College Counselling

Jason Smith

Jason is the founder of UES and has 12+ years' experience of working with students to help them gain admission to US colleges. As well as overseeing partnerships between UES and schools across the world, he has previously worked with schools to set up successful US university provision. He now oversees international growth for UES and the wider Guidewell group. He regularly speaks for organisations such as the International Association for College Admission Counseling, and at top schools globally. Jason has developed a deep understanding of the many facets to a successful US college application and this is borne out by his students going on to study at such universities as Harvard, Duke, Notre Dame, UT Austin, and many more.

Jason has a First-Class Master's degree and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Nottingham. After graduating he carried out postdoctoral research in academia followed by nuclear research in industry and the European Commission. Outside of work, Jason is an ex-international competitor in Taekwondo, a keen skier, and a seasoned traveller.

Natasha Sutton Williams (Essay Specialist)

Natasha is an award-winning writer, composer, actor and journalist. As a writing specialist, Natasha's expertise lies in collaborating with students on their US college essays and portfolios, ensuring that these best capture their authentic voice and individual achievements. She has helped students achieve places at Ivy League and other top colleges including Princeton, Yale, Brown, UPenn, Dartmouth (full scholarship), Stanford, Columbia, NYU, Georgetown, UChicago, UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, USC (including program of Cinematic Arts), Notre Dame, Williams, Babson, Duke, Northeastern, Emory, University of Virginia, University of Connecticut, Boston University, McGill, University of Toronto and Columbia/Tel Aviv Dual Programme.

Natasha currently writes for the stage, screen and animation. Her plays have been produced at multiple London venues. As a journalist, Natasha writes for various national publications, including The Independent and The Stage.

Natasha received a First-Class BA Honours degree in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London. She also studied at Arts Educational Drama School and the National Youth Theatre. She is British Canadian and has an innate understanding of North American culture.

Sarah Azamtu (Essay Specialist)

Sarah has over seven years of experience mentoring students in crafting compelling narratives for their university applications. She specialises in personal statements, EPQs, International Baccalaureate extended essays, and US college essays, helping students articulate their passions and intellectual curiosity. Though adept at guiding STEM applicants - particularly in translating technical projects into engaging essays - her approach is rooted in universal storytelling principles, helping students of all interests from the arts to the sciences.

With a First Class Masters in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Bristol, Sarah has worked at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation, from Formula 1 R&D to hydrogen-powered aircraft and next-generation electric vehicle systems. Sarah regularly mentors undergraduates and recent graduates and is a great advocate for student potential. This experience informs her pragmatic approach to essay coaching: she teaches students to translate achievements into engaging stories, emphasising problem-solving, originality, and personality.

Sarah spends most of her time in Edinburgh now, escaping to the Scottish highlands when she can to bag a Munro and even ice climb if weather permits.

Loni Reynolds (Essay Specialist)

Loni grew up in Virginia, USA, and attended the University of Virginia, where she majored in English and Psychology. Her love of English led her to pursue a MA and PhD in Literature in the UK.

After completing her thesis on American Literature and publishing in scholarly journals and an academic book, Loni taught at University of Roehampton, tutored privately, and began working as Associate Editor of Culture and Dialogue. She also worked as an essay tutor both privately and in top UK schools like Charterhouse and Tonbridge, and is a member of International ACAC. Loni also enjoys creative writing and has published short stories and poetry.

Her knowledge of the US university system, as well as her first-hand experience of both British and American culture—combined with her expertise in the US college essay writing process—inform her work as an essay specialist. She enjoys sharing her love of writing and narrative with students, and encouraging them to use their writing as a space to express themselves, take ownership of their stories, and share them in a powerful way.

In her spare time, Loni reads and/or writes for fun most days, enjoys distance running, the outdoors, and the arts.