If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
With over 10 years of experience as a private admissions consultant, alumni interviewer, and essay editor, I'm here to help students get through the tough admissions and test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT) process.
2025-2026 Results:
- 2 Columbia
- 2 Rice University
- 1 MIT
- 1 U Penn
- 3 Northwestern University
- 3 UC Berkeley
- 1 USC
- 1 U of Michigan Engineering
- 1 NYU
Qualifications:
• Graduated from Duke University (top 10 school) as top 5% of class
• Studied Philosophy and Literature, Human Rights, with professional experience in the nonprofit and education sector
• Certified from UCLA and Columbia in College Counseling
What makes me stand out from the rest?
• The comfort and confidence I inspire in my students
• I’m bilingual and specialize in helping Korean speakers / students, and helping immigrant families with the admissions process
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 493 times
1 similar job done near you
Background checked
1 employee
14 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Credit card, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2023
Services offered
Test type
Student grade level
9th grade
10th grade
11th grade
12th grade
Test sections
Reading
Writing
Math
Other subjects
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
33 reviews
5
97%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
3%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Usha P.
Jan 13, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Everyone told me engineering is too competitive for Asian & STEM.. That is very true in our community.. But Michelle created the best most competitive strategy for us and my son was accepted into Columbia!! I was worried to death but it was worth it in the end. Highly recommend for counseling. Start as early as possible.
Details: Preparing for standardized tests • Completing applications • High school Senior • Cadence recommended by professional • Remotely (phone or internet)
College Admissions Counseling
Samantha H.
Jan 13, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
We worked with Michelle for both of our daughters and she was a great help and mentor to both. We are grateful to have had her patient guidance throughout their entire high school career. Our first daughter is doing wonderfully at CalTech and our second at Princeton.
Details: Preparing for standardized tests • Selecting colleges • High school Sophomore • Cadence recommended by professional • Remotely (phone or internet)
College Admissions Counseling
Colleen C.
May 2, 2026
I cannot say enough good things about Michelle and the college counseling services she provided to my daughters. From the very beginning, she took the time to truly understand their interests, strengths, and goals, helping them build thoughtful and well-balanced college lists.
What really set Michelle apart was her ability to guide them in presenting themselves authentically and confidently throughout the application process. She was incredibly helpful in brainstorming and refining essay ideas, offering insightful, constructive feedback that elevated their writing while still keeping their voices genuine.
Her support brought clarity and confidence to what can often feel like an overwhelming process. We are so grateful for her expertise, dedication, and encouragement every step of the way. I would highly recommend her to any family navigating the college admissions journey.
Anil s.
Nov 19, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Michelle was very responsive and did the free initial session for helping with college application. We finally went with another counselor, but Michelle was also very responsive and knowledgeable
Details: Writing essays • Selecting colleges • Completing applications • High school Senior • Cadence recommended by professional • Remotely (phone or internet)
College Admissions Counseling
Elaine A.
Nov 23, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Very helpful! I felt very prepared for my test because I learned how to think about the questions and my wrong answers, not just blindly memorizing or doing hw. Ivy Light Prep was worth the time, effort and money! On practice tests, I improved my score by 200 points on average. I went from 1300 to 1530.
Details: College • SAT2 • Writing • Math • Not yet scheduled • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Duke & Columbia Grad: Ivy League Prep's reply
Great to hear about your test prep success, Elaine! I appreciated all your effort in studying and preparing well :)
Test Prep Services
Credentials
Background Check
Michelle Lee
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I offer a discount for students who work with me for 5+ hours.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We review your admissions goals, your current resume and application, personal statement or candidacy drafts, and plan out a roadmap so that you can feel confident about your application.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Duke University graduate (Magna Cum Laude) with a degree in Philosophy and Literature. I am also certified in College Counseling from UCLA and from Columbia.
I have helped over 300 students with their college and graduate school applications, and all of my students have successfully entered into their target schools.
