Get to Know Top Tier Admissions President, Dr. Liz Doe Stone

What was the highlight of your college years at Dartmouth College and what do you wish you had known about Dartmouth when you were an applicant?

When I applied Early Decision to Dartmouth, I was drawn to its relatively small size, strong sense of community, well-known art history department, and vast alumni network. Although much has changed since I submitted my application, this camaraderie among students continues to be a hallmark of the Dartmouth experience and I cherish the lifelong friendships I made while an undergraduate.

Dartmouth’s unique D-Plan facilitated my term abroad and professional experiences off-campus when there are more opportunities for off-term internships. One highlight was my junior winter in New York City, where I worked at Christie’s auction house in their Impressionist & Modern Art department and spent time with a cohort of Dartmouth classmates who were also living and working in the city. Sophomore spring, I went to Rome as part of Dartmouth’s Foreign Study Program, where I had the chance to learn Italian and study art and architectural history on site. This term had an enormous impact on my course of study and influenced my decision to major in art history. When I returned to campus, I served as Editor-in-Chief of the Collegiate Journal of Art and, after I graduated, I returned to Rome as the Teaching Assistant for Dartmouth’s program.

When I applied to Dartmouth, I wish I had fully appreciated the strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching and the accessibility of faculty. Applicants might not fully value qualities this abstract, but they are clear ways Dartmouth stands out from its peer institutions. My Dartmouth professors went above and beyond to invest in me and remain mentors and friends to this day.

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You also hold a PhD from the University of Virginia and taught both at UVA and McGill University. How has your experience at these institutions and as an educator helped you guide students through the college admissions process?

My experience in academia provided me with a deep understanding of higher ed institutions and the expectations of top-tier universities. This background has been incredibly beneficial in guiding students through the college admissions process. I understand the culture and values of these types of universities and what they look for in prospective students. At the same time, my training as an educator helps me guide my students as they develop strong academic profiles and cultivate their intellectual curiosity. Teaching at the University of Virginia and McGill University meant interacting with a diverse range of students. At Top Tier Admissions, I provide strategic personalized guidance, understanding the unique strengths and challenges of each student’s academic journey, while helping them grow personally and professionally.

Given your background in art history, we know you’re an advocate for the arts and the humanities. What is your advice for high school students who want to learn about these fields?

Regardless of your academic or career aspirations, the humanities cultivate critical thinking skills and provide a framework for understanding and addressing ethical dilemmas. Even more importantly, the humanities—the study of history, literature, philosophy, and languages—fosters a deeper cultural understanding and enhances empathy. The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively remains highly valued in the professional world. In my role as President of Top Tier Admissions, having a background in the humanities has provided me with a broader perspective on ethical leadership and decision-making, especially in the field of education. I have also learned to approach problems creatively and with emotional intelligence as I come up with effective solutions. As I work with students from all backgrounds and with a wide range of academic interests, I always recommend building a solid foundation in humanistic disciplines as they set themselves apart as creative thinkers and college applicants.

What is your vision for TTA’s future as President?

Top Tier Admissions was built on a foundation of compassion, integrity, and teamwork. I’m honored to help shape this next chapter of TTA by maintaining the high standards set by our co-founders while innovating and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and families. As President, I will continue to uphold our mission of providing unparalleled guidance and support to students from around the world while making the college admissions process more transparent and less daunting for students and their families. By demystifying the admissions process, I aim to alleviate the stress and anxiety that often accompany it. As we grow as a company and extend our services to more families, a key focus remains: to preserve the essence of our boutique-style, personalized services. This approach has not only set us apart, but has also fostered authentic, enduring relationships with our TTA families. These relationships are the cornerstone of our success and are as vital to us as our extraordinary results.