Devon Blog

Tag: application process

  • What I Thought U.S. Colleges Wanted—And What They Actually Did

    By Anjuna S. (not her real name), Undergraduate at a Midwestern University

    I still remember the first time I sat down to start my college application for a U.S. school. It was overwhelming. I’d heard stories of students from India applying to top universities like Harvard and Stanford, and I was eager to follow in their footsteps. But the more I read about the process—the essays, the interviews, the recommendations—the more confused I became. What did these colleges actually want from me?

    I assumed that if I had high test scores and a solid academic record, that would be enough. I believed that being a hard worker, excelling in math and science, and following a predictable path through school would impress admissions officers. After all, I’d always been told that academic success is what matters most. I had been taught that achievements like winning state science fairs, attending math camps, and acing exams were the hallmarks of success, and I believed that these would be the keys to my future.

    But that’s not what U.S. colleges actually wanted.

    When I connected with my peer advisor, Sasha (not her real name), a sophomore at an Ivy League school in the U.S., she helped me see things from a new perspective. Sasha, who was originally from Brazil, had gone through the process just a year before me, and she knew the difference between what I thought was important and what U.S. colleges really look for. It wasn’t just about good grades or high scores—it was about the full picture of who I was and what I would bring to their campuses.

    Sasha explained something I’d never heard before: that U.S. colleges were looking for students who showed initiative, creativity, and passion—regardless of whether that passion was in academics, art, or community service. She told me that colleges wanted to know about my journey, the challenges I’d faced, and how I had overcome them, rather than just hearing about my academic achievements.

    For example, in my application, I had focused on my high academic standing and my success in math competitions. But what I hadn’t focused on was the fact that I had spent the past two years volunteering at a local NGO teaching computer skills to underprivileged children. I had brushed this off as a side project that didn’t carry much weight compared to my academic accomplishments. Sasha helped me realize that this volunteer work was actually an incredible part of my story. It showed that I was not only a dedicated student but also someone who cared about making a positive impact in my community.

    With her help, I restructured my essays to reflect who I truly was. I wrote about how volunteering had transformed my perspective on education and what it meant to have access to resources that others lacked. I also shared how this experience had sparked my interest in pursuing a degree in computer science, and how I wanted to create programs that would help bridge the gap between technology and underserved communities.

    Sasha also gave me a valuable tip on the interviews. I thought the interview was another opportunity to impress the admissions officers with my grades and achievements. But Sasha explained that they were really trying to see how I would contribute to the campus culture and how I would fit into their diverse student body. She encouraged me to focus on how I could make a difference on campus, sharing specific ideas of clubs or projects I wanted to pursue. This was a complete shift in mindset for me—I’d been so focused on proving I was “good enough” that I hadn’t thought about how I could contribute.

    When it came time for financial aid, that was another hurdle I didn’t understand. I assumed that as an international student, I wouldn’t qualify for aid at all, as many of my friends from India had been told that it was either unavailable or incredibly competitive. But Sasha encouraged me to look deeper, pointing out that many universities offer need-based or merit-based aid for international students, and that I shouldn’t assume I was ineligible without giving it a try. With her guidance, I applied for scholarships and financial aid, and much to my surprise, I was awarded a meaningful scholarship that made my dream of attending college in the U.S. financially feasible.

    The results? I was accepted into three schools, two of which offered me substantial financial aid packages. One of those schools was exactly where I had envisioned myself—the Ivy League school where Sasha was studying.

    Looking back, I realize how much I had misunderstood about what U.S. colleges wanted. I thought it was all about grades, standardized tests, and following a specific academic path. But in reality, it was about so much more. It was about passion, initiative, and the ability to contribute to a diverse and dynamic campus. It was about telling a story that was uniquely mine, and finding ways to communicate that in a way that resonated with the admissions team.

    Thanks to Sasha’s peer advising, I learned to see the application process through a different lens. I understood that U.S. colleges were not just looking for the best students on paper, but the students who would bring fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and a sense of purpose to their communities. And with that, I found the confidence to tell my story in a way that truly reflected who I was.

    In the end, I didn’t just get into college—I got into a place where I felt like I truly belonged, with a story that felt authentic to me. And I’ll always be grateful to Sasha for helping me understand that my worth wasn’t just in my grades, but in the way I saw the world and how I wanted to change it.

  • Why I Chose a Peer Advisor Who’d Been Through It Abroad

    By Aisha K. (not her real name), Undergraduate Student from Nigeria

    The decision to apply to schools in the U.S. wasn’t mine alone. My uncle, who had attended graduate school in Chicago, always encouraged me to think beyond Nigeria’s borders. But the application process? It felt completely foreign.

    I was attending a public secondary school where teachers were stretched thin and had limited knowledge of U.S. college admissions. To be honest, I didn’t even know where to start. Everything about the process—college essays, recommendation letters, financial aid—felt like a tangled web.

    That’s when I found peer advising. I connected with Chris (not his real name), a student from Ghana who had just completed his first year at a liberal arts college in New England. Chris wasn’t just knowledgeable about the U.S. system—he understood my unique perspective. His background made him an ideal fit for guiding me through the process.

    Chris understood the doubts that international students often face. We talked about whether I should mention my role in caring for my younger siblings, or if it would hurt my chances to admit that I hadn’t done an internship due to helping out at my family’s shop during school breaks. In Nigerian culture, we don’t always talk about our accomplishments. So, writing essays that centered around me was hard. Chris reassured me that my story mattered—how the responsibilities I had at home showcased my resilience and maturity, qualities that U.S. colleges highly value.

    More than anything, he emphasized the importance of showing my authentic self. We brainstormed ways to demonstrate my initiative—such as my involvement in local community development programs—and my dedication to my studies despite facing challenges. He helped me understand how these qualities aligned with the values American universities look for, helping me frame my experiences in a compelling way.

    One of the biggest hurdles I faced was the financial aid process. I knew that most American colleges didn’t offer financial aid to international students. What I didn’t know was that some did. Chris walked me through the financial aid application process step by step, even helping me request fee waivers. He pointed me toward schools that were generous with aid and more inclusive of international students. He also showed me which schools would offer merit-based scholarships, and which had more flexible policies for international students like me.

    I had no idea that there were colleges that would consider me not just as an academic candidate, but as someone who could contribute to the diversity of the student body in meaningful ways. Chris helped me realize that it wasn’t just about grades or test scores—it was about telling my story in a way that was true to who I was.

    When it came time for interviews, Chris role-played with me, helping me practice how to talk confidently about my experiences. Speaking about myself was awkward at first, but with Chris’s patient encouragement, I slowly began to feel more comfortable. The tips he shared about handling common interview questions made me feel prepared and empowered.

    Without Chris, I would have struggled to navigate all the complexities of the U.S. college application process. Peer advising made the difference in my approach. It didn’t just help me with the technicalities of the application, but it helped me build the confidence to believe I belonged in those universities, regardless of where I came from.

    The results spoke for themselves. I received offers from three top universities, one of which I was thought I was highly unlikely to get into. But the most valuable outcome was something more intangible: I learned how to tell my story in a way that felt authentic to me.

    Thanks to peer advising, I didn’t just apply to college—I applied with a sense of pride, knowing that my background and experiences were not barriers, but strengths. I was ready to step into a new world, not as an outsider, but as someone with a unique perspective to share.

  • Peer Coaching Made My Teen Feel Understood—and Inspired

    By Laura Kim (Not her real name), Parent of a High School Junior

    As a parent, one of my biggest challenges has always been understanding how best to support my teenager through the college application process. My daughter, Siti (not her real name), is a brilliant, driven high school junior with big dreams. But like many teens, she often found herself struggling with the pressure of grades, extracurriculars, and the looming question of “What’s next?”

    We are a Korean-American family, and while we emphasize hard work and academic achievement, it was always clear to me that Siti’s path wasn’t going to look the same as mine. Her interests were different, and she needed someone who truly understood her unique struggles and aspirations—someone who could guide her in a way that felt personal and meaningful. That’s when we found peer coaching, and it completely changed the way Siti saw herself and her potential.

    The Search for Guidance

    In the midst of all the application prep, I noticed Siti was becoming overwhelmed. She often felt isolated, as if no one truly understood the pressure she was facing. She would tell me, “Mom, you don’t get it. You were just focused on school and getting into college. But it’s different now. I don’t know where I fit in.”

    At first, I struggled with how to help her articulate her feelings. As much as I wanted to be there for her, I wasn’t sure how to guide her in this new world of college applications, where everything seemed to depend on an essay or a test score. That’s when I came across a peer coaching program, which paired students with mentors—other high schoolers who had recently gone through the application process themselves. The idea of having a peer who had walked in her shoes immediately appealed to me, and I encouraged Siti to give it a try.

    The Impact of Peer Coaching

    Siti was hesitant at first. Like many teenagers, she didn’t want to feel like she was asking for help. But when she connected with Leila (not her real name), a senior who had successfully navigated the college application process, things started to click. Leila, who is of Moroccan and French descent, had a story that resonated with Siti in ways I couldn’t have predicted. Both girls came from immigrant families and faced the added challenge of balancing cultural expectations with their own ambitions. Leila had been a first-generation college applicant herself, and her experiences gave her insights that my daughter could deeply relate to.

    Their coaching sessions became a safe space for Siti to open up. Leila not only helped Siti brainstorm ideas for her college essays but also talked her through the emotional rollercoaster of managing expectations, feeling unsure of her choices, and worrying about future rejection. The beauty of peer coaching is that it’s not just about practical advice; it’s about emotional support. Siti no longer felt alone in the process. Leila shared her own struggles and triumphs, and that gave Siti a sense of hope that she could do it, too.

    One of the most powerful moments came when Leila helped Siti see that her passion for community service wasn’t just a filler activity—it was the heart of her application. Leila helped Siti realize that her volunteer work at a local refugee center could be framed not only as an extracurricular but as a defining experience that reflected her character and future aspirations. This was a turning point for Siti, as she began to feel more confident in what she had to offer, beyond her grades and test scores.

    More Than Just College Prep

    As a parent, it was incredible to watch Siti grow not just in her college prep journey, but in her self-awareness. Peer coaching gave her the opportunity to talk openly with someone who understood the emotional and mental toll of the process. Leila didn’t just offer advice—she listened and provided validation, which is something my daughter couldn’t always find at home or in school. Siti began to develop her own voice, and her confidence soared as she realized that her story was unique, valuable, and worth telling.

    At the same time, I could see the positive impact peer coaching had on Leila, too. By helping Siti, Leila was able to reflect on her own experiences and solidify her own understanding of what college meant to her. Peer coaching wasn’t just a one-way mentorship; it was an exchange of ideas and experiences that enriched both sides.

    Why Peer Coaching Works

    What stood out to me about peer coaching is that it taps into something that’s often missing in traditional academic guidance: relatability. Coaches who have just gone through the same challenges are able to provide practical advice while also offering emotional support. They are closer to the age and mindset of the students they’re helping, making it easier for them to connect on a personal level.

    Peer coaches also help students gain a broader perspective. Siti came to understand that while her journey was unique, she wasn’t the only one struggling with uncertainty, imposter syndrome, or fear of failure. Leila reminded her that many of these feelings are normal, and that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. For Siti, this was invaluable.

    A Newfound Confidence

    By the time Siti completed her college applications, she felt more than ready. She had written her essays with a newfound sense of purpose, guided by Leila’s insights and support. Siti wasn’t just submitting a set of applications; she was presenting her authentic self. More importantly, she was no longer afraid to dream big.

    When we received the news that Siti had been accepted to her top-choice school, I couldn’t help but think back to those coaching sessions. Peer coaching hadn’t just helped Siti navigate the application process; it had given her the tools to believe in her own potential and own her story.

    If you have a teenager in the college application process, I can’t recommend peer coaching enough. It’s a process that’s about much more than essays and deadlines. It’s about understanding, support, and inspiration from someone who truly gets it. For Siti, it was the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered.

  • Turning My Passion for Activism Into a Compelling Application

    By Maya Torres (Not her real name), Future Political Science Major

    When I started preparing my college applications, I had no idea how to turn my passion for activism into something that would set me apart from the countless other applicants vying for the same spot. I knew I had a strong commitment to making the world a better place, but how could I communicate that on paper? How could I show admissions officers that my activism wasn’t just a passing interest, but a deeply ingrained part of who I was?

    I am Maya Torres, and what I realized during my application process was that the most important thing I could do was to frame my activism in a way that highlighted both my impact and personal growth. Whether I was protesting for environmental justice or leading discussions about social justice in my community, these experiences gave me the chance to craft a narrative that was truly my own.

    From Small Local Actions to a Bigger Vision

    For most of my life, activism was something that started in my neighborhood. I grew up in a working-class, predominantly Hispanic community in Texas, where the issues we faced — from access to healthcare to clean drinking water — were things I’d seen up close and personal. I wasn’t just passionate about these issues because they were relevant to me as a student; I was passionate because they were directly affecting people I loved.

    But my journey into activism didn’t start with large-scale movements or protests. It started with small, localized actions. I worked with a local environmental group, organizing beach cleanups and educational workshops for elementary school students. These were the kinds of activities I loved to be a part of, but I struggled to see how these experiences could stand out in my college application. That is, until I began talking to a peer advisor (who asked me to call him Omar, though that’s not his real name), who helped me figure out how to connect my personal growth with the work I had been doing.

    Omar pointed out that what colleges were looking for wasn’t just a checklist of activities or a collection of causes I cared about. They wanted to see how these experiences had shaped me. That was the turning point for me.

    Finding My Voice and Making an Impact

    Once I started looking at my activism from this perspective, I realized that each campaign I had worked on, whether for environmental justice or against racial discrimination, had helped me develop essential leadership and communication skills. I had learned how to organize events, work with diverse teams, and communicate messages to people with varying levels of understanding. But more importantly, I had found my voice — not just as an advocate, but as a leader.

    One of the most pivotal moments came when I organized a community meeting about the dangers of pollution in our area. I wasn’t just leading a discussion; I was rallying people to act. I helped them understand the science behind the issue, and together we launched a letter-writing campaign to city officials demanding better regulations. The results were powerful. We succeeded in securing funding for a new waste management program, and I learned how to effectively mobilize others around a common goal.

    When I sat down to write my personal statement, I used this experience as the core of my narrative. Instead of just describing the project, I focused on how it had transformed me. I wrote about how I had started as an unsure teenager, unsure of how to engage with my community, and how through activism, I had found a way to not only speak up but also lead others. This was the key to turning my activism into a compelling application.

    Connecting Passion with Purpose

    One thing that I found especially important was linking my passion for activism to my future academic and career goals. I knew that pursuing a political science degree would allow me to continue advocating for change on a broader scale. I made sure to connect the lessons I had learned in my community work to my long-term aspirations — to be a leader in social justice, public policy, and environmental advocacy.

    My application also reflected my desire to further refine the skills I had developed through activism, such as policy analysis, public speaking, and coalition-building. I demonstrated how these were not just passions of mine but essential tools I would need to make a lasting impact in society.

    I also made sure to highlight the diversity of my activism. While many applicants might focus on a singular cause, I wanted to show that I was versatile in my activism. From climate change protests to volunteering with immigrants’ rights groups, I had a breadth of experiences that proved I was adaptable and deeply invested in issues that impacted marginalized communities.

    The Role of My Peer Advisor

    I cannot overstate how much of an impact Omar (the peer advisor) had on my application. When I first started the process, I didn’t think my activism would be enough to make me stand out. But Omar showed me how to reframe my story. He taught me to look beyond the surface of my extracurricular activities and ask myself, “How have these experiences changed me? What have I learned? And how can I use this to create a vision for my future?”

    Omar also helped me refine my narrative. It wasn’t enough to just describe what I had done. I had to focus on why it mattered, how it shaped my worldview, and how it tied into the kind of student and leader I hoped to become. His guidance allowed me to present my passion for activism in a way that showcased my growth, leadership, and vision for the future.

    The Outcome: A College Application That Felt True to Me

    When I submitted my applications, I felt a sense of peace. I knew that I had told my story authentically. The process of turning my activism into a compelling narrative didn’t just help me get into the college of my dreams — it also helped me realize that my passion for advocacy wasn’t just a college application strategy; it was my purpose. It was a way of life, and it would continue to shape me throughout my academic journey and beyond.

    So, to anyone out there wondering how to make their passion for activism stand out in their college application, remember: It’s not just about what you do — it’s about what you learn from it and how you share that with others. Let your story reflect your growth and your vision, and above all, let it show who you are at your core.

  • From a Small Town to a Big Name School: The Peer Advice That Got Me There

    By Isabella Hernandez, College Freshman

    I’ve always been proud of my small-town roots. Growing up in a community where everyone knew everyone else’s business, I learned early on the importance of relationships, hard work, and staying grounded. But when it came to applying to college, I felt out of my depth. I had big dreams — dreams of attending a top university where I could pursue a career in law — but I wasn’t sure how to get there. How do you go from a town where the most exciting thing is the annual fair to a school with a global reputation?

    The answer came from an unexpected place: a peer advisor.

    The Struggle of Not Knowing Where to Start

    When I first started thinking about college applications, I was completely overwhelmed. I had good grades, a solid academic record, and I was involved in extracurricular activities like the debate team and volunteering at the local shelter. But I didn’t have the right connections, and I certainly didn’t know how to navigate the complex world of college admissions.

    I would scroll through university websites, unsure of which school would be the best fit. The whole process felt like a foreign language. Essays, SAT scores, recommendations… where did I even start?

    I needed guidance, but I didn’t have the resources I needed. My high school counselor was helpful but had many students to manage, and honestly, I felt like just another face in the crowd. I knew I needed someone who could help me think strategically, someone who understood the ins and outs of college admissions — someone who had been there before.

    The Peer Advisor Who Changed Everything

    Then, I met Sarah, a senior at my school who had been through the admissions process the year before. She was known for her success in getting into one of the top universities in the country, and I was lucky enough to be paired with her as part of a peer advising program at our school.

    Sarah’s advice was a game-changer. The first thing she told me was, “Don’t just apply to schools because they look good on paper. Apply to places where you’ll thrive, where you’ll fit in with both the academic and social environment.” This might sound simple, but at the time, it completely shifted how I thought about college applications. Instead of just aiming for a big name school, I started thinking about what kind of environment I wanted to be in.

    She taught me that the essay isn’t just a chance to tell your story — it’s a chance to showcase who you are beyond the grades and activities. We worked together to refine my personal statement, highlighting not just my achievements but also the personal experiences that shaped me: how growing up in a small town taught me resilience and community, and how my passion for law was inspired by the injustices I’d seen in my own town.

    The Importance of Authenticity in Your Application

    One of the best pieces of advice Sarah gave me was to remain authentic in my application. “Colleges want to see who you are as a person,” she said. “They don’t just want a robot who’s perfect on paper. They want someone who has depth, someone who can bring a unique perspective to their campus.”

    That stuck with me. So many applicants focus on presenting a “perfect” image, but I realized that my authenticity — my small-town background, my love for my community, and my ambition to make a difference — could be my strength. I stopped trying to fit into a mold I thought colleges wanted and started being myself.

    Learning to Prioritize Time and Stress Management

    The other thing Sarah helped me with was time management. The college application process can be incredibly stressful, and I was quickly falling behind on deadlines. She told me about how she managed the stress of applications and helped me create a calendar to break down each part of the process into manageable steps.

    She also introduced me to meditation and mindfulness techniques that helped calm my nerves and stay focused during crunch time. These small tips had a huge impact, and I didn’t feel as overwhelmed as I might have otherwise.

    Building Confidence Through Peer Advice

    Another piece of advice that Sarah gave me was about confidence. “You have to believe in yourself, especially when the process feels tough,” she said. “You’ve already done the hard work — now trust that you belong.” This advice stuck with me through every essay draft, every interview, and every late-night study session. I began to realize that I wasn’t just a small-town girl with big dreams — I was someone with real potential, and I had earned the right to apply to top-tier schools.

    Her encouragement helped me to see my own worth. When it came time to submit my applications, I didn’t just send in a set of forms and essays. I sent in a piece of myself — my story, my journey, and my future aspirations.

    The Result: From a Small Town to a Big Name School

    When I finally got the acceptance letter from the university I had dreamed of attending, it was an emotional moment. I felt like I had crossed a huge milestone, not just in my academic journey, but in my personal growth. Sarah had helped me not only refine my application but also see the strength I had in my own story.

    Reflecting on my experience, I realize that the peer advising process was the key to unlocking my potential. The advice I received from Sarah went beyond what was in my application. She taught me how to look at challenges with a mindset of growth, how to prioritize my well-being, and how to bring my true self into every part of the process.

    Now, as I prepare to start this new chapter at my dream school, I carry with me the lessons I learned from Sarah — and I’m excited to pay it forward as a peer mentor myself, helping the next generation of students find their own way.

  • Applying as a Student-Athlete: Advice From Someone Who Lived It

    By Jordan Matthews, Student-Athlete and College Freshman

    I remember the day I decided I wanted to play basketball at the collegiate level. It wasn’t a sudden revelation. For years, I’d spent countless hours perfecting my game, dreaming about the day I’d be able to take my passion from high school courts to a college arena. But once I got serious about the application process, I quickly realized that being a student-athlete means balancing a lot more than just practice and games. It’s about managing your time, your priorities, and making sure you stand out both as an athlete and as a student.

    I want to share my experience applying as a student-athlete because it’s not an easy road. Here’s what I wish I had known going into it.

    Start Early — The Recruiting Process is a Marathon

    One of the biggest lessons I learned was that recruiting isn’t something you can rush. I thought I could just focus on my game and hope for the best. But the reality is, coaches start looking at athletes as early as freshman year. The earlier you start, the better your chances.

    When I started my junior year, I began reaching out to coaches. I emailed them my highlight reel, stats, and academic performance, and kept them updated on my progress. In hindsight, I wish I had started even earlier. Coaches are busy, and it’s a competitive process. They want to know you’re serious, not just about sports but also about your academics and character.

    Balance is Everything — Don’t Neglect Your Studies

    This was by far the hardest part for me. As a student-athlete, you can’t afford to let one area slip, whether it’s sports or your grades. But it’s easy to focus on athletics and assume your grades will take care of themselves.

    For example, I remember my sophomore year, when basketball season was in full swing. I was exhausted after practice and games, and my math homework started piling up. The temptation to skip assignments and cram before exams was huge, but I learned quickly that neglecting my studies wasn’t an option. The colleges I was targeting had academic standards that were just as demanding as the athletic ones.

    In fact, a coach may want you on their team, but if your grades aren’t up to par, you won’t get in. So I learned to manage my time by creating a schedule where I dedicated specific blocks of time for schoolwork and sports. I didn’t always get it right, but the discipline helped me stay on track.

    The Personal Statement: Show Them Who You Are

    When I started writing my personal statement for college applications, I thought it would be all about basketball — my skills, achievements, and what I could bring to the team. But when I started drafting, I realized something important: the personal statement is your chance to show the admissions team who you are beyond your athletic abilities.

    I wrote about how basketball had shaped me, yes, but also how it had taught me about resilience, teamwork, leadership, and time management. I spoke about challenges I’d overcome, both on and off the court, and how those experiences had shaped my character. It wasn’t just about basketball; it was about how the sport had influenced my life in meaningful ways.

    I also talked about how I planned to balance my athletic commitments with academic pursuits. Being a student-athlete isn’t just about playing a sport — it’s about managing multiple responsibilities, and that’s a huge part of who I am as a person. In the end, I believe that’s what made my application stand out.

    Be Realistic About What You Can Handle

    I won’t sugarcoat it: applying as a student-athlete is tough. You’re balancing recruitment calls, applying to schools, and dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for responses. But you also have to be realistic about what you can handle, both in terms of academics and sports. I had to be honest with myself about which schools were a good fit, both academically and athletically.

    As much as I wanted to play Division I basketball, I knew that the commitment would be intense, and I wasn’t sure I could juggle that with my academic goals. So I looked at Division II and III schools, which still offered great athletic programs, but with a more balanced approach to student life. This was one of the best decisions I made, as it allowed me to compete at a high level while also thriving in my studies.

    Expect the Unexpected — And Be Ready to Adapt

    Finally, the most important thing I learned in the process was to be flexible. The recruitment process, the admissions process, and the transition to college can all throw curveballs your way. I thought I had everything planned out, but I had to adapt when my first-choice school didn’t offer me a spot on the team. Instead of getting discouraged, I focused on my next best option and embraced it with the same passion.

    At the end of the day, your path might not look exactly as you envisioned, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be the right path for you. Keep working hard, stay focused on your goals, and remember that being a student-athlete is about more than just playing a sport. It’s about managing time, building resilience, and growing as an individual. You’ll learn a lot about yourself along the way.

    Take the Leap

    If you’re a student-athlete thinking about college applications, take a deep breath and start early. The process may feel overwhelming, but it’s an incredible opportunity to shape your future. And remember: don’t just focus on being a great athlete, focus on being a great student, leader, and person. Those qualities will get you further than you might think.

    Find a peer advisor at Pathways, our community has someone who is just like you, has done it and can walk you through the process.

  • What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My College Apps

    By Aanya S., Student and First-Gen US College Applicant

    If I could go back and have one honest conversation with my junior-year self, it would start with this: You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

    When I began the college application process, I thought it was just about writing essays and submitting scores. I didn’t know that the hardest part wasn’t the paperwork — it was the planning, the second-guessing, and the self-doubt that crept in when I was supposed to be making the biggest decision of my life.

    No one in my family had gone to college in the U.S., and though my parents wanted the best for me, they couldn’t help me figure out FAFSA or the difference between Early Action and Regular Decision. At school, the guidance counselor was juggling over 400 students. It wasn’t her fault, but I felt invisible.

    That changed the day I met Joanna, a peer advisor a year ahead of me. She’d been through it all — late nights with the Common App, FAFSA errors, agonizing over which extracurriculars to highlight — and more importantly, she got me. She spoke my language, literally and figuratively. She wasn’t trying to dazzle me with stats or throw acronyms at me. She asked me simple questions like, “What makes you feel most alive?” and “If a college said yes to you, what kind of place would it be?”

    I didn’t know it then, but what she was doing was coaching — not advising in a formal sense, but helping me uncover what mattered to me, what made me unique. Together, we mapped out a timeline. We talked about how to approach my essays — not with a strategy to impress, but as a way to tell my story. She helped me understand what colleges were actually looking for: authenticity, clarity, and a sense of purpose.

    Looking back, here are five things I wish someone had told me before I started:

    1. Your application is not just a form — it’s your story.
      I treated it like a job application at first, checking boxes and trying to sound impressive. But admissions officers aren’t hiring you — they’re inviting you into a community. They want to know who you are when nobody’s watching.
    2. Deadlines are only the tip of the iceberg.
      There are internal deadlines too: when to ask for rec letters, when to draft your essays, when to take a step back and reevaluate your list. Having a calendar with built-in breathing room saved me.
    3. You will second-guess yourself — that’s normal.
      I rewrote my personal statement three times. I wondered if I should’ve joined one more club or taken one more AP. But I learned that clarity beats quantity. It’s better to go deep than wide.
    4. Help is out there, but you have to reach for it.
      Whether it’s a peer coach, a teacher, or someone who went through the process recently, talking to someone who’s walked the path before can change everything. They know the hidden stressors, the unspoken fears, and the little hacks that make a big difference.
    5. Celebrate the small wins.
      Every finished essay, every submitted app, every time I pressed “save” on a draft — those were victories. Don’t wait until an acceptance letter to feel proud.

    Now that I’m in college, I volunteer as a peer advisor myself. When students come to me panicked about their applications, I tell them what Joanna told me: Start with your voice. That’s what they want to hear.

    The college process isn’t just a rite of passage — it’s an awakening. And while it’s messy and overwhelming, it can also be transformative when you’re not doing it alone.

    If you’re about to begin, remember this: You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be honest — and open to support. You’re building your future, and you deserve all the help you can get.

  • How Peer Advising Helped Me Choose the Right Early Decision School

    I remember staring at a spreadsheet with ten colleges on it—each with different programs, deadlines, and vibes—and thinking, How am I supposed to know which one to choose for Early Decision? My school counselor was helpful with logistics, but the person who actually helped me decide was a peer advisor from Pathways.

    She wasn’t just a name on a website. She had applied to the same schools I was considering. She had wrestled with the same trade-offs. She had lived through the same pressure of making the “right call.” Talking to her felt like a flashlight in a very confusing tunnel.

    Why Early Decision Felt Like a Gamble

    I knew Early Decision (ED) could increase my chances. The acceptance rates are almost always higher for ED applicants. But locking yourself into a binding decision before you even see other offers? That’s nerve-wracking.

    I wasn’t choosing between clear winners and losers. I had to pick between amazing options: a top liberal arts college with an intimate campus vibe, a research-driven Ivy League university, and a rising tech-focused school with a full scholarship possibility. I had good grades, a 1550 SAT, strong extracurriculars, and a couple of statewide awards. But I didn’t have clarity.

    My Peer Advisor Had Been There—Literally

    The peer advisor I booked through Pathways had applied ED to one of the schools on my list and had gotten in. She was a sophomore now, thriving in the program I was interested in. But she wasn’t just pitching her school. She walked me through her decision matrix—how she compared departments, faculty accessibility, financial aid, campus culture, and career placement data. She told me what she got wrong in her own thinking and what she would’ve done differently.

    That hour-long consultation was more valuable than weeks of Googling.

    The Personal Details That Mattered

    She pointed out things I hadn’t found on Reddit or College Confidential:

    • Which departments were stretched thin and which were getting new funding.
    • What “fit” meant beyond buzzwords—like how introverted students felt at different campuses.
    • How her ED acceptance came with specific scholarship stipulations I hadn’t considered.

    She even shared her actual “Why [School]?” essay, which helped me tighten the focus on mine.

    What Really Helped Me Decide

    The breakthrough moment came when she asked:

    “If none of your friends or family ever knew what school you went to, which one would you still be excited to attend?”

    That’s when I realized I was leaning toward the flashier names for the wrong reasons. The school I ultimately chose—my ED school—had the tight-knit community, academic freedom, and project-based learning I really wanted. I just hadn’t given myself permission to see it as my first choice until that conversation.

    SEO Keywords We Hit Along the Way

    If you’re reading this, maybe you’re searching:

    • “How to choose an Early Decision college”
    • “Does Early Decision increase your chances”
    • “Is Early Decision binding”
    • “How to get college advising from students”
    • “Should I apply Early Decision or Regular Decision”

    I typed those same phrases. And while articles helped, nothing compared to hearing it from someone just a couple of years ahead of me.

    The Confidence to Commit

    I hit submit on my Early Decision application two weeks later. I felt nervous, but also oddly calm. I knew I wasn’t choosing based on prestige or pressure. I was choosing based on insight. I got in. And today, I help others through the same process—as a peer advisor myself.

    Final Thought

    Choosing an Early Decision school is one of the most consequential steps in the college application process. Having a peer who’s done it recently, who knows the schools intimately, and who can speak with both honesty and empathy—that’s a game changer.

    If you’re standing at that fork in the road, wondering which path to lock in early, talk to someone who’s walked both. It just might change everything.