Ali has over ten years of experience with students as a tutor, essay editor, and college counselor. She began working with students on their college applications and performing arts auditions while she was still in college and has worked with Great Expectations since 2018, where she has guided students to a range of institutions, from the Ivy League to top-ten BFA Acting programs.
Her own experience applying to college, acceptance to multiple top-ten BFA programs, and ultimate decision to attend her safety school (due to a four-year, full-ride academic scholarship) opened her eyes to the complexities of the college application process and the many factors besides selectivity that go into choosing the best-fit school. She possesses a strong appreciation for the importance of building a college list that provides multiple pathways to success.
Ali is particularly passionate about helping students find their unique voice in essay writing by providing them with a safe space to talk about their experiences and explore their interests. She believes that the college application process is an opportunity for students to learn how to advocate for themselves, showcase their unique skills, and begin activities now that they will carry with them into college and beyond, from meaningful volunteer work to artistic practice.
- She led her high school newspaper to a fifth-place finish in a nationwide competition as editor-in-chief, receiving a "superior" award for her writing.
- Ali appeared in professional acting projects opposite actors like Brie Larson and Joel McCrary, who played the Prime Minister of Genovia in "The Princess Diaries" (yes, he did sing the Genovian National Anthem to her in the makeup trailer).
- She started learning to make pottery and enjoys being a beginner at something.
- She is on a perpetual quest to find the best vegetarian sandwich in Los Angeles and is all ears for recommendations!
- Ali hikes avidly and has been to 28 of the 61 National Parks in the United States.
