Stressed about getting into college, medical school, residency, or your next step?
"I used to think academic success was just about working hard and learning what you're taught in school.
Everyone goes through the same basic curriculum. Yet, some get in or excel at the next step and some don't.
Experiencing the process from both sides, I realized there are many hidden strategies and insights
not typically covered in school that can take anyone to the next level, whether you're struggling or doing well.
Join The Tran Institute to discover all the things I wish I knew to help you succeed."
- Dr. Maxwell Tran

Simplify. Strategize. Succeed.
(with less Stress).™
Online Admissions/Academic Consulting
with Maxwell Tran, MD
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Cannot Recommend Enough"
He is supremely organized, focused, and driven, but he is also one of the most patient and kind people I have ever known, and so willing to help those around him achieve their goals as well. Having seen his approach to personal and professional pursuits first hand, I cannot recommend him enough if you are looking for help making your dreams come true.
Danny Altkorn, MS, Johns Hopkins University
Members From/Admitted At:
University of Washington
The Ohio
State University
University of Southern California
Johns Hopkins University
Ohio University
University of
Michigan
University of Toronto - University of Washington - The Ohio State University - University of Southern California - Johns Hopkins University - Ohio University - University of Michigan - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Washington University in St. Louis - University of Cincinnati - Marshall University - Indiana University - Arizona State University - Medical University of South Carolina - University of Minnesota - Baylor -
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At The Tran Institute, you're not just getting generic advice—you’re gaining a strategic advantage guided by someone who’s been on both sides of the admissions table and truly cares about your success.
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Know Exactly Who You're Working With: At The Tran Institute, you won’t be passed off to a rotating team or generic advisor. Every session is led personally by Dr. Tran, ensuring you receive expert, consistent, and individualized guidance—every time.
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A Unique Philosophy: Dr. Tran mentors according to his motto of the 4 S's: Simplify, Strategize, Succeed, (with less Stress). He'd love to help you approach learning and admissions from a fresh, effective perspective.
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Dual-Sided Experience: As a successful applicant, tutor, and a former admissions committee member, Dr. Tran provides unique insights —helping you avoid common mistakes and stand out.
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Proven Track Record: From scoring in the top 3% on the SAT, MCAT, and USMLE Step 1 to gaining acceptance into competitive programs like neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and MBA school, Dr. Tran knows what it takes to succeed—and how to help you do the same.
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Personalized, Caring Mentorship: Dr. Tran is not only knowledgeable—he’s approachable and genuinely invested in your success. He’s here to help you overcome challenges with confidence and clarity.
Services Offered
Admissions & Academic
Consulting:
Guidance and Support for Every Step of Your Journey through High School, College, and Medical School
Plan Your Path:
Strategic Planning for Courses, Majors, Rotations, Specialties, Extracurricular
Activities, and More
Optimize Your Application:
Expert Guidance on Resumes, Interviews, Essays, Extracurriculars, Application Strategies, and More
Strategy:
Excel on Admissions Exams, Board Exams (SAT, MCAT, USMLE, Etc.), Coursework, and Clinical Rotations
1-on-1 Consultations:
Personalized Advice on How to Strengthen Your Application and Prioritize Your Time
Meet Dr. Maxwell Tran
Your Admissions/Academic Consultant
I’m Maxwell Tran, a radiation oncologist with a passion for helping students and professionals navigate the often complex admissions and academic journey. I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, where I double-majored in Neuroscience and Anthropology. Following college, I earned my medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine. I matched into the competitive field of neurosurgery for residency, but after two years, I found my true calling in radiation oncology and completed my residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. I currently practice radiation oncology in southeast Ohio.
Next on my journey, I am pursuing a part-time MBA at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University to further broaden my skill set. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wife Morgan and our family, playing basketball and pickleball, exploring national parks, and discovering new places.
Navigating your academic and admissions journey can be stressful and overwhelming. At The Tran Institute, we live by the “4 S’s”: Simplify, Strategize, Succeed (with less Stress). Having served on a medical school admissions committee and scoring in the top 3% on the SAT, MCAT, and USMLE Step 1, I’ve been on both sides of the process and am excited to share my insights with you.
I look forward to learning about your unique goals and helping you plan a clear, confident path to success.
Best,
Maxwell Tran, MD

Learn the strategy of academics and admissions.
Spending time and energy in the wrong areas can both be frustrating and costly.
Your future is worth it.
Invest in yourself today.
"With his help, I was able to match at my #1 Radiation Oncology program, at the University of Washington. Any medical student or colleague would be fortunate to learn from Dr. Tran."
Kevin Shrake, MD
University of Washington
"I believe Dr. Tran is an excellent resource for students at any stage, whether they’re exploring future careers or preparing for the next step in their education. He’s knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping others succeed."
Caden Togrul,
Ohio University Heritage
College of Osteopathic Medicine
"Working with Maxwell was a game-changer while applying for graduate school. His depth of knowledge helped me navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence."
Joann Vuong,
University of Southern California

