Collegewise provided me with a better understanding of the college application and decision process than I thought possible. Collegewise’s guidance throughout the process allowed me to really figure out what I was looking for in a college, while also maximizing my options.
ISABELLE
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
I would often be stressed about what I needed to get done or about how things were turning out, but every time I walked out of the office, I was so at ease. I think the most important part about being at Collegewise was how personalized the process was, and how much care and time and effort went into me specifically.
EMMA
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Going to my meetings at Collegewise never felt like a chore, but more as something to look forward to! Everyone in the office is so friendly, willing to help, and made for such great motivators and supporters when it came time to fill in apps and write essays. 10/10!
EMILY
BOSTON UNIVERSITY
The college application process is confusing and tedious, and Collegewise really helped with that process. It was reassuring to go over my application with my counselor so that we could make sure that I had a better chance of getting in!
KYRA
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY


Charles Lu, College Counselor
Dr. Charles Lu’s career has centered on expanding access, equity, and success in higher education—and now, he brings that same dedication to his students at Collegewise. With more than a decade of leadership experience at institutions including Johns Hopkins University, the University of California, San Diego, and the University of Texas at Austin, Charles has developed and led nationally recognized student success programs, reviewed thousands of college applications, and mentored students from all walks of life as they’ve launched their higher education journeys. His students have been accepted to colleges and universities across the country, including Harvard, Columbia, Brown, UPenn, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, University of Chicago, Duke, Rice, Northwestern, MIT, Berkeley, UCLA, University of Michigan, University of Virginia, and Pomona.
Charles brings particular strength in working with students from multilingual, multicultural, and first-generation backgrounds, as well as those pursuing STEM, pre-health, and research-driven academic paths. He’s also a former admissions reader and seasoned essay coach who brings exceptional insight into what makes an application stand out. His approach blends thoughtful guidance with high standards, helping students unearth meaningful stories, set ambitious goals, and present their authentic selves on every part of the application.
Charles holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from The University of Texas at Austin, and he most recently served as Branch Chief of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement at the National Institutes of Health. But behind the titles and accolades is someone whose passion for counseling is deeply personal. As a first-generation college student, Charles knows how transformational the right support can be, and he’s committed to ensuring that today’s students don’t have to navigate the process alone.
As Charles puts it:
“As a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to navigate the higher education system, I often reflect on how transformative it would have been to have had a dedicated college counselor by my side. The journey was filled with uncertainty and unanswered questions, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure that today’s students and families don’t have to face those same challenges alone.”
An avid traveler who has explored over 20 countries—always taking in street food and strong coffee—wherever his feet may find him, Charles is also a co-founder of a nonprofit that supports first-generation students.
Education & Experience
University of Texas at Austin, Ph.D.
Loyola Marymount University, M.A.
University of Texas at Austin, B.S.
Associate Dean, Johns Hopkins University
Director, Office of Academic Support & Instructional Services, UC San Diego
Executive Director, Longhorn Center for Academic Excellence, UT Austin
Professional Organization Memberships
NACAC: National Association for College Admission Counseling
NASPA: National Association of Student Personnel Administrators