Cristina Castellano

For over 20 years, I have been helping students gain admission into top undergraduate and graduate programs. A Harvard graduate and Wharton MBA, I deem education as the great equalizer and feels that no applicant should face a disadvantage in the admissions process because of unfamiliarity with the process or lack of mentorship.

I earned my AB in Economics from Harvard, where I was captain of the cheerleading team and a CityStep instructor. My senior year, I earned the Patrick Melendez award for my contributions to sports and the community. After graduation, I joined the world of investment banking in New York. Focusing on leveraged finance and private equity fundraising, I honed my attention to detail to help companies and sponsors communicate their track records, supporting over $5 billion in transactions and capital raised across the US and Latin America.

Prior to business school, I studied dance and reconnected with my community in South Florida. I was then accepted to Wharton, where I received the Howard Mitchell Fellowship, a two-year full tuition scholarship. I was also Co-President of Wharton’s Latin American Student Association (WHALASA), Wharton’s largest cultural and professional club, where I founded the mentorship initiative for applicants from the region.

I later returned to South Florida where I focus on admissions consulting. My ability to maneuver through various industries and geographies makes me exceptionally adept at connecting with clients from a multitude of backgrounds. I enjoy working with ‘traditional’ and unconventional applicants alike as every student has an authentic and compelling story waiting to be revealed.

In addition to work, I am passionate about the performing arts and am President of the Board of the International Ballet Festival of Miami. If I'm not sitting in the audience or peering through the wings backstage, I'm probably at home dancing with my family.