About
About Ivy League Stories
Ivy League Stories is led by Michael Torto who an experienced college counselor specializing in competitive admissions and one of the top counselors at Empowerly, a leading college admissions agency. He earned a B.A. in Sociology from Harvard University, and his own application essay was published in 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays.
Michael uses storytelling to help students craft compelling personal statements that authentically express their unique voice. He is highly skilled in interview preparation, college list building, and helping students create meaningful leadership opportunities through community projects and clubs. His expertise extends beyond undergraduate admissions — he also helps students gain acceptance into graduate programs at institutions including Harvard Law, Columbia University’s Teachers College, NYU Law, University of Michigan Law, and UCLA Law, as well as competitive summer programs such as MIT’s RSI, Yale Global Scholars, and Harvard’s Pre-College Program.
His counseling style blends deep listening with heart and empathy, helping students tell vulnerable, compelling stories that leave a lasting mark on admissions officers. His students have gained admission to top universities including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Duke, Brown, NYU, The Juilliard School, USC, Boston College, Emory, Michigan, Tufts, Notre Dame, and UNC-Chapel Hill, among many others.
Why Choose Us?
Learn At Home
All coaching sessions are conducted virtually, so you get elite-level admissions guidance from the comfort of your home — no matter where you are in the world.
Full Profile Building
College admissions starts long before senior year. We help students build a complete, compelling profile — from the courses they take to the clubs they join to the summers they spend intentionally.
Constant and Direct Communication
Unlike large agencies where you’re passed between advisors, Michael is your single point of contact — always available, always in your corner, from first session to final decision.
Grades 9–12 Support
The students who stand out in applications are the ones who started building their story early. We work with students from 9th grade through senior year — and 100% of our students get into at least one of their top 3 schools.
Expert Counselor
Your counselor is a Harvard graduate, national speech and debate champion, and published essayist — with a track record of acceptances to Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Duke, UChicago, and beyond.
Elite Essay Writer
Michael’s own Harvard application essay was published in 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays. When it comes to essay writing, you’re working with someone who has been there at the highest level
The Philosophy Behind the Work
College admissions has never been more competitive. GPA and test scores get you in the door. Your story gets you in the school. In this short video, Michael breaks down why a compelling story is the most powerful thing a student can bring to their application — and how Ivy League Stories helps you build one.