Simone Policano

A native New Yorker who graduated with honors from Hunter College High School before attending Yale, Simone brings both local insight and broad perspective to her work with students. Her background combines deep experience in college admissions – including four years in Yale’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions – with a natural gift for helping students find and strengthen their narrative voice.

What makes Simone particularly effective is her unique combination of insider knowledge and creative guidance. As a Senior Interviewer for Yale, she gained firsthand understanding of what makes applications compelling, while her background in theatre, creative writing, and screenwriting helps students approach the process with confidence and authenticity. She excels at helping students identify the stories that will resonate with admissions officers while maintaining their genuine voice.

Parents and students especially value Simone’s ability to make the application process feel more manageable and purposeful. Drawing on eight years of experience as an essay coach with a premier NYC college prep company, she helps students understand not just what colleges are looking for, but how to present their unique qualities effectively. Whether working on Common App essays, supplemental writing, or interview preparation, she creates an environment where students feel empowered to share their experiences and aspirations authentically.

Beyond college admissions, Simone’s academic tutoring experience spans K-12 Humanities, with particular emphasis on English literature and composition. Through her mastery of narrative development and clear communication, she excels at helping students develop stronger analytical reading and writing skills. Her approach emphasizes not just strong writing technique, but the development of a confident, authentic voice that serves students well beyond the application process.