Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirag Shemmassian.
Shirag, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up deeply entrenched in Los Angeles’ Armenian American community, which is incredibly traditional and tight-knit, to put it lightly. When I began exhibiting facial, bodily, and vocal tics around age 9, I had my first glimpse into how I wasn’t a natural fit. Before I learned about my Tourette syndrome diagnosis, my family and community demanded that I stop my “bad habits” out of fear that others would think I was “mentally retarded.”
Unfortunately, my academic success and efforts towards educating peers and teachers didn’t convince them that I was just as capable as everyone else. Few people believed I could get into UCLA–most LA Armenians’ dream school, given the incredible education and proximity to home–let alone an Ivy League school. Fortunately, I didn’t listen to the naysayers. I attended UCLA for my first two years of undergrad and then transferred to Cornell University, where I graduated with my B.S. in Human Development. Upon graduation, I realized I did not want to attend medical school as everyone expected but rather pursue my Ph.D. through UCLA’s top-ranked Clinical Psychology program. I graduated with my B.S. and Ph.D. debt-free through a combination of generous financial aid and a significant number of private scholarships.
Along the way, people noticed my admissions and scholarship success and, starting in 2007, began asking for help with their or their children’s higher Ed applications. When others began enjoying similar success and referring others to me, I knew I could develop a business to help others achieve their educational and career goals. In late 2013, Shemmassian Academic Consulting was born with that goal in mind.
Has it been a smooth road?
Having a great business idea does not necessarily equate to a successful business. Whereas I was already skilled and knowledgeable on the admissions side of things (i.e., the deliverables), I had no formal business education when I launched and knew next to nothing about operations, marketing, sales, hiring, etc. Therefore, I read–and continue to read–every book I found on personal development and business and completed online courses to grow as an entrepreneur.
The biggest challenges, however, have been personal. I put immense pressure on myself to serve my students well, which has historically led to long hours. I still struggle at times to achieve an optimal work-life balance, but I credit my wife for helping with me that. She simultaneously encourages me to do better work and challenges me set firmer boundaries.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Shemmassian Academic Consulting – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
In a nutshell, we help high-achieving students get into their dream schools. This work includes guiding students to develop a standout extracurricular profile, build connections with faculty and admissions staff at top colleges, and write incredible admissions essays. Moreover, as a former Cornell University admissions interviewer, I prep students to present themselves confidently as the perfect “fit” with a given school.
Our specialties include college and medical school admissions, as well as supporting students with disabilities.
More than the media features on outlets like NBC and HuffPost, I’m proud to say that Shemmassian Academic Consulting has helped more students get into their dream schools each year since its inception.
Several things set us apart from others. First, our students have an excellent track record of getting into their dream schools. Specifically, over 90% of our students get into at least one of their top 3 colleges. Moreover, over 90% of our students get into at least one medical school (vs. ~40% nationally). Second, everyone on our team has personally achieved admissions success at the highest level and therefore knows what it takes to get in. Third, everyone on our team is an admissions nerd. We read every admissions book, keep up with all admissions trends, and regularly communicate with admissions staff. Fourth, in addition to our admissions know-how, we genuinely love helping students discover what makes them tick, explore their interests deeply, and make their educational dreams come true. Fifth, we support our students holistically because we understand that admissions can be intellectually and emotionally draining. In addition to helping students with the technical side of admissions, we encourage them to reach out when they’re feeling stressed and simply need to vent.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I feel fortunate to have spent significant time in Boston despite never living there. My brother attended Tufts Medical School and I visited him often. My favorite aspects of Boston are its neighborhoods (Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and North End never get old), community pride, and food (if Boston doesn’t have the best Italian food in the country, I’ve been fooled).
What do I like least about Boston? As a native Southern Californian and lifelong Laker fan, I can’t get behind the cold, long winters or Celtics 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/secrets
- Phone: (323) 825-9374
- Email: shirag@shemmassianconsulting.com
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
