Daniel
Daniel Mark brings five years of experience in undergraduate admissions to Empowerly. Most recently, he served as a Senior Admissions Officer at Brown University. Before his time at Brown, Daniel was an Assistant Director of Admissions at Connecticut College, where he earned his B.A. in Economics. Over the past five years, Daniel has reviewed over 5,000 college applications, interviewed hundreds of prospective students, and played a key role in more than 50 admission committees. He has evaluated applicants from across the country, representing a variety of school systems and academic interests, including Computer Science, Engineering, the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Visual Arts. Additionally, Daniel has made decisions on students applying to Brown’s BS/MD program (PLME), recruited athletes, and those pursuing the Brown/RISD dual degree program. Throughout his time in admissions, Daniel has had one-on-one conversations with prospective students about building competitive application profiles. He’s also volunteered as a college counselor, where he’s reviewed essays, helped students build college lists, and educated students on standardized testing. What excites him the most about college counseling is the chance to build genuine relationships with students and serve as a supportive guide during this pivotal time in their lives.
Not all top colleges evaluate applicants the same way. Public Ivies and other highly ranked schools expect academic strength, but they also look for students who bring leadership, initiative, and impact outside the classroom. This session unpacks the patterns behind who gets admitted and why. We’ll compare what these schools emphasize, share examples of standout profiles, and give you specific steps to position yourself competitively.