Hakim Walker

Hakim Walker

Hakim Walker

Former Admissions Officer
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Former Teaching Professor and Residential Advisor
Harvard University

2 Years in MIT Admissions
2,000+ Applications Read and Evaluated

Hakim earned his B.A. in Mathematics from Boston University. As a first-generation college student, he experienced the transformative power of a world-class education first-hand, and he developed a passion for higher education and college admissions.

After graduating from BU, Hakim served as an admissions officer at MIT, where he read domestic applications from every U.S. state and territory, as well as international applications from India and the Middle East. In addition to participating in committee decisions, Hakim conducted statistical research into qualitative predictors of student success at MIT. He also spent his summers counseling minority applicants through the MITES and E2 programs.

Hakim went on to earn his Ph.D. in Mathematics from George Washington University, where he won a university award for excellence in graduate teaching. Upon receiving his doctorate, Hakim joined the mathematics faculty at Harvard University, where he taught and coordinated large introductory courses for 6 years. While at Harvard, Hakim also served 5 years as an academic and residential advisor for first-year students, which gave him deeper insight into student life at Harvard and other Ivy League schools.

Throughout his career, Hakim has helped countless high school students strengthen all aspects of their applications to college. He served as an SAT tutor through Upward Bound at BU and Legal Outreach at Columbia University. Hakim has also organized and led college essay writing workshops at various high schools.

College Essay Prompts and Topic Ideas – How to Choose What to Write About

By Hakim Walker / 07/31/2026

Key Takeaways:College essays are undoubtedly one of the most important components of the college application. Virtually every college requires its applicants to write at least one essay for their application, and for good reason. Unfortunately, many students report that writing their college essays is the most daunting and challenging part of the entire application process.…

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