Hi there! I’m Mae, an author and editor based in Manila, Philippines. As a former international student and student-athlete, I’m very passionate about helping students through the college admissions process.
I grew up in Manila and received my undergraduate degree from Pomona College in Claremont, California. I was a Psychology major and worked as a research assistant for the department’s Cultural Neuroscience Lab. Prior to college, I competed in national junior tournaments around the Philippines and then became part of the Pomona Pitzer women’s tennis team. I served as team captain for two years and still love talking to anyone about my experience in Division III Athletics. After graduating, I moved to New York and stayed there for three years. I interned for various publishing houses while earning my MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults.
After my experience applying as an international student to US colleges, I’ve always enjoyed guiding students back home through their own journey. I volunteered for an organization called CAMP (College Admissions Mentors for Peers in the Philippines) and helped students from schools in Manila navigate the US admission process. For the past four years, I’ve also worked as a freelance editor for the college counseling company, Collegewise. I gave feedback on personal statements and supplemental essays from their first to final drafts. I am also part of the Alumni Admissions Volunteer program at Pomona College and have conducted interviews for applicants based in the US and abroad.
I’ve seen firsthand how college counseling can change a young person’s life and I’m so excited to be a part of your process.
