About ivyBRIDGE
Ivy League and Top 25 schools academic admissions consulting
Discover our mission and holistic approach to academic advising
Our Holistic Advising Approach
Unlike traditional tutoring and college advising services, ivyBRIDGE takes a holistic view of each student's unique background, goals, and challenges. We believe that every student is more than just test scores and grades—they are individuals with distinct aspirations, experiences, and potential.
Before beginning their journey with us, every student completes a detailed intake form, allowing us to fully understand their needs—whether related to college applications or medical/dental school admissions. This comprehensive assessment helps us create a personalized roadmap for success.
Our Philosophy
At IvyBridge, we believe in empowering students by fostering deep, personal mentorships and offering holistic support. Our goal is to meet students where they are—academically, personally, and financially—and help them develop the skills and confidence to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Our Mission
To bridge the gap between students' potential and their academic dreams by providing personalized, comprehensive guidance that considers the whole person—not just their academic profile.
Our Vision
To become the leading holistic advising service that empowers students to discover their authentic selves while achieving their highest academic and professional aspirations.
How Our Holistic Approach Works
Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with an in-depth intake process that explores your academic history, extracurricular activities, personal interests, career goals, and unique challenges.
Personalized Strategy
Based on your assessment, we develop a customized plan that addresses your specific needs and leverages your unique strengths and experiences.
Ongoing Support
Throughout your journey, we provide continuous guidance, mentorship, and support, adapting our approach as your goals and circumstances evolve.
Success Achievement
We celebrate your achievements and continue to support you as you transition to your chosen academic or professional path.
Meet Our Founder
Anna - Founder & CEO
First-Generation College Student & Harvard Dental Student
Anna is a first-generation college student who graduated from Cornell University in 2022 with a degree in Biology and is now attending the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Her parents immigrated from China as teenagers and ran a small family restaurant, where Anna worked during her childhood. At the time, she imagined herself taking over the family business and never envisioned pursuing a path in higher education or dentistry.
However, with the guidance of mentors she met in high school and college, Anna's aspirations and confidence grew. Navigating the college application process on her own as a first-generation student, she experienced feelings of uncertainty and doubt. She was fortunate to connect with a student from NYU through a free online advising platform who reviewed her essays and answered her many questions. That mentorship had a profound impact on her future.
Motivated by that experience, Anna began working as a tutor and college advisor during her sophomore year at Cornell. She focused on helping other first-generation students gain admission into prestigious programs and universities, including Columbia's HK Maker Lab and NYU's ARISE program. Her mentees have gone on to receive admissions offers from top schools such as Yale, Duke, Cornell, and the University of Michigan, with two of her students securing full scholarships to Yale and Duke through QuestBridge.
Now, as a dental student who has successfully navigated the dental school admissions process—earning acceptances to top programs including Harvard, Columbia, Penn (with a $200K merit scholarship), and Michigan—Anna is expanding her mission. Alongside peers from top dental and medical schools, she is committed to supporting the next generation of pre-dental and pre-med students through mentorship, application coaching, and academic guidance.