Devon Blog

Tag: application process

  • Pathways: Your Career Planning Companion from Middle School to Med School (and Beyond)

    Choosing a career path doesn’t begin at the end of high school — it starts much earlier. From middle school onward, students and their families face dozens of questions:
    What should we focus on? Which extracurriculars matter? Which advanced classes to take — and when? What does it take to pursue medicine, law, business, or tech?

    These questions are best answered by those who’ve walked the path before — high-achieving students, medical school admits, Ivy League grads, and expert advisors who’ve seen what works.

    Pathways gives you a front-row seat to real insight:
    ✅ Ask a question — get advice from students and pros who’ve done it
    ✅ Book a 1:1 consult when you need deep, tailored guidance
    ✅ Build your own panel of advisors as your child grows — from middle school all the way through college admissions
    ✅ No lock-ins, no long-term contracts — just honest, strategic guidance from people who’ve been there

    Whether you’re just starting to think about career options, or you’re deep in the application process, Pathways is your support team for every milestone — academic, strategic, and personal.

  • Test-Optional, Test-Flexible, Test-Blind—What Colleges Actually Mean

    Over the past few years, the rules of standardized testing in college admissions have changed dramatically. Once a cornerstone of the application process, the SAT and ACT are no longer required at thousands of colleges. But with new terms like test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind appearing on admissions sites, families are left asking: what do these really mean?

    Let’s break it down.

    What Is “Test-Optional”?

    Test-optional colleges allow applicants to decide whether to submit standardized test scores. If you choose not to submit scores, your application will still be considered complete and you won’t be penalized.

    Key Details:

    • Strong GPA, coursework, and extracurriculars become more important.
    • Test scores can still help you—especially if they’re above average for that school.
    • Some scholarships or honors programs may still require test scores.

    Who Should Submit Scores?
    Applicants whose scores enhance their academic profile—especially if they’re applying to selective programs or come from underrepresented schools.

    What Is “Test-Flexible”?

    Test-flexible colleges offer students multiple options: instead of requiring SAT or ACT, they may accept alternative assessments like:

    • AP or IB exam scores
    • Subject tests (less common now)
    • Graded academic papers

    Key Details:

    • Often seen at liberal arts colleges.
    • Emphasizes a student’s ability to demonstrate academic readiness in varied ways.

    Should You Still Take the SAT/ACT?
    Yes, if you can do well. It gives you one more opportunity to stand out, especially in a pool of high-achieving applicants.

    What Is “Test-Blind”?

    Test-blind colleges do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all—even if you submit them.

    Key Details:

    • Admissions decisions rely entirely on other parts of your application: grades, essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and interviews.
    • Very few colleges follow this model—currently, some University of California campuses are test-blind.

    Is This Good for Applicants?
    It depends. While test-blind policies remove pressure around scores, they also place greater weight on GPA, course rigor, and qualitative elements like your essays and story.

    Why This Matters Now

    The shift in testing policy was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made test access harder. But what began as a temporary adjustment is quickly becoming the new normal. According to FairTest, over 1,900 U.S. colleges are test-optional or test-blind for 2025 admissions.

    However, many schools—especially competitive ones—still favor strong test scores when submitted. Students applying without scores need to ensure the rest of their application tells a compelling and complete story.

    Key Takeaways

    PolicyAccept Scores?Required?Considers Scores if Sent?
    Test-OptionalYesNoYes
    Test-FlexibleYes (or other)NoYes
    Test-BlindNoNoNo

    📣 Don’t Navigate This Alone—Talk to Someone Who Just Did It

    The rules are changing fast. What worked five years ago might not work today. At Pathways, we connect you with students who just went through this process and got accepted into top colleges.

    They can tell you exactly:

    • Whether they submitted test scores
    • How they made the decision
    • What worked—and what they’d do differently

    👉 Book a consult now — your first session is platform-fee-free.

    Make smarter decisions, get insider context, and build your admissions edge with real insight from real students.

  • Rethinking College Counseling: Why Families Deserve Affordable, Flexible, and Personalized Guidance

    1. Why We Built Pathways Consulting: College Admissions Has a Broken Advice System
    2. Peer Guidance Isn’t a Shortcut to College decisions — It’s the Missing Piece
    3. You May or May Not Need a $10,000 Counselor—You Do Need the Right Insight at the Right Time
    4. What Peer Advisors Can Do That Counselors Can’t
    5. The Five Moments When a Peer Consult Can Change Your Application
    6. Is Peer Advising for Everyone? (Yes, And Here’s Why)
    7. Why the Pathways Model Is Redefining Student Advising
    8. Rethinking College Counseling: Why Families Deserve Affordable, Flexible, and Personalized Guidance

    By Team Pathways

    In a recent article titled “Why Don’t More Families Hire Independent Educational Consultants?”, veteran college counselor Karen Oppenheim poses a fundamental question about the accessibility of professional college guidance. Her answer? For most families, the cost is simply too high—especially when services require large upfront payments, multi-thousand-dollar packages, or contracts before a student has even asked their first question.

    At Pathways, we agree. And we believe there’s a better way.

    What’s Holding Families Back?

    Let’s be honest: the current landscape of college counseling often caters to the top 10%—those who can afford $5,000–$15,000+ packages that begin in 9th grade and promise full hand-holding through every step of the application process.

    But what about the rest of us?

    Most families:

    • Don’t know how much help they need until they start the process
    • Want to test the waters before making a commitment
    • Prefer advice on demand, not a long-term contract
    • Need cultural and financial flexibility

    They’re not unwilling to invest in their child’s future—they’re just looking for a model that respects their uncertainty and budgets.

    Why We Created Pathways

    Pathways was designed for this exact reality.

    We are not a traditional consulting firm. We are a peer-powered advisory platform that connects families with both elite peer advisors (students who just succeeded in getting into top schools) and seasoned professionals (admissions consultants, essay coaches, test prep experts, and career guides).

    Here’s how we’re different:

    ✅ No Contracts, No Lock-Ins

    • Book a consult when you need it.
    • First consult is platform-fee-free.
    • Choose one advisor or many. You’re in control.

    ✅ Peer + Pro, Together

    • Ask a BS/MD admit what they did to stand out.
    • Book a call with a test prep coach for a targeted SAT strategy.
    • Talk to a parent, a med student, a law school admit. Curate your own advisory board.

    ✅ Transparent Pricing

    • Each advisor sets their own rate.
    • You pay per session or buy credits. No expensive bundles required.

    ✅ Personalized to Your Situation

    • Have a strong GPA but a weak essay? Talk to an essay specialist.
    • Applying as an international student? Connect with someone who’s done it.
    • Navigating IEPs or non-traditional schooling? We’ll match you with someone who gets it.

    The Real Problem Isn’t That Families Don’t Want Help

    It’s that the system wasn’t built for flexibility, affordability, or choice. Until now.

    Pathways is changing the game—by giving every family access to real-world insights, not just generic advice. And by allowing students and parents to shape their own journeys, one conversation at a time.

    Because good advice shouldn’t only be available to those who can pay thousands upfront.

    Ready to Start?

    🎓 Explore peer advisors who’ve just done what you’re trying to do
    🔍 Ask a question or book a consult with a peer or professional advisor, no pressure
    🌐 Visit Pathways — Peer insight meets professional expertise.

    This is how college guidance should work.

  • Is Peer Advising for Everyone? (Yes, And Here’s Why)

    1. Why We Built Pathways Consulting: College Admissions Has a Broken Advice System
    2. Peer Guidance Isn’t a Shortcut to College decisions — It’s the Missing Piece
    3. You May or May Not Need a $10,000 Counselor—You Do Need the Right Insight at the Right Time
    4. What Peer Advisors Can Do That Counselors Can’t
    5. The Five Moments When a Peer Consult Can Change Your Application
    6. Is Peer Advising for Everyone? (Yes, And Here’s Why)
    7. Why the Pathways Model Is Redefining Student Advising
    8. Rethinking College Counseling: Why Families Deserve Affordable, Flexible, and Personalized Guidance

    When I first heard about peer advising for college admissions, I was skeptical. After all, how could someone who was just a few years ahead of me possibly understand my specific challenges and provide useful advice? Wouldn’t I be better off working with an experienced, professional counselor who’s seen it all?

    But after diving deeper into the process and experiencing it firsthand, I realized peer advising was exactly what I needed—and it can be exactly what you need too. Let me explain why.

    What Makes Peer Advising Different?

    Peer advising, especially in the context of college admissions, is different from traditional counseling in a few key ways.

    1. Relevant Experience: A peer advisor isn’t just someone with generic advice; they’re someone who’s been through the exact same process recently. They know firsthand what it’s like to craft a competitive application, apply to selective schools, and juggle multiple deadlines. Their advice is rooted in real-world experience, not just theory.
    2. Fresh Perspective: Unlike a professional counselor, who may have been guiding students for years and thus might have a more traditional approach, a peer advisor brings a fresh perspective. They understand the latest trends in admissions, current application dynamics, and can speak to things like how students are now approaching test-optional policies or shifting to virtual interviews.
    3. Affordability and Accessibility: Peer advising is far more accessible and affordable compared to traditional college counseling, especially for students who may not have the financial means to hire an expensive counselor. With Pathways, you pay per consultation, meaning you only spend money on what you need—no big upfront fees, and no pressure to commit to an entire package of services. This is invaluable for students on a budget.

    Who Can Benefit from Peer Advising?

    The real question is, who shouldn’t benefit from peer advising? While it’s easy to think that only certain types of students need this kind of support, I’ve seen firsthand how peer advising can help just about anyone navigating the complex world of college admissions. Here’s how:

    1. Students Who Need a Confidence Boost

    Let’s face it—applying to college can be nerve-wracking. There’s so much uncertainty, especially if you’re the first in your family to go to college, or if you’re applying to schools with tough admissions processes. You might have a great application, but it’s easy to second-guess yourself. This is where peer advising really shines.

    For instance, when I was struggling with whether or not I should submit my SAT scores, I reached out to a peer advisor who had applied to the same universities. She shared her experience about the pros and cons of submitting scores, which gave me the confidence I needed to make my decision. Talking to someone who had walked the same path made me feel reassured, and my anxiety about that decision was eased.

    2. Students Who Need Practical, Specific Guidance

    The beauty of peer advising is its flexibility. You don’t have to sign up for weeks of sessions. If you have a specific question or need help with a very particular part of the application—whether it’s understanding what makes a compelling personal statement or deciding between different schools—peer advisors are a great fit.

    For example, I needed help with fine-tuning my extracurriculars section. My counselor had given me advice on the general structure, but I wasn’t sure if I was emphasizing the right experiences. I reached out to a peer advisor who had applied to a similar school, and she helped me see which activities would stand out and how to best phrase my involvement. This wasn’t something I could have gotten from a general counselor session. Peer advisors dive into the nitty-gritty details that can truly make a difference.

    3. Students Who Don’t Have Access to High-Cost Counseling

    Let’s not sugarcoat it: college admissions counseling can be expensive. Many top-tier counselors charge thousands of dollars for a comprehensive package. For families on a budget, this is simply not feasible. That’s where peer advising steps in as a lifeline.

    With Pathways, I was able to find advisors who had applied to similar schools at a fraction of the cost. I only paid for the sessions I used, and I could select an advisor based on specific criteria that suited my needs—whether it was cultural background, academic interests, or admissions test scores. Peer advising allows you to gain valuable insights without breaking the bank.

    4. Students Who Want to Build Connections with Recent Applicants

    The college admissions process isn’t just about gathering tips—it’s also about making connections with people who understand the stress and excitement of applying. Peer advisors often go beyond the “what to do” advice and can offer a deeper, more personal perspective on how to navigate the journey. Their insights are fresh, relatable, and grounded in the actual experience of being a student today.

    For instance, when I connected with my peer advisor from Duke University, it wasn’t just about the logistics of applying to Duke—it was about understanding what life as a student there was really like. What did they wish they had known before arriving? What clubs or activities had they joined? These kinds of insider tips gave me a more comprehensive view of what to expect and how to prepare for life beyond the application process.

    Why Peer Advising Works for Everyone

    In essence, peer advising works because it complements traditional counseling. Counselors are great for big-picture strategies, but sometimes you need a more hands-on, practical guide. Peer advising provides that. It’s flexible, accessible, and can be incredibly specific to your individual needs.

    For those of us who are looking for that extra push—whether it’s to ease our doubts, refine an application, or just get a little more personalized advice—peer advising fills the gap that other resources can’t. It’s the kind of support that empowers students, giving them the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions at each step of the admissions journey.

    I found that, for me, combining traditional counseling with peer advising was the perfect balance. The counselor helped me plan out my strategy, while peer advising filled in the details and gave me the confidence to move forward with each part of the process. The result? A stronger application, a clearer path forward, and ultimately, the confidence that I had made the best choices for my future.

    Peer advising isn’t just for one type of student—it’s for everyone. Whether you need someone to help you make those small tweaks or someone who’s been there recently and can provide real-time guidance, Pathways’ peer advisors offer an invaluable resource that complements, and in many cases, enhances the traditional counseling model.

    So yes—peer advising really is for everyone, and it’s something every student should consider using during their college application journey.

  • I Used Both a Counselor and Pathways—Here’s How They Worked Together

    When I first started the college application process, I was completely overwhelmed. There were so many decisions to make—what schools to apply to, what essays to write, whether or not I should submit my SAT scores—and I was afraid of missing something important. I knew I needed guidance, so I decided to hire a college counselor. But as I quickly learned, the process wasn’t as simple as I’d hoped. That’s when I discovered Pathways, and it changed the game for me.

    Let me take you through my experience and show you how using both a counselor and Pathways not only worked together, but how the combination helped me create the most competitive application possible.

    The Counselor: The Big Picture Strategy

    When I first hired my college counselor, I expected them to guide me step-by-step through the entire process. I thought they would help me craft the perfect college list, perfect my essays, and figure out how to present myself as the ideal applicant. And to be fair, my counselor did exactly that.

    We spent hours discussing my strengths, what I wanted from a college, and how I could frame my achievements and passions. They were excellent at helping me build the big picture. They helped me understand which schools I should apply to—target, reach, and safety—and they gave me solid advice on how to position myself as an applicant. We focused heavily on crafting my personal statement and making sure I checked all the boxes for each school’s requirements.

    But as I soon realized, the counselor wasn’t going to be available for every little question I had, especially when it came to the more nuanced aspects of my application. I needed more personalized advice—something that would dig deeper into the specifics.

    Pathways: The Personal Touch

    This is where Pathways stepped in.

    After my first few sessions with the counselor, I still found myself unsure about a few things. My counselor had given me a solid foundation, but I wanted more. I needed to speak with someone who had actually been through the admissions process recently, someone who understood the details of applying to specific schools, and someone I could talk to in a more informal setting—just to get some quick advice without committing to another big session.

    That’s when I turned to Pathways.

    The process was straightforward. I logged into the platform and selected a peer advisor who had applied to a few of the same schools I was interested in. I could even choose advisors based on their major, SAT score range, and cultural background, which was key for me, as I wanted someone who understood my unique circumstances.

    Within a few hours, I was connected to Sarah, a student at the University of Chicago, who had been through the same process a couple of years ago. I booked a quick 30-minute consultation. What happened next was exactly what I needed.

    The First Consult: Refining My Application

    In my conversation with Sarah, I realized how much I had been missing in terms of focusing on the smaller, finer details of my application. My counselor had helped me draft a great essay, but Sarah pointed out that I had overlooked a crucial aspect: my personal experiences with leadership.

    “Your essay is solid,” Sarah said, “but you’ve told them what you did—now you need to show them why it mattered.”

    Her advice was simple yet powerful. She helped me reframe one of my leadership experiences to highlight not just the results, but the lessons I learned along the way. She encouraged me to tie it back to my personal growth and how it had shaped my values today. This perspective was exactly what I needed to make my essay resonate with the admissions officers.

    When the Counselor and Pathways Worked Together

    The real magic happened when my counselor and Pathways worked in tandem. After my conversation with Sarah, I reworked my personal statement. Then, I brought it back to my counselor for another review. She was impressed with the changes, but she helped me refine it further by focusing on the structure and the flow of my narrative.

    In a sense, my counselor took care of the broad, strategic elements—ensuring I had the right balance of achievements, personality, and future goals—while Pathways gave me those little, but crucial, tweaks that made my application more me. Pathways gave me the confidence to make quick, well-informed decisions when I felt stuck, and my counselor provided the structured support to make sure everything aligned with my long-term goals.

    The Pathways Advantage

    I think the true value of Pathways lies in its flexibility and accessibility. I didn’t need to book a full-length session or sign up for a long-term commitment. If I needed advice on a specific school or a particular question about my application, I could quickly schedule a consultation. And I always knew that the peer advisor I was speaking with had firsthand experience with exactly what I was dealing with.

    For example, when I was unsure whether to submit my SAT scores to my reach schools, I spoke with Daniel, a student at Duke University, who had applied test-optional. He shared his experience and helped me understand the trade-offs, which gave me the confidence to make the right decision.

    A Perfect Complement

    In the end, using both a college counselor and Pathways was the perfect balance. The counselor helped me map out my entire college application strategy and gave me the professional, in-depth advice I needed. Pathways, on the other hand, gave me practical, real-world advice in smaller, more flexible chunks. Together, they made my application stronger and more authentic.

    If you’re wondering whether you should rely on a traditional counselor or explore a peer-guided model like Pathways, I’d say there’s no need to choose just one. The two can work together seamlessly. The counselor gives you the strategic guidance, while Pathways fills in the gaps with personalized, real-time advice that fits your unique needs.

    For me, this combination was the secret to standing out in a sea of applicants.

  • The Five Moments When a Peer Consult Can Change Your Application

    1. Why We Built Pathways Consulting: College Admissions Has a Broken Advice System
    2. Peer Guidance Isn’t a Shortcut to College decisions — It’s the Missing Piece
    3. You May or May Not Need a $10,000 Counselor—You Do Need the Right Insight at the Right Time
    4. What Peer Advisors Can Do That Counselors Can’t
    5. The Five Moments When a Peer Consult Can Change Your Application
    6. Is Peer Advising for Everyone? (Yes, And Here’s Why)
    7. Why the Pathways Model Is Redefining Student Advising
    8. Rethinking College Counseling: Why Families Deserve Affordable, Flexible, and Personalized Guidance

    Anna had always been the straight-A student, active in clubs, and a competitive athlete. On paper, she looked like an ideal candidate for the Ivy League. But when it came time to write her college essays, she froze. Her mind was filled with what she should say, but nothing felt authentic. The pressure to stand out felt overwhelming, and despite the dozens of advice articles she read, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was missing something crucial.

    That’s when she turned to Pathways.

    By connecting with Jay, a senior at Stanford who had also been a varsity athlete and had gone through the application process recently, Anna finally found clarity. In their 30-minute session, Jay explained that the essay didn’t need to highlight her accomplishments; it needed to showcase her journey. It was that simple, yet so different from everything she had read or heard before.

    In that moment, Anna’s application shifted—no longer was she trying to impress the admissions officers with a list of achievements. Instead, she was telling them a story. And that’s when she knew she had something that could truly set her apart.

    1. When You Don’t Know What to Write About in Your Essays

    One of the most common moments when a peer consult can make all the difference is when you feel lost trying to craft your essays. This is where many students get stuck—what makes you stand out when everyone seems to have similar accomplishments? How do you create a narrative that’s yours without sounding cliché?

    A peer advisor, who has gone through this process recently, can offer that unique perspective. They know what admissions officers actually want to hear about. They can tell you what essays worked for them, where they took risks, and how they honed in on a theme that resonated. More importantly, they’ll help you navigate the fine line between presenting yourself authentically and ensuring your essay isn’t too generic.

    2. When You’re Deciding Between Early Decision, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admission

    The decision between applying Early Decision (ED), Regular Decision (RD), or through Rolling Admission can be daunting. There’s a lot riding on these deadlines, and you want to ensure you’re making the smartest move for your academic future.

    Peer advisors who have been through the process recently have a real-time understanding of how these choices impact your chances at specific schools. Maybe they’ve applied ED to the same college and can share the benefits and drawbacks. They can talk about their experience with each option and the results they got. Sometimes, knowing someone else’s first-hand experience can give you the clarity you need to make that tough decision.

    3. When You’re Unsure About Whether to Submit Test Scores

    The growing trend of test-optional admissions has left many students in a dilemma. Should you submit your SAT/ACT scores if they’re not stellar, or is it better to leave them out and let your grades and extracurriculars speak for themselves?

    A peer advisor who has applied test-optional to the same school can shed light on how admissions officers might view the decision. They can tell you whether submitting your scores made a difference for them and help you weigh the risks of including them versus not. Peer advisors know firsthand how schools evaluate these factors, and their insights can give you a clearer picture of what’s at stake.

    4. When You Need to Know What Really Matters for Your Dream School

    You’ve researched your dream school for months. You’ve memorized the admissions statistics, read testimonials, and even visited campus (or at least watched a YouTube tour). But there’s still something nagging at you—what really matters when it comes to getting in?

    Peer advisors are invaluable in this area. They know the fine details that make a difference: for example, how certain majors or programs have different priorities, how a school might prioritize leadership in specific activities, or how cultural fit can sometimes weigh more heavily than academic perfection. Their advice isn’t theoretical—it’s based on their personal success stories.

    For example, a peer advisor may tell you that at NYU, they focused on their passion for social justice in their personal statement. They can share how it was received and what admissions officers specifically look for when selecting candidates for programs like the Tisch School of the Arts or the Stern School of Business. That’s the kind of tailored, insider knowledge that changes everything.

    5. When You’re Deciding Whether to Apply to a Reach, Match, or Safety School

    Every applicant faces the dilemma of how to balance their college list. Should you apply to more reach schools and cross your fingers? Or play it safe and stick to schools where you’re almost guaranteed admission?

    A peer advisor who has been through this exact decision-making process can help you make more informed choices. They can give you a peek behind the curtain—how competitive was the admissions process really at their reach school? What factors made their match schools a good fit, and why did their safety schools end up being perfect options?

    By connecting with a peer advisor, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on how others have balanced their own college lists, based on their unique profiles. This can help you approach your decision with more confidence and a clearer understanding of what to expect.

    Why Pathways Peer Advisors Are Different

    Peer advisors on Pathways are not just people who have been through the process—they are current students at the schools you’re applying to, people who understand exactly what you’re facing because they’ve been through it recently. They have valuable insights that only someone with firsthand experience can provide. They don’t just know the process—they lived it.

    And that’s what makes a peer consult so powerful. It’s not about following a one-size-fits-all path—it’s about finding the tailored advice that truly works for you, at the exact right moment in your college application journey.

    Whether you’re stuck on your essays, struggling with your list of schools, or just need someone to help you navigate those critical decisions, Pathways peer advisors can give you the insight and support you need to make your application shine.

    By sharing specific, actionable examples from peers who have walked the same path, you’ll feel more confident in the choices you’re making. Pathways gives you the tools to take control of your college application process—because sometimes, it’s the small insights that make the biggest difference.

  • You May or May Not Need a $10,000 Counselor—You Do Need the Right Insight at the Right Time

    1. Why We Built Pathways Consulting: College Admissions Has a Broken Advice System
    2. Peer Guidance Isn’t a Shortcut to College decisions — It’s the Missing Piece
    3. You May or May Not Need a $10,000 Counselor—You Do Need the Right Insight at the Right Time
    4. What Peer Advisors Can Do That Counselors Can’t
    5. The Five Moments When a Peer Consult Can Change Your Application
    6. Is Peer Advising for Everyone? (Yes, And Here’s Why)
    7. Why the Pathways Model Is Redefining Student Advising
    8. Rethinking College Counseling: Why Families Deserve Affordable, Flexible, and Personalized Guidance

    When Jordan, a high school senior from Maryland, started applying to colleges, he had access to his school counselor, a few family friends who had “been through it,” and the endless maze of forums and social media.

    But what he didn’t have—at least at first—was context.

    Jordan wanted to apply to Columbia, Tufts, and Northwestern. He was undecided between political science and economics. His SAT score was good, not stellar. His extracurriculars looked solid on paper, but he had no idea what would stand out.

    He considered hiring a top-tier counselor. One offered a $10,000 package with unlimited hours. Another charged $300/hour for essay editing.

    But Jordan’s family couldn’t afford that. And even if they could, he didn’t know if he needed it.

    What he did know was that he needed someone who had been through this—someone like him, who had recently succeeded in exactly the type of schools he was aiming for.

    So he turned to Pathways.

    A System That Meets You Where You Are

    Pathways wasn’t built to replace counselors. It was built to fill the most common gap in the system: applicants who need tactical, credible, first-hand insight—without a five-figure investment.

    Through Pathways, Jordan was able to:

    • Specify that he wanted a peer advisor who had applied to Columbia and Tufts
    • Filter for students with SAT scores within his range
    • Find someone who was African-American like him, from a public school background
    • Talk to a sophomore at Tufts who had written about community impact and chosen the test-optional path

    The conversation didn’t just make him feel seen. It gave him actionable direction: which parts of his story to lean into, how to position “leadership” when it wasn’t in a traditional club role, and how he could show demonstrated interest even with limited travel ability.

    One 30-minute consult gave him more usable clarity than two months of late-night browsing ever had.

    Counselors, Coaches, Consultants—And Now, Peer Advisors

    The reality is: different students need different types of support.

    • Some students thrive with full-service admissions consultants, particularly when navigating highly competitive schools or complex applicant profiles.
    • Some students only need help on essays, or recommendations, or picking a final list.
    • But all students benefit from first-hand, relatable insight—the kind only someone who’s just gone through it can provide.

    That’s where peer advisors come in. They’re not replacing professionals. They’re adding something the professionals can’t always offer: recency, relatability, and role-specific insight.

    You may not need a $10,000 counselor. Or maybe you do.

    But even if you hire the best counselor in your city, you still need the voice of someone who knows what it feels like to apply last year. Someone who understands the weight of every essay prompt, the unspoken trends in test-optional admissions, the strategy behind Early Decision when your GPA isn’t top 10%.

    That voice is what Pathways delivers.

    The Smartest Strategy Is a Layered One

    Think of it this way:

    • Your school counselor helps you stay on track.
    • A consultant, if you choose one, might help you build and polish the perfect package.
    • But a peer advisor? That’s your guide on the ground. The one who says: “Here’s how I answered that optional question,” or “This is what actually mattered at Emory,” or “If I could do it again, I’d have…”

    That’s not a luxury. That’s essential.

    So whether you’re bootstrapping your application process, building a dream team, or somewhere in between—Pathways gives you what every applicant deserves: right-time, right-fit insight that costs less than a night out.

  • I Didn’t Know the Rules, But My Peer Coach Knew the Game

    By Aditi R. (not her real name), International Student from India

    Before I even began applying to colleges in the United States, I knew I was already behind. Not academically—I had top grades, extracurriculars, and awards—but behind in understanding how the system actually worked. In India, we take entrance exams for specific fields and institutions. You study, take a test, and that score determines your admission. The U.S. system, with its essays, recommendations, financial aid forms, and holistic review, felt like an entirely different game—with rules no one around me could explain.

    I didn’t have older siblings or family members who had gone through the U.S. application process. My school counselor was well-meaning, but she had dozens of students and limited time. So I did what many students do: I started Googling. I found college admissions YouTube videos, blogs, and forums, but they often gave contradictory advice. Should I apply Early Decision? How many extracurriculars were enough? Should I submit SAT scores or not? I didn’t even know what questions I was supposed to ask.

    Then I found Pathways, a peer coaching program, and I was matched with Maya (not her real name), a college student from India who had been through the U.S. admissions process two years earlier. She became my coach—and my translator for the unwritten rules of the game.

    Maya didn’t just know how the U.S. admissions system worked—she knew why it worked that way. When I asked her why colleges cared so much about essays, she explained that in a system without standardized national entrance exams, essays help admissions officers understand who you are beyond your grades. When I worried about whether being a “generalist” instead of a “specialist” would hurt my chances, she helped me frame my broad interests—debate, science Olympiads, community work—into a coherent narrative.

    Most importantly, Maya taught me strategy. She showed me how to build a college list that balanced reach, match, and safety schools while still aligning with my academic and personal goals. She explained that some colleges are more generous with financial aid for international students than others, and that applying Early Decision could be risky if you needed aid. She even gave me a spreadsheet template to track deadlines, supplemental essay requirements, and scholarship opportunities.

    One of the most confusing aspects for me was recommendation letters. In India, it’s not common for teachers to write detailed, personalized letters. Maya helped me approach the right teachers early and even coached me on how to give them information about my achievements and goals to help them write stronger letters. Her advice was both practical and empathetic—she had been through the same awkward conversations and reassured me that it was okay to advocate for myself.

    When I struggled with my Common App personal statement, Maya didn’t tell me what to write—she asked the right questions to help me uncover a story that felt real and meaningful. I wrote about growing up in a multilingual household, how navigating three languages shaped the way I think and communicate. Without her encouragement, I might have written a generic essay about academics or volunteer work. Instead, I wrote something personal, something that sounded like me.

    Even with all this help, I had moments of doubt—especially when friends around me received admissions decisions earlier, or got offers from universities I hadn’t even considered. Maya reminded me that the U.S. system values fit over rank. Just because a school is ranked lower globally doesn’t mean it’s a poor choice for your goals. Her calm, informed perspective helped me stay focused on my path rather than constantly comparing myself to others.

    Eventually, I was admitted to multiple U.S. colleges, including two with generous scholarships. But what I gained went beyond admissions letters. Through peer coaching, I learned to see myself the way admissions officers might see me: not just as a number or a resume, but as a whole person with a story, potential, and agency.

    The U.S. college application process may seem chaotic from the outside—but there is a system underneath it, a structure of priorities and signals. I didn’t know those rules when I started. But Maya did. And because she did, she helped me play the game on equal footing.

    Now, I’m planning to become a peer coach myself. Not because I want to give advice, but because I know how powerful it is to feel seen, heard, and guided—by someone who’s been there before.

  • Everyone Else on Reddit Sounded So Sure—But I Was Lost

    By Jamil H. (not his real name), International Student from Egypt

    As an international student, I felt a mix of excitement and fear when I started considering applying to U.S. universities. There was so much I didn’t know, and I constantly felt like I was a step behind my peers. I had always done well academically, but the college application process in the U.S. was a whole different world. I didn’t have anyone in my family who had gone through it, and most of my friends in Egypt were either applying to local universities or pursuing careers right after high school.

    In my quest for information, I turned to Reddit, thinking it would be the perfect place to find tips and advice from other students who had already been through the process. I’d read threads where applicants seemed so sure of themselves—some even knew exactly which universities they wanted to apply to and had already started working on their essays months in advance. They spoke with confidence about SAT scores, recommendation letters, and even the finer details of application strategies.

    I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. Here I was, struggling to understand what I was supposed to do, while others were talking like they had everything figured out. The advice on Reddit ranged from overly optimistic to downright intimidating. The more I read, the more lost I felt.

    That’s when I realized I needed more than just general advice—I needed a personalized guide, someone who could answer my specific questions, someone who had walked the path before me and understood what I was experiencing. I needed a peer advisor.

    Through my school, I was matched with Lara (not her real name), a peer advisor who had successfully applied to universities in the U.S. a couple of years prior. She was from Pakistan and had faced similar struggles while applying to college as an international student. From our first conversation, I could tell that she understood exactly where I was coming from. She didn’t just throw generic advice at me; she took the time to listen and offer guidance tailored to my situation.

    Lara’s approach was entirely different from the overwhelming advice I had read on Reddit. She didn’t assume that I knew everything about U.S. colleges; instead, she patiently explained the basics of the application process. For example, I was initially confused about which tests I needed to take. I had heard about the SAT, but I also kept seeing mention of the ACT, and I wasn’t sure which was better. Lara helped me understand the differences and gave me a strategy for deciding which test to take based on my strengths and weaknesses. She also explained that some schools had made the SAT optional, which saved me a lot of stress.

    What stood out most to me was Lara’s focus on helping me craft an authentic application. I had struggled with my personal statement. Back in Egypt, we were taught to focus strictly on academics, so writing about myself felt uncomfortable. I had no idea how to balance showcasing my academic abilities with telling a story about who I was as a person. On Reddit, everyone seemed to have an easy time with their essays, but I couldn’t even start mine. Lara helped me see that my unique experiences were valuable. She encouraged me to write about the challenges I faced growing up in Egypt and how they shaped who I am today. That advice gave me the confidence to tell my story authentically, which ultimately made my essays stand out.

    Another aspect of the application process that I struggled with was navigating the financial aid options as an international student. Many posts on Reddit mentioned financial aid, but they mostly focused on U.S. citizens or residents. As an international applicant, I felt like I was on my own. Lara, however, was extremely knowledgeable about the schools that offered merit-based scholarships for international students, and she helped me identify a few options that I hadn’t considered before. She also explained how to handle financial aid applications, ensuring that I didn’t miss any important steps. I was relieved to learn that some universities offered substantial aid to international students, which eased my concerns about how to finance my education.

    Throughout the process, Lara also helped me manage the emotional rollercoaster of applying to schools abroad. There were times when I doubted myself—especially when I compared my progress to the confident Reddit posts from others. Lara reassured me that I was on the right track. She reminded me that it was normal to feel lost and uncertain, especially as an international applicant. Knowing that I wasn’t alone in these feelings was incredibly comforting.

    By the time I submitted my applications, I felt much more confident in my journey. I had a clear understanding of what U.S. universities were looking for, I knew which tests I needed to take, and I felt good about the essays I submitted. Lara had provided me with a roadmap, and I could see the path ahead clearly, whereas before, it had felt like an impossible maze.

    When the acceptance letters came, I was overjoyed. I had been accepted into several of my top choices, including one that offered a significant scholarship. But more than the acceptance letters, what I valued most was the sense of empowerment that came from having a mentor who truly understood my challenges.

    Looking back, I realize that the advice I found on Reddit wasn’t wrong—it was just overwhelming and often too general. What I needed was someone who could help me navigate the specifics of my situation, someone who had been in my shoes and could offer personalized guidance. Peer advising helped me find my confidence, my voice, and ultimately, my place in the U.S. college system.

    If you’re feeling lost in the sea of online advice, I highly recommend reaching out to a peer advisor. at Pathways. It’s not just about getting into college—it’s about feeling confident in your path and knowing that you have someone in your corner who has been through it all. Peer advisors are there to help you turn uncertainty into clarity, and they can make all the difference in your college application journey.

  • Applying to College From 8,000 Miles Away? Here’s What Helped Me

    By Amir A. (not his real name), Undergraduate Student from Egypt

    The first time I decided to apply to a college in the United States, the idea felt both exciting and completely out of reach. Coming from Egypt, a country where the path to higher education was straightforward—one university to choose from, relatively low tuition fees for citizens, and a system that didn’t require essays or extensive interviews—it was hard to imagine what the American college application process would entail.

    I knew I wanted to study computer science, but beyond that, everything felt like a giant puzzle. What were U.S. colleges really looking for? Was I competitive enough? And most importantly, could I even afford it?

    I didn’t have the privilege of understanding U.S. culture or the education system from firsthand experience. I had never been to the U.S., and my parents had never gone to college, let alone navigated an international application process. So, I was left to figure it all out on my own—or so I thought. That’s when I found out about peer advising, and it completely changed my approach.

    I was paired with Zoe (not her real name), a peer advisor from Canada who had gone through the application process a year before. She had studied abroad in the U.S. herself and had helped several students from around the world, so she understood exactly how daunting it could feel.

    Our first call felt like a lifeline. Zoe didn’t just walk me through the steps of the application process—she helped me navigate the cultural differences and understand the mindset of U.S. admissions officers. She explained that U.S. colleges didn’t just want high grades; they wanted to see students who were passionate, curious, and ready to contribute to their community.

    One of the things that initially threw me off was the focus on essays. In Egypt, our college applications were primarily about grades and test scores. But in the U.S., the personal essay seemed to carry so much weight. I struggled to understand how to frame my story in a way that would be compelling to someone who had never met me. How could I make my story stand out when it felt so different from the experiences many American students had?

    Zoe guided me through this. She helped me realize that my story—growing up in Cairo, helping my family navigate our small tech business, and my fascination with computer science—was not just valid but unique. She emphasized that U.S. colleges were looking for students who brought something new to the table, and my international background, combined with my experiences in Egypt, offered a perspective that would be valuable on an American campus.

    With her help, I began drafting essays that didn’t just focus on what I had done, but why I had done them. Why I was passionate about coding. How building a website to help local businesses in Cairo get online sparked my desire to learn more about the tech industry. Zoe helped me find the balance between presenting myself confidently without sounding boastful—a tricky line to walk for someone coming from a culture where humility was more highly valued than self-promotion.

    Another major challenge I faced was the financial aid process. Coming from Egypt, the concept of need-based financial aid was entirely foreign to me. I was aware that U.S. education could be expensive, but I had no idea that there were scholarships and financial aid packages available for international students.

    Zoe’s guidance on this was invaluable. She not only helped me understand the financial aid options I had but also encouraged me to apply for specific scholarships that I might not have considered. She explained that many U.S. universities offer need-based aid to international students, though it’s often limited. She also directed me to several scholarship databases, and I ended up receiving a partial scholarship from one of the universities I applied to, which made attending school in the U.S. more financially feasible.

    When it came to interviews, I was initially nervous. I had no idea how to “sell” myself in a way that felt authentic. Zoe walked me through mock interview questions, encouraging me to relax and focus on what I could bring to the school. She explained that admissions officers weren’t just looking for the perfect student—they were looking for someone who could contribute to the community and who had a genuine passion for their field of study.

    This advice made all the difference. I went into my interviews with confidence, knowing that I had a unique story to tell. I wasn’t just a number or a set of test scores; I was someone with experiences and perspectives that could enrich the campus community.

    Finally, one of the most important lessons Zoe taught me was how to think about the bigger picture. While I had initially focused solely on my academic and extracurricular achievements, Zoe encouraged me to think about what kind of person I wanted to be once I arrived on campus. What would I contribute to the community? How would I use my education to make a difference?

    This shift in mindset helped me approach the application process not as a checklist to be completed but as an opportunity to reflect on my personal journey and goals. It allowed me to craft an application that was not just about meeting requirements but about communicating who I was and what I hoped to achieve.

    In the end, I was accepted into two of my top choice schools, and I received financial aid that made my dream of studying in the U.S. a reality. When I look back on the process, I realize how much easier it would have been without Zoe’s guidance. She helped me navigate the complexities of the application, understand the cultural nuances, and find my authentic voice.

    If you’re an international student considering applying to U.S. colleges, my advice is simple: don’t go it alone. Find a peer advisor who has been through the process, who can offer insight, advice, and encouragement. Because applying to college from 8,000 miles away is challenging, but with the right support, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.