


I’m Tatum
I’m Tatum
I’m Tatum Hutton, founder of Custom Academics, LLC. I earned my A.B. from Harvard University and have spent more than two decades guiding students into Ivy League and top-20 universities, medical and dental schools, and competitive MBA programs.
What makes my work distinct is how deeply I come to understand each student’s academic path and personal growth. I know not just their achievements, but their story—how to frame it, how to highlight it, and how to present it to colleges at its very best. That depth of knowledge, combined with strategy and experience, consistently shows in their admission results.
Along the way, I’ve connected students with internships and research opportunities, including projects that led to published work while still in high school. These experiences don’t just build résumés—they give students confidence and perspective that set them apart.
As a twice-exceptional learner myself, I understand both the obstacles and the advantages of students who think differently. I am fluent in American Sign Language, a published curriculum designer, and a former international show jumping champion. My own unconventional path shapes how I guide students to build theirs—with authenticity, clarity, and results.
I’m Tatum Hutton, founder of Custom Academics, LLC. I earned my A.B. from Harvard University and have spent more than two decades guiding students into Ivy League and top-20 universities, medical and dental schools, and competitive MBA programs.
What makes my work distinct is how deeply I come to understand each student’s academic path and personal growth. I know not just their achievements, but their story—how to frame it, how to highlight it, and how to present it to colleges at its very best. That depth of knowledge, combined with strategy and experience, consistently shows in their admission results.
Along the way, I’ve connected students with internships and research opportunities, including projects that led to published work while still in high school. These experiences don’t just build résumés—they give students confidence and perspective that set them apart.
As a twice-exceptional learner myself, I understand both the obstacles and the advantages of students who think differently. I am fluent in American Sign Language, a published curriculum designer, and a former international show jumping champion. My own unconventional path shapes how I guide students to build theirs—with authenticity, clarity, and results.
Affiliations
Affiliations
Tatum is an active member of the following affiliations:
Certifications and Degrees
Certifications and Degrees

Harvard, AB in Psychology: Focus Neuroscience

Meyers-Briggs Certified

Certified in College and Career Advising from
UC Berkley

Certificate for Coaching Adolescents with Learning and Attention Issues from Beacon College

Irlen Syndrome Screener

Nationally certified to teach math, science and English for both middle and high school

University of Pennsylvania Wharton School Neuroscience Initiatives Certification
Testimonials
What Parents and Students
are Saying
“Not only did [Tatum] help me raise my test scores significantly, but she also helped me get into my dream university.”
Danae H.
Half Moon Bay High School, 2018
University of California Santa Barbara, 2022
“I couldn’t help but be amazed because I knew I was not Tatum’s only student but the amount of attention she gave my applications made it seem like I was her only student.”
Andrew O., Student
Half Moon Bay High School, 2017
University of Washington, 2022
“My daughter's writing and math (and her attitude and motivation) have improved ten-fold”
Regan F.
Parent, 2023
“Vanessa really took the time to teach and communicate in a manner that was effective.”
Kevin Lau
Parent, 2025
“I can’t recommend Tatum highly enough, and I will definitely hire her again to work with my other children.”
Molly Oschatz
Parent, 2024
“I feel truly blessed for all the assistance she has given me.”
Enzo Fiore, Student
Junipero Serra High School, 2022
Loyola Marymount University, 2026
“She [Tatum] pushed me to dig deeper to write meaningful admissions essays.”
Lydia Ho, Student
University of California, Berkeley, 2018
University of Chicago, Booth School of Business 2024
“Tatum is flexible, communicates very well, extremely relatable, and genuinely cares.”
Levongia Carrera
Parent, 2024
“ Her personal and thorough approach made it not only an extensive and detailed exploration, but an adventure!”
Linda Davisson
Parent, 2023
Testimonials
What Parents and Students
are Saying
“Not only did [Tatum] help me raise my test scores significantly, but she also helped me get into my dream university.”
Danae H.
Half Moon Bay High School, 2018
University of California Santa Barbara, 2022
“I couldn’t help but be amazed because I knew I was not Tatum’s only student but the amount of attention she gave my applications made it seem like I was her only student.”
Andrew O., Student
Half Moon Bay High School, 2017
University of Washington, 2022
“My daughter's writing and math (and her attitude and motivation) have improved ten-fold”
Regan F.
Parent, 2023
“Vanessa really took the time to teach and communicate in a manner that was effective.”
Kevin Lau
Parent, 2025
“I can’t recommend Tatum highly enough, and I will definitely hire her again to work with my other children.”
Molly Oschatz
Parent, 2024
“I feel truly blessed for all the assistance she has given me.”
Enzo Fiore, Student
Junipero Serra High School, 2022
Loyola Marymount University, 2026
“She [Tatum] pushed me to dig deeper to write meaningful admissions essays.”
Lydia Ho, Student
University of California, Berkeley, 2018
University of Chicago, Booth School of Business 2024
“Tatum is flexible, communicates very well, extremely relatable, and genuinely cares.”
Levongia Carrera
Parent, 2024
“ Her personal and thorough approach made it not only an extensive and detailed exploration, but an adventure!”
Linda Davisson
Parent, 2023
Testimonials
What Parents and Students
are Saying
“Not only did [Tatum] help me raise my test scores significantly, but she also helped me get into my dream university.”
Danae H.
Half Moon Bay High School, 2018
University of California Santa Barbara, 2022
“I couldn’t help but be amazed because I knew I was not Tatum’s only student but the amount of attention she gave my applications made it seem like I was her only student.”
Andrew O., Student
Half Moon Bay High School, 2017
University of Washington, 2022
“My daughter's writing and math (and her attitude and motivation) have improved ten-fold”
Regan F.
Parent, 2023
“Vanessa really took the time to teach and communicate in a manner that was effective.”
Kevin Lau
Parent, 2025
“I can’t recommend Tatum highly enough, and I will definitely hire her again to work with my other children.”
Molly Oschatz
Parent, 2024
“I feel truly blessed for all the assistance she has given me.”
Enzo Fiore, Student
Junipero Serra High School, 2022
Loyola Marymount University, 2026
“She [Tatum] pushed me to dig deeper to write meaningful admissions essays.”
Lydia Ho, Student
University of California, Berkeley, 2018
University of Chicago, Booth School of Business 2024
“Tatum is flexible, communicates very well, extremely relatable, and genuinely cares.”
Levongia Carrera
Parent, 2024
“ Her personal and thorough approach made it not only an extensive and detailed exploration, but an adventure!”
Linda Davisson
Parent, 2023


