About Us
Solis Prep began with a simple vision— to offer help to students, from students. As former students ourselves, who have navigated the complexities of US college applications, and have successfully been admitted into multiple Top 10 Universities, we wanted to help make this process a little easier for students in the same boat. We encourage students to lean into everything that makes them unique— to discover their passions, their interests, and their identity. After all, beyond the web of college applications, lies an unforgettable college experience.
Ria & Vanessa, Founders of Solis Prep
Duke University, Class of 2022
Vanessa Tam
Co-Founder & COO
B.S.E. ‘22 & M.Eng ‘23 in Biomedical Engineering, Duke University
Vanessa Tam brings both heart and horsepower to college admissions advising. A proud Bentonville West High School alum and valedictorian, she was a National Merit Finalist, National AP Scholar, and Presidential Scholar candidate — but more than that, she remembers what it felt like to go through the college application process: overwhelming, uncertain, and in need of guidance that felt personal.
She went on to earn both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, where she focused on medical technology design and global health innovation and entrepreneurship. While at Duke, she worked closely with physicians as a Design Health Fellow to develop real-world healthcare solutions and mentored over 400 students as a teaching assistant across multiple engineering courses. She also mentored middle school girls in STEM, led outreach through the Society of Women Engineers, and stayed actively involved in community service.
For the past several years, Vanessa has worked one-on-one with students across the country on their college applications — helping them discover their unique voices and get into top universities across the nation. Whether it’s brainstorming essays, building college lists, or demystifying the process step-by-step, she brings clarity, compassion, and strategy to every session.
Today, Vanessa works as an R&D engineer at a neurovascular medical device company in Los Angeles, and continues to channel her passion for education and mentorship into Solis Prep. Her mission is simple: to help students not just get in, but find a path that genuinely excites them.
When she’s not deep in CAD models or clinical data, you’ll find her watching (Duke) basketball, queuing up the perfect playlist, or hunting down good food.
Ria Thimmaiahgari
Co-Founder & CEO
B.S.E. ‘22 in Biomedical Engineering & Computer Science, Duke University
Ria Thimmaiahgari brings a rare blend of analytical precision and creative intuition to the world of college admissions. A Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science graduate from Duke University, Ria understands the rigor of top-tier academics — and the nuance it takes to craft a compelling college application. Before launching Solis Prep, she spent several years mentoring high school students through every stage of the admissions journey, from navigating college lists to refining personal statements that truly reflect who they are.
While at Duke, Ria was deeply involved in research, design innovation, and community service — experiences that taught her how to think critically, ask the right questions, and lead with empathy. She’s worked in both U.S.-based tech and consulting roles and now plays a strategic role in operations and sales at Subishi Infra, a real estate development company in Hyderabad. Through it all, her passion for mentorship has remained constant.
At Solis Prep, Ria draws on her years of experience helping students gain admission to competitive programs across the U.S. Her approach is equal parts strategic and supportive: whether it’s brainstorming essay ideas, building a standout resume, or helping students see the bigger picture, she focuses on empowering each individual to present their best and most authentic selves.
Outside of working with students or structuring deals, you’ll likely find her reading a good novel, going on long walks, or creating Pinterest boards.