The Otherside logo
The Otherside

Find a mentor who knows what it takes

Avery Kalafatas
Dartmouth College

Avery Kalafatas

Dartmouth College '27

Hometown: Hanover

Major: Anthropology, Biology

Minor(s): Global health

Extracurriculars: Palamedes Partners Associate, 911 EMT, Dartmouth Ski Patrol

I am a Dartmouth '27 double majoring in Biology and Anthropology, with a minor in global health. While at school, I am an associate at Palamedes Partners (a healthcare consulting firm exclusively for Dartmouth-affiliated founders), the social chair of Dartmouth Ski Patrol, work approximately 24 hours per week on night shifts as a 911 EMT, and the alumni chair of Kappa Delta Epsilon! I absolutely love Dartmouth and would love to answer any questions you have!

Benjamin Ferst
Southern Methodist University

Benjamin Ferst

Southern Methodist University '27

Hometown: Tiburon, CA

Major: Economics, Finance

Minor(s): Business

Interests: Skiing, poker, Golf.

What’s up! My name is Ben Ferst, and I’m a rising senior at Southern Methodist University majoring in Economics with a focus in Finance. On campus I’m a part of the private equity venture capital club, sales club, as well as a brother of Sigma Chi Fraternity. This summer, I’ll be working in commercial real estate with Kilroy Realty Corporation as I continue breaking into the industry. Outside of school, I’m big into golf, skiing, and playing poker with friends. I’d be more than happy to help anyone going through the SMU application process. Choosing SMU was one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I’d love to help others feel confident making that same choice. Go Stangs!

Blake Weaver
Boston College

Blake Weaver

Boston College '28

Hometown: Marin County, CA

Interests: Lacrosse, basketball, golf, skiing, surfing, finance

Extracurriculars: Finance club, club lacrosse, investing club

Hello! My name is Blake Weaver and I am an incoming junior at Boston College studying finance. I am originally from the Bay Area in California, and I absolutely love my time at BC. I am very easy going and would be more than happy to talk with you about any sort of school you may be interested in, as I applied to many. I’m a very active guy, but please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Brad Burnes
University of Virginia

Brad Burnes

University of Virginia '27

Hometown: Belvedere

Major: Finance

Minor(s): Real Estate

Interests: Baseball and Poker

Test scores: 1480 SAT

Hi, my name is Brad Burnes, and I transferred to the University of Virginia as a second-year student. It was by far the best decision I’ve ever made. I’d be happy to chat about the McIntire School of Commerce, club sports, Greek life, or anything else you’re curious about regarding life as a Hoo!

Carter Nachman
Tulane University

Carter Nachman

Tulane University '27

Hometown: Marin County, CA

Interests: Surfing, Skiing, AI, Poker, Markets, Golf

Extracurriculars: Tulane Consulting Group + Phi Gamma Delta Recruitment Chair

Hi, I'm Carter and I am a Junior studying Finance and Business Management at Tulane University. I grew up in Marin County and went to boarding school in Connecticut. Tulane has been awesome and I'd be happy to answer any questions or talk about my experience here.

Chloe Bishop
Northwestern University

Chloe Bishop

Northwestern University '27

Hometown: Tiburon, CA

Major: Journalism, Legal Studies

Minor(s): Business Institutions

Interests: Social Justice, Hot Yoga

Test scores: 34 ACT

Extracurriculars: Mock Trial, Campus Tour Guide. Northwestern Prison Education Program

Hi! My name is Chloe Bishop, and I'm a pre-law student at Northwestern University with experience in management consulting, social policy, journalism, public health, and more. As a Tour Guide for Northwestern's Office of Admissions, I've learned a lot about what it takes to sell yourself to a top institution, and I'm excited to help.

Ciara Moran
San Diego State University

Ciara Moran

San Diego State University '28

Hometown: Mill Valley, California

Major: Business

Interests: Hiking, exercise, travel, community outreach

Extracurriculars: Women in Business Club & Finance, Investment Club

I’m excited to support students through the SDSU application process. As a current SDSU student, I offer candid, firsthand insight into academics, campus life, and navigating the college experience, helping you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

Claire Cassidy
University of Notre Dame

Claire Cassidy

University of Notre Dame '28

Hometown: San Rafael, CA

Major: Science Pre Professional

Minor(s): Compassionate Care in Medicine

Test scores: 1480 SAT

Extracurriculars: Member, Team Captain of Women’s Water Polo, Research Assistant in Cognitive Learning, Development Lab, PreK tutor through TutorND, Neuroscience, Behavior Club, Lifeguard, Swim Instructor

I am a premed student in the class of 2028 at the University of Notre Dame, and I graduated from Marin Catholic High School in 2024. I am happy to help with any application advice, finding extracurricular and service opportunities, or working on helping you stand out be the best version of yourself!

David Rajkovic
University of California, Berkeley

David Rajkovic

University of California, Berkeley '29

Hometown: Larkspur

Major: Applied Mathematics

Minor(s): Data Science

Interests: Basketball, Cooking, Ping pong, Poker,

Hi, I'm David and I am a freshman studying Applied Math at UC Berkeley. I grew up in Marin County, and graduated from Redwood. I am happy to share my experience or give any advice.

Dylan Cormic McGrath
Wake Forest University

Dylan Cormic McGrath

Wake Forest University '30

Hometown: Kentfield

Major: Undecided

Test scores: 1420 SAT

Extracurriculars: Football, Ceres community service, basketball, Job, NLYM, Marin Food Bank, NCS Presidents list, AP Scholar with Honors

I’m a high school senior from California who was accepted to Wake Forest University. Throughout high school, I balanced a rigorous course load with athletics and community service, serving as a varsity football captain and varies charity organizations. I’ve spent a lot of time working on college essays, building a strong activities list, and navigating the admissions process, so I understand what makes an application stand out. I can help with brainstorming and outlining essays, editing and refining drafts, building a strong activities list, and shaping your overall application. Helping your personal story stand out in a genuine way.

Emmet George
Middlebury College

Emmet George

Middlebury College '27

Hometown: Mill Valley, CA

Major: Economics

Extracurriculars: Varsity Baseball

Student-Athlete at Middlebury College. Pursuing a career in finance.

Filip Rajkovic
University of California, Berkeley

Filip Rajkovic

University of California, Berkeley '27

Hometown: Larkspur, CA

Major: Statistics

Minor(s): Data Science

Interests: Basketball, Skiing, Poker

I’m a third-year transfer at UC Berkeley studying statistics. I have experience in machine learning research and wealth management. Outside of school, I enjoy skiing and playing sports. I’m happy to share my experience or any advice.

Gavin Simurdiak
Johns Hopkins University

Gavin Simurdiak

Johns Hopkins University '28

Hometown: San Rafael, CA

Major: Computer Science, Economics

Interests: Baseball, Cybersecurity

Test scores: 1580 SAT

Extracurriculars: Varsity Baseball, Army ROTC

I'm a second year student at Johns Hopkins University studying computer science and economics. My academic focus is mostly on computer systems and cybersecurity, though I also have some experience with economics and data science as well.

Jake Post
University of Southern California

Jake Post

University of Southern California '30

Hometown: Kentfield, California

Major: Business

Test scores: 1490 SAT

Hi I’m Jake Post and I am a student at the University of Southern California. I’m majoring in Business Administration and plan on minoring in Sports Management. I would love to talk about the college application process as well as anything college in general. In high school I was captain of varsity Baseball and Basketball and had to learn how to balance a rigorous course load while also handling numerous extra curriculars and enjoying highschool as well. Through my application process I

James Fischer Burke
Colgate University

James Fischer Burke

Colgate University '28

Hometown: San Francisco

Major: Economics

Interests: Surfing and Golf

Marin Academy graduate 2024

James Landis
University of Southern California

James Landis

University of Southern California '27

Hometown: Los Angeles

Major: Economics

Minor(s): AI

Interests: Soccer, surfing

Test scores: 33 ACT

An economics student interested in the field of energy and natural resources - working in consulting this summer. Excited to share any advice!

Jude Baker
Bowdoin College

Jude Baker

Bowdoin College '29

Hometown: Greenbrae, California

Major: Economics

Minor(s): Math

Test scores: 1350 SAT

Extracurriculars: Football, Baseball

I am football player, Econ major from Northern California. Open to any questions or help you may need about the Bowdoin application process.

Lauren Poulin
University of California, Berkeley

Lauren Poulin

University of California, Berkeley '28

Hometown: San Francisco, California

Major: Political Science

Extracurriculars: Key Club, Newspaper, Non Profit Intern

I am a third-year political science major at Berkley! I am excited to help with any advice needed.

Leo Centeno
UCLA

Leo Centeno

UCLA '30

Hometown: Kentfield, California

Interests: Basketball, surfing,

Test scores: 1550 SAT

Hi, I'm Leo and I am going to be majoring in Statistics and Data Science at UCLA in the fall. I plan on minoring in Entrepreneurship, as well. I had a lot of experience in high school juggling multiple extracurriculars, a difficult course load, and staying dedicated to my sports. I was captain of the varsity basketball team at Redwood and also played lacrosse for all 4 years. If you have any questions about the college application process, please reach out!

Luc Poulin
Cal Poly SLO

Luc Poulin

Cal Poly SLO '26

Hometown: Tiburon, CA

Major: Business

Interests: Music, entertainment, poker, entrepreneurship.

Test scores: 32 ACT

Extracurriculars: President of Investment Banking Club, Dean's List, President's List, Greek Life.

Student at Cal Poly SLO. Passionate about investment banking, entrepreneurship, music and entertainment. Co-founder of The Otherside.

Lucas Courts
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Lucas Courts

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo '27

Hometown: Modesto

Major: Business

Interests: Poker, Pickleball, Hiking, NBA & NFL, All-In Podcast, Restructuring/Bankruptcy

Extracurriculars: Financial Management Association, Cal Poly Investment Banking, Leadership & Career Success TA

Junior at Cal Poly SLO studying Business Finance heading into Restructuring Consulting with Alvarez & Marsal this summer

Malcolm Whitfield
Tufts University

Malcolm Whitfield

Tufts University '26

Hometown: Dedham, Massachusetts

Major: Economics

Minor(s): Finance

Interests: Running

Extracurriculars: Baseball

Student-athlete recruiting process and investment banking / finance recruiting

Matthew Greco
Tufts University

Matthew Greco

Tufts University '27

Hometown: Larkspur

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Minor(s): Engineering Management

Interests: running, golf

Extracurriculars: Football

Hi my name is Matthew Greco and I am a third-year student at Tufts University. I've had a great experience here at Tufts and am happy to chat about college athletics, time management skills, anything engineering relating, as well as any other questions you may have regarding Tufts!

Muriel Mercer
University of Virginia

Muriel Mercer

University of Virginia '27

Hometown: Whitefish, MT

Major: Human Biology

Minor(s): Business

Interests: Skiing, community engagement, running

Extracurriculars: Volunteer Work, Research

I transferred to UVA after my first year and would love to share my experience. I’m happy to talk about the application process, healthcare-related coursework, research opportunities, social life, volunteering, student organizations, and anything else related to UVA!

Ofelia Huneeus
University of Miami

Ofelia Huneeus

University of Miami '30

Hometown: Sausalito, California

Major: Journalism

Test scores: 30 ACT

I’m a high school senior from California accepted to the University of Miami. Throughout high school, I balanced challenging academics with journalism and community service, serving as News and Spanish Editor for The Bark and interning with prison professors. Having spent years working on essays, activities lists, and the college admissions process, I understand what makes an application stand out. I can help with brainstorming and editing essays, strengthening activities lists, and shaping an authentic, compelling application.

Payton Greco
University of California, Santa Barbara

Payton Greco

University of California, Santa Barbara '29

Hometown: Larkspur, California

Major: Economics, Accounting

Interests: CorePower Yoga, Cooking, Tennis

Hi, my name is Payton Greco, and I am a first-year student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, studying Economics and Accounting. I’ve really enjoyed my experience at UCSB so far and would be happy to chat about adjusting to college life, getting involved on campus and in Greek Life, and any questions you may have!

Preston Cusick
University of Texas at Austin

Preston Cusick

University of Texas at Austin '27

Hometown: San Francisco, California

Major: Informatics

Minor(s): Business

Interests: Surfing, Golf, Baseball, Music

Hi, I'm Preston. I’m a student at UT Austin studying Informatics with a focus on data science and UX Design/Research. Coming here was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Feel free to reach out if you are interested in coming to Texas.

R. Chase Merrell
Texas Christian University

R. Chase Merrell

Texas Christian University '27

Hometown: San Anselmo

Major: Finance

Interests: Triathlons, Poker, Basketball, Cooking, Pickleball, Golf

Test scores: 1340 SAT

Extracurriculars: N.A.I.L. (Neeley Artificial Intelligence Leadership Organization), Finance Club

I’m a finance student at TCU with experience interning at Q Investments, a Fort Worth-based family office hedge fund, and an incoming 2026 Summer Associate at AlphaSights on the Capital Markets team. I founded the Neeley AI Leadership Club (NAIL), supported by Neeley’s AI Forward initiative and a $10M grant. Through NAIL, we work with faculty and business leaders who are active stakeholders in the organization to connect students with real-world AI applications. I’ve had a great experience at TCU and am always open to talking about Neeley, student orgs, greek life, or internship recruiting.

Samantha Ketslakh
University of Michigan

Samantha Ketslakh

University of Michigan '27

Hometown: Ann Arbor

Major: Business

Hi! My name is Sammi and I'm a rising senior at Umich Ross School of Business. My concentration is finance and I will be doing investment banking this summer. Happy to answers any questions about Michigan and banking as well.

Siena White
Georgetown University

Siena White

Georgetown University '30

Hometown: San Anselmo

Major: Business

Interests: Soccer

Extracurriculars: Soccer Instructor

I am going to be a student-athlete in the class of 2030 at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, where I will be playing Division I soccer. I’m super excited to share any strategies or advice to use during the college application process.

Sophia Acker
Washington University in St. Louis

Sophia Acker

Washington University in St. Louis '27

Hometown: Belvedere, CA

Major: Computer Science, Mathematics

Minor(s): Psychology, Dance

Test scores: 1500 SAT

Extracurriculars: WashU Dance Company, Volunteer Dance Teacher, Orientation Leader, Product Management + Software Development

Hi! My name is Sophia, and I am a junior at Washington University in St. Louis studying Computer Science + Mathematics. I have explored a mix of tech and creative interests from coding projects and internships to dance and campus leadership. I understand how overwhelming it can be to figure out your path. As an orientation leader, I've gained experience mentoring and supporting new students, and I love helping others navigate the college process!

Zave Greene
University of Virginia

Zave Greene

University of Virginia '27

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

Major: Information Systems

Interests: Ice Hockey

Extracurriculars: Entrepreneurship/AI, Hackathons

I am the co-founder of CorridorIQ, a migration intelligence startup. I am studying Information Systems in the Mcintire School of Commerce. My interests are AI, computer systems, and entrepreneurship. Outside of school, I am on the club ice hockey team and spend a lot of time outdoors fishing and hiking.