Alex H. Rafi is a Graduate Coach and an elite nonfiction storyteller who brings an Ivy League and Stanford-trained artistic lens to the admissions process. Alex completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, double-majoring in Communication and Cinema Studies, before going on to earn his Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Film from Stanford University. This exceptional academic dual-foundation in communication theory and high-level visual media gives him a rare capability to help students construct visually and narratively arresting application portfolios.
Alex brings nearly a decade of professional experience working directly with high-achieving high school and college-aged students. As a former high school teacher, filmmaker, and audio producer, his career has centered on the art of capturing authentic human experiences and shaping them into powerful narratives. He has a rich background in creative production, having worked extensively in sound mixing, audio tracking, and theater performance, alongside performing as a college musician and producer. This diverse background allows him to connect deeply with students navigating film schools, creative writing programs, and the humanities.
Known for his wonderful, calm energy, Alex serves as a highly grounding and stabilizing presence for students facing the high-pressure atmosphere of selective admissions. As a Graduate Coach, his coaching philosophy rejects generic, cookie-cutter application templates; instead, he engages directly with students to draw out their true, authentic personal voices. He works closely with families to develop clear, customized roadmaps that position applicants to become their absolute best selves in the classroom, on campus, and within their wider creative communities.
