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About PUENTE

Philosophy

At Puente, we distinguish ourselves through our belief in the transformative power of a cohesive and compelling narrative. Our mission is to curate an enriching educational experience for our students, harnessing their individual interests to unlock doors of exploration. Our pride stems from the success we’ve achieved in guiding students to seamlessly connect the dots between their diverse pursuits, culminating in the development of an authentic applicant story. 

In navigating the competitive landscape of selective colleges, where grades, class rigor, and test scores serve as mere filters, Puente stands out by emphasizing the paramount importance of a strong narrative. Beyond academic achievements, it is the resonance of this narrative that makes a genuine impact at the elite level, showcasing an alignment between the student and the university. Puente acknowledges that not every university’s personality and culture suit every student, and as consultants, our objective is twofold: to assist students in crafting an authentic and powerful narrative and to guide them toward colleges that align with their unique characteristics.

Puente Consultants excel in identifying potential stories and skillfully guiding students to maximize their narrative opportunities. However, weaving an effective narrative during the application process is no small feat. We transcend the role of mere guides; each member of our team is a seasoned applicant who has successfully gained admission to institutions of elite caliber. Comprising top-level writers and academics, we offer more than guidance and motivation – we provide essential support by scaffolding the essay drafting process. For instance, our average student undergoes approximately fourteen drafts before a personal statement is deemed finalized. At Puente, we are not just shaping narratives; we are sculpting success stories.

Demmy Villalpando

Demmy is an accomplished educator, writer, and historian who brings over a decade of expertise to the field of college consulting. After earning his degree from the University of California, Berkeley, he immersed himself in the college consulting industry in South Korea. During this tenure, Demmy gained valuable insights into the demanding admission processes faced by students in Korean and Chinese international schools.

Upon returning to the United States, Demmy pursued a Ph.D. in History at the University of Chicago, concurrently expanding his involvement in elite college consulting. Drawing upon his diverse skills as a writer, storyteller, and historian with a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary interests, Demmy pioneered the student narrative philosophy five years ago. This innovative approach has yielded remarkable results, with his students securing multiple admissions to prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Caltech, University of Chicago, and virtually every other top university.

Demmy has been a reader for admissions and currently is deeply involved in private college consulting but also secondary education college counseling. His comprehensive understanding of various aspects of college admissions positions him as a sought-after expert in the field. Demmy’s profound passion for college consulting and his commitment to the success of his students underscore his impact on shaping their educational journeys.