Matt Lu
College admissions consultant for international students applying to US colleges
| Hourly rate range | $70 to $130 an hour |
|---|---|
| Focus areas | |
| Works with | Students and Parents |
| Based in | Shanghai, Shanghai, China |
| Credentials | IECA Professional member |
| Practice | Maize Education |
Matt Lu is an independent educational consultant who helps international students apply to US colleges. He is the co-founder and head consultant at Maize Education, based in Shanghai. He studied finance and marketing, then moved to China and spent seven years teaching and mentoring students. His firm plans early for 9th and 10th graders, guides 11th and 12th graders through applications, and edits essays. He also writes fiction and essays and hosts a podcast.
What Matt helps with
Matt helps students plan for college and get through the application process. He works with families on long-term goals and on essays.
- Long-term planning for US and other universities
- Choosing schools and majors
- Building an application persona
- Brainstorming and editing college essays
- Step-by-step support through applications
- Building soft skills and international awareness
Who Matt works with
Matt works with international students who want to attend US colleges, and with their parents. Clients include 9th and 10th graders who plan ahead, and 11th and 12th graders who are applying now. Some students apply on their own and only want essay help.
How Matt works
Maize offers three services matched to where a student is in the process. Long-term planning covers 9th and 10th graders and includes personal development plans and application strategy. The application service covers 11th and 12th graders and guides them step by step through essays, school and major choice, and application persona. The essay service gives brainstorming and editing help to students who apply on their own.
Background and qualifications
Matt studied finance and marketing in college. After graduation he turned down conventional career paths and moved to China. Over the next seven years he taught and mentored students across borders. He co-founded Maize Education, a foreign-invested education consulting and technology firm established in February 2021. Its founders, both from Chicago, had advised Chinese students on international admissions for almost a decade. Matt is a professional member of IECA. He also writes fiction, essays and poetry.
Matt Lu pricing
Programs and services
- Long-term application planning for 9th and 10th graders
- College application services for 11th and 12th graders
- VIP essay brainstorming and editing service
Matt Lu reviews
The CoachVouch take
Matt is a Chicago native based in Shanghai who pairs admissions consulting with cross-cultural mentoring for Chinese students.
Best for Chinese students and parents who want a plan for US college applications, starting as early as 9th grade.
Common questions
How much does Matt Lu charge?
Coaching with Matt runs $70 to $130 an hour. Message Matt from this page for an exact quote.
What does Matt Lu help with?
Matt Lu helps with long-term planning for US and other universities, choosing schools and majors, building an application persona and brainstorming and editing college essays.
Is Matt Lu certified?
Matt Lu lists: IECA Professional member.
Does Matt Lu help students who only need essay support?
Yes. Maize offers an essay brainstorming and editing service for students who apply to colleges on their own.
Does Maize work with students applying outside the US?
Yes. The long-term planning service covers US universities and others such as those in the UK, Canada and Asia.
How do I contact Matt Lu?
Send Matt a message from this page. It's free and takes a minute.
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Last updated September 2026. Request a correction.