Alex MacArthur
College admissions counselor for top schools, based in Newton, Massachusetts
| Hourly rate range | $150 to $225 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students |
| Based in | Newton, Massachusetts, United States |
| Credentials | Princeton graduate |
Alex MacArthur is a college admissions counselor who helps students apply to top schools. Alex was admitted to Princeton and nearly every other school applied to in the regular decision round. Alex taught the process to himself by reading everything on admissions and essay writing and by talking with dozens of Ivy League students. Alex is also a working journalist and a peer-reviewed academic, and uses storytelling skills to bring out what makes each student unique.
What Alex helps with
Alex helps students with every part of the application process, with a focus on top schools. The work centers on essays and on showing what makes each student different.
- Application strategy
- Editing college essays
- Applying to Ivy League and other top schools
- Telling a personal story in an application
- Standing out without fitting a mold
- Every step of the admissions process
Who Alex works with
Alex works with all kinds of students. This includes students from under-resourced backgrounds, whom Alex has helped pro bono through EduMate NTC. Alex also works with students through a private tutoring practice.
How Alex works
Alex takes on only a few students at a time and works with them intensively. The aim is to draw out what makes a student unique instead of reshaping them into something they are not. Alex helps with application strategy and editing, and covers every part of the admissions process.
Background and qualifications
Alex went to a top-ranked public high school and taught himself the admissions process by reading widely and speaking with dozens of Ivy League students. He was admitted to Princeton and nearly every other school he applied to in the regular decision round. Alex is a working journalist and a peer-reviewed academic. He is currently on a full scholarship at Trinity College, Cambridge. He has worked with students pro bono through EduMate NTC and through his own tutoring practice.
Alex MacArthur pricing
Programs and services
- Hourly coaching sessions
- Application strategy help
- Essay and application editing
- Pro bono work through EduMate NTC
Alex MacArthur reviews
Alex MacArthur has a 5.0 out of 5 rating from 1 review on Leland, as of September 2026.
The CoachVouch take
Alex combines a Princeton admissions success story with work as a journalist and peer-reviewed academic, and takes on only a few students at a time.
Best for students aiming at top schools who want intensive help telling their own story.
Common questions
How much does Alex MacArthur charge?
Coaching with Alex runs $150 to $225 an hour. Message Alex from this page for an exact quote.
What does Alex MacArthur help with?
Alex MacArthur helps with application strategy, editing college essays, applying to Ivy League and other top schools and telling a personal story in an application.
Does Alex MacArthur have reviews?
Alex MacArthur has a 5.0 out of 5 rating from 1 review on Leland, as of September 2026.
Is Alex MacArthur certified?
Alex MacArthur lists: Princeton graduate.
How many students does Alex MacArthur work with at once?
Alex takes on just a few students at a time. This allows intensive work with each one.
Does Alex MacArthur work with students from under-resourced backgrounds?
Yes. Alex has worked pro bono through EduMate NTC with kids from under-resourced backgrounds.
How do I contact Alex MacArthur?
Send Alex a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.