Meet the Team

We're not here because we're experts with decades of experience. We're here because we remember exactly what it felt like: sitting in the test center with sweaty palms, staring at a blank essay page at 2am, refreshing portals every hour waiting for decisions. We've been where you are, and we built Ascend to give students the support we wish we'd had.

Founders

Andrew

Co-Founder

Cornell University

SAT/ACT strategy & college essays

I remember sitting in the test center, second-guessing every answer and wondering if I was the only one who felt lost. I also remember rewriting my personal statement seven times, deleting entire paragraphs at midnight, starting over, finally landing on something that actually sounded like me. That's why I started Ascend. I wanted students to have someone who gets it, who's been there, and who knows how to help without adding more pressure to an already stressful process.

Simon

Co-Founder

Adelphi University

Student strategy & advising support

I spent way too many nights stressed about deadlines, refreshing my email every five minutes, and wondering if I was doing enough. The anxiety was real, and it made everything harder. Now I help students avoid that same spiral. We keep things clear, realistic, and focused on what actually moves the needle, so families can breathe easier and students can do their best work without burning out.

Tutors & Advisors

Wesley

SAT Math Specialist

Cornell University

Math & quantitative reasoning

StrategyMath that sticks. Structure, real practice, and building from the basics so the rest follows.

I got into CS by breaking big problems into small steps. I use the same approach with students: clear structure, real practice, and building confidence by actually understanding how things work. No tricks—just clear thinking and a path that builds from the fundamentals so the rest follows.

Minh

Tutor & Essay Specialist

Cornell University

Academic tutoring & essays

StrategyGet the why, not just the how. Clarity, consistency, and follow-through so progress is real and lasting.

My background is in hospitality and finance; I bring that same structured thinking to every student. Study habits, tough concepts, or college applications—I focus on clarity and follow-through. I work with you to find what works and stick with it so progress is consistent and lasting.

Jai

SAT English and Essay Specialist

Cornell University

SAT Reading & Writing, essays

StrategyReading, writing, and essays that sound like you. Clear next steps every session so you know exactly what to work on.

I focus on SAT Reading and Writing and on essays, from the test to college applications. I help students sharpen reading skills, nail the writing section, and develop essays that sound like them. Every session ends with a clear action plan so you know what to practice and why it matters.

Akshay

SAT Math Tutor

Cornell University

SAT math & business

StrategyMath that clicks. Strong foundations in quantitative reasoning, then practice that builds confidence and intuition.

I work with students on SAT math and draw on my experience in business to keep sessions focused and results-oriented. I help you build a strong foundation so problem-solving feels intuitive, not like memorization. You leave each session with a clear sense of what to practice and why it matters.