Mikhail Filarski

College Admissions Consultant He/Him/HIs

College Admissions Consultant

Former Admissions Officer Lewis & Clark College

My Background

I started my career in college admissions as a student tour guide at the University of Puget Sound where I realized my passion for assisting students and families through the college search and application process. After college, I started my professional career in admissions at Lewis & Clark College where I served as a member of the admissions committee, reading and making decisions on applications. During my time at Lewis & Clark I was very active in college admissions professional development, which allowed me to work closely with admissions officers at a wide range of institutions, from Top-10 and Ivy League schools to public institutions including those within University of California and University of Washington systems. This gave me a well-rounded perspective of admissions processes at many schools unlike my own. During my tenure at Lewis & Clark, I supervised admissions interns and tour guides, oversaw POSSE scholarship applications and managed the gap year process. In addition, I worked with many students exploring majors associated with pre-professional programs like pre-med, pre-law and business, as well as accelerated programs including Lewis & Clark's 3-3 Environmental Law Program.

We had an excellent experience working with [College Coach]. [Our coach] was always ready to help whenever we had any questions. My daughter had frequent sessions with her in the last 4 years and it wouldn't have been possible to achieve her dream college without [College Coach’s] guidance.

Parent of a Cornell University student

Why I Joined College Coach

Because I found my own college search process to be rather overwhelming, I truly enjoy making this historically confusing process more transparent for the students and families that I work with. In my own counseling style, I am supportive and directive. I assign clear tasks to move the process forward, reduce stress and set a student up for admissions success. I get really excited to help students explore the intersection of their interests through high school and in the college search process. I believe that all aspects of a person’s interests hold value and I am a strong proponent of interdisciplinary study--I myself double majored in Politics and Government and Environmental Policy. Are you strong in science but also have a passion for art? Want to study business but also curious about tech? Let me help you find extra curriculars that will help you gain exposure to those areas, explore major/minor combinations to help you build the right skill sets, and uncover career pathways that help you leverage these interests. Lastly, I love the essay writing process and enjoy helping a student make incremental improvements to their writing to create a compelling personal narrative. I’m excited to bring my calm demeanor and years of experience to your college search and application process!

Get to Know Me

My Education

University of Puget Sound Bachelor of Arts, Politics and Government and Environmental Policy

I have worked with students interested in:

Aerospace
Architecture
Art
Aviation
Biochemistry
Business
Communication
Computer science
Conservatories (Music/Fine Arts)
Dance
Data science
Economics
Engineering
Fashion
Film
Game design
Government
Graduate programs
Graphic design
HBCUs
Hispanic serving
Honors programs
Humanities
International relations
Ivy league
Journalism
Large State Schools
Marine biology
Mathematics
Military/Service academies
Music
Nursing
Photography
Physical therapy
Political science
Pre-dentistry
Pre-law
Pre-med
Pre-veterinary
Psychology
Religiously affiliated schools
Religious Studies/Theology
Research universities
ROTC
Science
Small liberal arts colleges
Social Sciences
Sports analytics
Teaching/education certification
Technology
Theater
Two year colleges
Visual and performing arts
Women's colleges

I have also worked with:

Athletes
First-generation students
Gap year students
High school admissions
Home schooled students
IB program
International students
LGBTQIA+ students
Non-traditional students
Students with learning differences
Transfer students

Some of my favorite pastimes

I love spending time with my dog, Barley, taking walks in the rain or shine, often while enjoying a horror movie review or comedy podcast. I’m actively running out of room on my shelves for Lego builds, but there always seems to be room for one more! My most prized Lego set is the Kingfisher which is proudly displayed in my entryway. I was gifted with a love of food and cooking and, as a result, aspire to cook or try new recipes frequently. I’m always working to perfect my pizza dough recipe. My hot takes on pizza? Detroit style reigns supreme, and pineapple does not belong on pizza.

Interested?

Interested in learning more about how our college admissions counseling services can help your student succeed?

Call 877-402-6224 or complete the form for information on getting your student started with one of our experts.