About Us

Passion in Education


Background

The "Information Gap" in Admissions

Too many gifted students fall short of their dream universities simply because they lack the right strategy and targeted preparation. Having navigated the "information war" of Seoul’s elite Daechi-dong S. Korean admissions market, I have seen firsthand how the right insight can change a student’s trajectory. I bring that same high-stakes expertise and proven know-how directly to my students, ensuring they are never left behind by a lack of information.

The Insider’s Perspective

My approach is built on a 12-year career as a state university professor, where I served on both Scholarship and Retention Committees. These roles provided me with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how universities actually select and value students. I don't just guess what admissions officers want; I have sat at the table where those decisions were made. I understand the specific metrics and "hidden" criteria that separate a standard application from a winning one.

Strategic College Consulting

I translate this insider knowledge into comprehensive college consulting that goes far beyond simple test scores. I work with students to build a holistic profile—from strategic course selection to crafting a narrative that resonates with elite admissions committees. By identifying exactly what top-tier universities are looking for, I provide the structured roadmap and expert guidance necessary to ensure my students don't just apply—they stand out and succeed.


President / Instructor

About Jay

  • Senior Instructor at PSU Edu, S. Korea

  • Member of American Institute of Architects

  • Licensed Architect @ Illinois & Louisiana

  • Former Professor of School of Architecture

  • Former Assistant Director of Urban+Rural Community Design and Research Center

  • Member of National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB)

  • Ph.D. of Architecture work completed

  • Green Associate of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-GA)


Academic Awards and Recognition

  • Expression of Commendation from Louisiana House of Representative

  • Marquis Who’s Who in America®, among American College students

  • Recognition of the Highest Standards of Academic Achievement

  • Henry Adams Certificate for Academic Excellence


Education

Illinois Institute of Technology

  • Ph.D. Course work completed

  • Master / Bachelor of Architecture

  • Valedictorian, Master of Architecture 4.0/4.0


Activities & Affiliations

  • Member of American Institute of Architect (AIA)

  • Member of National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB)

  • Associate Member of Construction Specification Institute (CSI)

  • Associate Member of Design Build Institute of America (DBIA)


Architecture Licenses

  • Illinois / Louisiana


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Head Counselor

Education

Master of Art, Management (MA, Management)


Experience

Grant Officer at Illinois Art Council

  • Fellowship Recipient: Awarded multiple fellowships from the State of Illinois.

  • Grant Reviewer: Provided portfolio reviews and advisory services for Illinois Art Grants

Curator and Membership Coordinator

  • Museum Experience: Served as Membership Coordinator and Assistant Curator at a downtown Chicago museum for six years.


Activities & Affiliations

  • Chicago Public School Art Competition Curating

  • Curating of multiple visual art exhibitions

  • Former representative of multiple artists

  • Portfolio review & advising

  • Incubated & managed multiple online exhibitions