Cesar Contreras
College Admissions Consultant He/Him/His
College Admissions Consultant
Former Admission Advisor
University of California, Los Angeles
Former Admissions Officer
Summer Science Program
My Background
I started my career in the admissions office at UCLA where I evaluated thousands of first-year applications for a range of majors, from engineering and life sciences to arts and architecture. I also counseled students through strategic A-G course planning, demystified the UC Personal Insight Questions, and provided insight into extracurricular expectations. I later transitioned to an admissions operations role, helping to integrate technology and communications for the admission office, an experience which helped me further gain an understanding of recruitment and communication strategies, as well as the matriculation process for admitted students. Along the way, I developed deep familiarity with UC admissions trends and data, including admit rates by major, holistic review factors, and how academic rigor and activities are assessed.
My passion for expanding access to STEM pathways led me to my most recent role as an admissions officer at the selective Summer Science Program (SSP) where I recruited, evaluated, and yielded STEM-passionate and high-achieving applicants from the US and all over the world, including Canada, India, Spain, and the UK.
My passion for expanding access to STEM pathways led me to my most recent role as an admissions officer at the selective Summer Science Program (SSP) where I recruited, evaluated, and yielded STEM-passionate and high-achieving applicants from the US and all over the world, including Canada, India, Spain, and the UK.
[Our counselor] provided excellent input and helped my daughter craft a balanced college list. Given that the schools that my daughter liked were very similar to each other, we were appropriately guided towards an early decision strategy which worked out well.
Why I Joined College Coach
As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the stress and confusion that comes with figuring out the complex admissions process. I have also experienced first-hand how transformational education can be for a student and their family. These principles have guided my passion for helping students find opportunities to grow as scholars and individuals by empowering their choices and clarifying misinformation. I joined College Coach to share my expertise and holistic approach to admissions. I aim to work in partnership with students to demystify the process and to help them make the best decisions to achieve their goals and dreams. I truly believe each student can reach their potential, and I love helping them achieve it.
Get to Know Me
My Education
CSU Dominguez Hills
Bachelor of Sciences, Business Administration
I have worked with students interested in:
- Biochemistry
- Business
- Communication
- Computer science
- Data science
- Economics
- Engineering
- Hispanic serving
- Humanities
- Ivy league
- Large State Schools
- Mathematics
- Nursing
- Political science
- Pre-dentistry
- Pre-law
- Pre-med
- Pre-veterinary
- Psychology
- Religiously affiliated schools
- Research universities
- Science
- Small liberal arts colleges
- Social Sciences
- Teaching/education certification
- Technology
- Theater
- Two year colleges
- Visual and performing arts
I have also worked with:
- First-generation students
- High school admissions
- Home schooled students
- IB program
- International students
- LGBTQIA+ students
- Non-traditional students
- Transfer students
Some of my favorite pastimes
You can find me cycling, dirt biking, off-roading, hiking, and camping. I also enjoy yoga, caring for my houseplants, and walking on the beach.
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.
