About Andrew and This Approach
I’m Andrew Wesselmann, a Bangkok-based Independent Educational Consultant and former US university admissions officer. After spending a decade in university admissions, including at highly selective institutions, and five years living and working across East Asia, I’ve witnessed firsthand both the incredible potential of international students and the unnecessary stress many families experience during the US application process.
Like you, I believe students achieve their best outcomes when they can present their authentic selves rather than manufactured perfection. My role is to extend your excellent foundational work for families seeking additional specialized support for highly selective US university applications.
What Makes My Approach Different
Anxiety-Averse Philosophy: Rather than adding pressure, I work to reduce family stress through clear timelines, realistic expectations, and emphasis on multiple good outcomes rather than single ‘dream school’ fixation.
Authenticity Over Manufactured Profiles: I focus on helping students discover and articulate their genuine interests and growth rather than constructing artificial profiles that lack substance.
Admissions Office Perspective: Having reviewed thousands of applications and participated in admissions committee decisions, I can provide insights into how your students’ authentic stories translate effectively in the holistic evaluation process.
Regional Cultural Understanding: Having lived and worked with students in the classroom across East Asia for five years, I understand their cultural and educational context, can recognize their achievements within that context, and know how to effectively illustrate these strengths to US admissions offices.
Professional Standards: As a member of International ACAC and adherent to NACAC and IECA ethical guidelines, I maintain the same professional standards that guide school-based counselors.
Partnership with School Counselors
I see my role as complementing, never competing with, your essential guidance. You provide the comprehensive support, big-picture educational planning, and holistic development that remains central to every student’s success.
For students ultimately pursuing the most highly selective institutions, I can serve as a specialized resource offering:
- Deep-dive application strategy development requiring extensive individual research and planning
- Specialized essay coaching for complex cultural identity or authenticity challenges
- Reference resource for counselors on complex holistic admissions questions
- Second opinion for counselors on student positioning strategies when helpful
What I Don’t Do:
- Knowingly contradict school counselor guidance or create competing advice
- Promise admission outcomes or guarantee results
- Work with students without counselor awareness (when you prefer to be informed)
Managing Parent Expectations
I recognize that parents often drive the decision to hire outside consultants, sometimes creating tension with school counselor recommendations. As my admissions background helps to suggest, I’m motivated by student success rather than purely business interests. When families contact me, I emphasize alignment with their school counselor’s guidance and encourage open communication between all parties supporting the student.
I understand that many families will choose to hire consultants regardless of school recommendations. When students in your care make this decision, I hope to be a resource you can feel confident recommending – someone with the proper credentials, ethical standards, and collaborative approach that supports rather than undermines your excellent work.
Collaboration Opportunities
Individual Student Support: Dedicated support means I can devote hours to research and strategic application planning to support your students’ admission outcomes.
Supporting High-Achieving, Middle-Income Students: I provide adjusted consultation rates for students you identify as having truly outstanding potential but that face financial constraints.
School Presentations: Available virtually and in-person for workshops and presentations on US admissions topics relevant to your student population.
External Consulting: For schools developing US admissions expertise, I can serve as an external consultant providing specialized knowledge to complement your existing counseling framework.
My Commitment to Professional Partnership
When working with your students, I commit to:
- Regular communication about student progress and any concerns
- Alignment with your school’s educational philosophy and timeline
- Transparency about my recommendations and reasoning
- Collaboration rather than parallel guidance that might create confusion
I believe the combination of your comprehensive educational guidance and my specialized US admissions expertise can provide exceptional outcomes for students pursuing highly selective universities.
Ready to Explore Collaboration?
I’d welcome a conversation about how we might support your students’ success together. Whether you have specific students who might benefit from additional specialized support or are interested in professional development opportunities, I’m here as a resource.
Contact: andrew@archwayquest.com | Based in Bangkok | Available for regional school visits
Archway Quest 