Arun Ponnusamy is based out of Los Angeles as the Chief Academic Officer of Collegewise, America’s largest educational consulting company. Since 1999, Collegewise has helped more than 24,000 high school students through the college admissions journey. With his admissions experience at three highly selective universities (UCLA, Caltech, UChicago—also his alma mater), he has personally guided hundreds of students on their journey to college and spoken to thousands more students, parents, and educators at high schools, conferences, and community organizations around the United States and world. As an admissions officer, he evaluated the files of over 7,500 high school seniors and read approximately 20,000 college essays. Arun is also a frequent media contributor, including USA Today, The Washington Post, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, as well as local and national television—though his mom is definitely most proud of his NPR appearances.
He firmly believes the college admissions process should be one that is filled with thorough self-reflection and thoughtful strategy. As a public speaker, Arun often presents on the social-emotional aspects of the admissions process as well as the power of data in making decisions. He is a member of and adheres to the highest ethical standards of both the Independent Educational Consultants Association and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. The fervor of Arun’s belief that there is no such thing as bad pizza is matched only by his love of Ohio State football, all things space, and an invigorating hike to the top of a mountain.
Education & Experience
Former Assistant Director of Admissions, University of Chicago
Former Assistant Director of Admissions, Caltech
Former Application Reader, UCLA
Professional Organization Memberships
NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling
WACAC: Western Association for College Admission Counseling
International ACAC: International Association for College Admission Counseling