Mohit Nadkarni
Founder and CEO
Mohit Nadkarni is the Founder and CEO of Nadkarni & Associates Consulting LLC, where he leads a multidisciplinary team focused on elite academic consulting, standardized test preparation, admissions strategy, and professional development.
A graduate of University of Texas, Austin with a background in computer science and neuroscience, over the past decade, Mohit has helped more than 250 students successfully navigate admissions to top universities, medical schools, law schools, and graduate programs across the United States. His work has contributed to students earning more than $475,000 in scholarships, grants, and institutional funding opportunities.
With a background spanning neuroscience research, artificial intelligence, computational modeling, and education consulting, Mohit brings a uniquely analytical and personalized approach to mentorship. He has worked alongside admissions officers, researchers, physicians, and educators to develop systems that help students maximize both their academic and professional potential.
Mohit specializes in SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE, and GMAT preparation, combining strategic instruction with long-term mentorship and individualized planning. His own testing experience placed him in the 98th percentile range across multiple standardized examinations, allowing him to understand both the technical and psychological demands of high-level testing environments.
Beyond consulting, Mohit has contributed to research initiatives involving computational neuroscience, neurodevelopmental outcomes, memory systems, and AI-assisted healthcare research through collaborations with institutions including Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, and University of California, Irvine.
Outside of work, Mohit enjoys long-distance running, cycling, spending time with his golden retriever Laila, and exploring new projects involving technology, neuroscience, and entrepreneurship.
Fun Fact
Mohit has a habit of turning almost every conversation into a brainstorming session for a new research project, startup idea, or educational initiative. This “unique” personality trait has lead to 3 patents, 4 companies, 2 non-profits.
Alysa Nguyen
Operations Coordinator
Alysa Nguyen serves as the Operations Coordinator at Nadkarni & Associates Consulting LLC, where she oversees organizational strategy, client coordination, and systems development across the company.
A graduate of University of California, Berkeley with a background in computer science and engineering, Alysa brings both technical precision and operational leadership to the team. With more than six years of experience in college consulting and admissions support, she specializes in the University of California admissions system and works closely with students navigating highly competitive application processes.
Over the past two years, Alysa has played a central role in helping modernize and expand the company’s operations, contributing to major rebranding efforts, organizational growth, and systems optimization initiatives. She also serves as the firm’s UC specialist, supporting students through admissions strategy, internship coordination, academic planning, and research-related opportunities.
Her interdisciplinary background allows her to bridge technical problem-solving with personalized student mentorship, particularly for students pursuing STEM, engineering, and research-focused pathways.
Outside of work, Alysa enjoys traveling, exploring new coffee shops, staying active outdoors, and keeping up with emerging developments in technology and higher education.
Fun Fact
Alysa often has long rants with her dog Rayan, a St. Bernard. True to his Swiss roots…he maintains a neutral position in these discussions.
Nathaniel “Nate” Araujo
Ivy Specialist & Editor
Nathaniel “Nate” Araujo serves as an Ivy Specialist and Editor at Nadkarni & Associates Consulting LLC, where he works closely with students applying to highly selective universities and graduate programs.
Nate studied at both the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School and Cornell University, building a strong interdisciplinary background in business, economics, English, and strategic communication. Prior to joining the team, he gained professional experience in consulting and corporate strategy, including work alongside professionals connected to McKinsey & Company. Nate now is on to his next adventure and is excited to be working on a new startup with friends and family!
His work focuses heavily on essay development, application strategy, interview preparation, and helping students effectively communicate their stories in authentic and compelling ways. Nate is particularly skilled at helping applicants balance intellectual depth with strong narrative clarity an increasingly important component of competitive admissions.
At Nadkarni & Associates Consulting, he works extensively with students targeting Ivy League institutions, top business programs, and selective national universities.
Outside of consulting, Nate enjoys Ironman training, spending time with family at Church, and playing Uno with his fiancée, Lindsay.
Fun Fact
Nate has been known to edit essays during marathon recovery days- usually with a protein shake nearby.
Ramona Kar
Senior Essay Editor
Ramona Kar brings more than 30 years of professional editing, writing, and communications experience to Nadkarni & Associates Consulting LLC.
Throughout her career, she has worked across government, private industry, publishing, and academic consulting, including editorial work for both the State of Texas and the State of Oregon. Her experience spans technical editing, professional communications, website development, manuscript review, and high-level college essay editing.
Over the years, Ramona has helped students gain admission to many of the nation’s most selective institutions, including Yale University, Harvard University, Columbia University, Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and multiple University of California campuses.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful editorial guidance, Ramona helps students refine their voice while preserving authenticity and clarity throughout the writing process.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her husband, spending time with friends and family, enjoying chai and Indian snacks, and discovering new books and travel destinations.
Fun Fact
Ramona believes the best editing sessions are fueled by a good cup of chai, thoughtful conversation, and plenty of sticky notes.
Melissa Azimi
Melissa Azimi serves as the Executive Assistant to Mohit Nadkarni and Nadkarni & Associates Consulting LLC, helping oversee day-to-day operations, organizational coordination, and administrative management across the company.
Her role includes supporting internship coordination, research initiatives, scheduling, communications, project logistics, and operational planning for both the consulting team and the company’s expanding portfolio of academic and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Melissa is known for her adaptability, organization, and ability to keep fast-moving projects running smoothly behind the scenes. She plays an important role in coordinating client communications and helping ensure students and families receive a streamlined and responsive experience.
Outside of work, Melissa enjoys “hot girl” walks, reading, surfing, traveling, spending time outdoors, snowboarding, and exploring new adventures with friends and family.
Fun Fact
Melissa is usually balancing five different projects at once, and somehow still responds faster than everyone else on the team.
Executive Assistant