MEET NORA
Hi, I’m Nora.
My academic journey took me from Switzerland to Wellesley College, the University of Cambridge, Columbia University, ETH Zurich, and the University of St. Gallen. Along the way, I experienced firsthand how profoundly the right educational environment can shape a person's confidence, curiosity, and future.
As the first student from my Swiss high school to apply to American universities, I also know how exciting — and overwhelming — that process can feel. I had to navigate an unfamiliar admissions system largely on my own, learning not only how applications work, but how to find a university where I would truly thrive. That experience continues to shape the way I advise students today.
Today, I combine nearly two decades of experience as a lecturer, researcher, thesis advisor, tutor, and mentor. Working as a test prep tutor and admissions advisor during my PhD, I discovered that my favorite part of academic life wasn't standing in front of a lecture hall; it was sitting across the table from an individual student. This realization became my current practice.
I’m based in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. From here, I work with students across the country and internationally.
“As the first student from my Swiss high school to apply to American universities, I had to figure out the process from scratch.”
Experience
My approach draws on nearly two decades of experience across higher education. I have been a student, researcher, university educator, thesis advisor, tutor, and admissions advisor.
Education
BA, Wellesley College
Study Abroad, University of Cambridge
PhD, Columbia University
Teaching and Research
Columbia University
ETH Zurich
University of St. Gallen
Advising
College / PhD admissions
SAT / ACT / GRE preparation
Research and writing
How I teach
My goal is not simply to help students gain admission to outstanding universities. It is to help them understand themselves, make thoughtful educational decisions, and find the environment in which they will genuinely thrive.
Choosing a university is one of the first truly consequential decisions a young person makes—not because it determines the rest of their life, but because it shapes how they learn to think, who they become, and the opportunities they encounter.
Learning begins with listening.
When we understand the student, we can trust the process.
The right university is the one where you will thrive, not simply the most famous one.
Learning happens in conversation.
Confidence grows through understanding.
When we do something, we always know the what, how, why, and the “why you should care.”
