultant
Holds dual Master’s degrees in Education and Psychology. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and college admissions counseling, Evan specializes in student development, strategic planning, and family coordination for selective U.S. universities.
Chief Consultant — Private High School Admissions Strategy
Elina Zak specializes in U.S. private and boarding school admissions, with extensive experience guiding families through placements at highly selective day schools and boarding schools across the Northeast and beyond. She advises on school fit, application strategy, interview preparation, and complex placement decisions across different school models.
Fluent in Spanish, Russian, French, and English, Elina works closely with both domestic and international families. Over the past decade, she has built strong professional relationships with admissions offices at leading private schools and is known for her strategic, well-informed guidance in competitive school placement cases.
Director of Academic Methodology
Glydia oversees Prime Ivy’s academic systems and instructional frameworks. She focuses on building transferable study methods, problem-solving habits, and long-term academic skill development across tutoring, competitions, and research programs.
College Admissions Consultant & Academic Pathways Advisor
Background in Chemistry (UCLA). Siya specializes in helping students articulate academic interests, research direction, and personal narratives aligned with admissions committee expectations. She has guided over 20 students to Top 30 U.S. universities.
College Admissions Consultant & Academic Pathways Advisor
Background in Political Science and Media Studies (UC Berkeley). Riya focuses on uncovering authentic student stories and translating experiences into clear, compelling application narratives through close, trust-based mentorship.
College Admissions Consultant & Academic Pathways Advisor
Graduate of Yale University and former state-level mathematics champion. Crystal advises students on advanced academic planning, competition pathways, and intellectual positioning within selective college applications.
College Essay Program Lead
Graduate of the University of California, Berkeley (Literature). Ian leads Prime Ivy’s essay programs, guiding students through personal statements and supplemental essays with a focus on clarity, reflection, and admissions-reader priorities.
Senior College Admissions Consultant & Essay Advisor
Graduate of Yale University and former state-level mathematics champion. Crystal advises students on advanced academic planning, competition pathways, and intellectual positioning within selective college applications.
College Essay & Research Writing Advisor
Zach Halpern brings interdisciplinary experience in biology, psychology, and anthropology. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he supports students in research-based writing, long-form academic essays, and application narratives that connect intellectual curiosity with real-world inquiry.
Admissions Writing Editor
Marshall Borrus is an experienced college essay editor who works closely with students on personal statements and supplemental essays. He specializes in helping students clarify their thinking, refine structure, and communicate ideas with precision and voice. Marshall focuses on shaping essays that are thoughtful, well-organized, and aligned with the broader application narrative.
SAT / ACT Test Preparation Instructor
Graduate of UCLA with over 12 years of frontline teaching experience. Sebastian specializes in strategic test preparation, pacing, and pattern recognition across SAT and ACT sections.
SAT, ACT, SSAT & TOEFL Instructor
Current NYC public school English teacher with over 10 years of standardized test tutoring experience. Stacey focuses on targeted skill-building and exam readiness through individualized instruction.
SAT Math & Advanced Mathematics Instructor
Senior mathematics lecturer at the City University of New York with over 15 years of tutoring experience. Nicky specializes in SAT Math, AP Calculus, and Statistics, with many students achieving top scores.
SAT / ACT Test Preparation Instructor
Jinho Coi is a senior standardized test instructor specializing in SAT and ACT preparation. A graduate of Boston University, he has over 11 years of full-time teaching experience and was previously recognized by students as one of the Top 10 Tutors at a leading international online SAT preparation organization. Jinho is known for his clear instruction, structured methods, and ability to help students achieve consistent score improvements.
Mathematics Competitions Coach
Master’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Stony Brook and former high school math teacher and team coach. Specializes in contest math training, with students advancing to AIME.
Mathematics Research Mentor
Professor of Mathematics at CUNY and expert in model theory and algebra. Author of Introduction to Model Theory with over 50 academic publications. Mentors students through year-long mathematical research projects and advanced academic development.
Physics & Science Competitions Mentor
Ph.D. in Physics from SUNY Stony Brook and former researcher at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Fang has extensive experience guiding students in Physics Bowl and Olympiad-level science competitions.
Mathematical Modeling & Research Mentor
Graduate of Cornell University in Mathematics and Computer Science. Former lecturer at Cornell and the University of Washington. Leads mathematical modeling teams and advises on research-driven college applications.
Senior Writing & Social Science Research Advisor
Professor of Political Economy at New York University and former New York Times journalist. Specializes in advanced writing, social science research, and high-level academic competitions.
Media & Humanities Academic Advisor
Professor of Media Studies at New York University and graduate of Columbia University. Award-winning filmmaker and educator supporting students in humanities, media, and creative disciplines.
Prime Ivy operates as a collaborative team rather than isolated tutors or advisors. Counselors, instructors, and mentors coordinate closely to ensure that academic work, research, competitions, and applications align with each student’s long-term direction.
In addition to our core team, Prime Ivy works with a broader academic network of university faculty and subject-matter experts to support specialized research and advanced academic pathways.
This integrated structure allows us to support students not only through admissions—but through meaningful intellectual growth that continues well beyond the application process.
