- FREE LIVE WEBINAR
College Admissions in the AI Age
- Wednesday, July 1st
- 4-5 PM PST/7-8 PM EST
- Can't make it live? A recording will be available within 1–2 business days.
Join our former admissions officer and senior counselor along with a panel of admissions officers from MIT, Occidental, and Denison for an inside look at how colleges are using AI in the admissions space.
We’ll cover:
- Changes admissions officers are making to their process in this era of AI and political/social shifts around higher education.
- What hasn’t changed about the admissions process.
- What admissions officers wish more families knew about the college process.
- Practical tips and advice on essays, recommendation letters, affordability, extracurricular activities, and more!
Our Facilitators
Tom Campbell
Former Admissions Officer · College Essay Guy
With 11+ years of admissions experience, Tom brings a rare insider perspective from both sides of the process, including roles as an admissions officer at the College of the Holy Cross and Assistant Dean at Pomona College.
He’s helped shape policies like test-optional admissions and supported students nationwide in gaining admission to highly selective schools.
Tom specializes in helping students turn “I have no idea what to write” into essays that feel authentic, compelling, and unmistakably them.
Known for his warm, student-centered approach, he makes a high-stakes process feel more human (with the occasional nod to Kacey Musgraves and breakfast burritos).
Tillie Gottlieb
Senior College Counselor · College Essay Guy
With 15+ years of experience, Tillie brings a global, insider perspective to college admissions, with a background spanning admissions, elite boarding schools, private counseling in Southeast Asia, and leadership as a Co-Director of College Counseling in the Bay Area.
She’s helped students get into top colleges nationwide—but more importantly, she helps them build applications that actually make sense and feel like them. Tillie specializes in guiding students—especially in STEM, business, social sciences, and the arts—toward clear, cohesive, and compelling stories.
Known for her sharp eye, deep listening, and sense of humor, she makes a high-stakes process feel a lot more manageable. Filmmaker, former ballet dancer, game show competitor, and guac enthusiast—she brings both creativity and real talk to the process.
Our Panelists
Duanduan Hsieh
Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions · Occidental College
As a third culture kid, Duanduan was raised in both the US and Taiwan.
After graduating from high school in Taipei, he was looking to spend his college years away from a major metropolitan city. The search for more natural landscapes brought him to Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA.
Throughout his college years, he worked as an admission ambassador, studied abroad in Italy, completed an internship in Belgium and led the Asian American Pacific Islander affinity group.
As an Art and Art History major, he also maintained a studio art practice in photography and painting.
After receiving his degree in 2019, Duanduan decided to pursue a career in his passion for higher education, specifically for college admission. He moved across the country to Los Angeles and worked at Pitzer College before joining the Occidental team in 2022.
On the weekends, Duanduan can be found at the bouldering gym or exploring new restaurants with his friends.
Carlos Vega
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions & Athletic Liaison · MIT
Experienced Admission Professional with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry as well as with collegiate student athletes.
Obtained Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Vermont.
Caitlin Latta
Director of Selection · Denison University
A Pasadena, CA native, Caitlin studied Spanish as an undergraduate and brings that same spirit of curiosity to life outside of work.
When she’s not on the clock, you’ll most likely find her soaking up the California sunshine, whether that means hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, or simply settling in with a good book in the sun.
She’s also an avid knitter and treasures time spent with friends and family. One fun fact about her: after graduating from college, she started a summer camp in Colorado with two friends.
What she loves most about Denison is its strong sense of community and the way people genuinely look out for one another.
Her advice to prospective students? Be authentic, and try to speak with as many people from campus as you can throughout the process.
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