Devon Blog

Tag: chasing-your-future

  • 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.

  • Peer Guidance Isn’t a Shortcut to College decisions — It’s the Missing Piece

    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 high school junior Maya sat down to start her college applications, she had the same tools as most ambitious students: a long list of schools, a spreadsheet of deadlines, advice from school counselors, and dozens of open browser tabs filled with Reddit threads, blog posts, and TikTok explainers.

    But despite all that, Maya still didn’t know what her story was. Should she write about her robotics internship or her work at a local clinic? Would applying test-optional hurt her chances at NYU? How important was it that she’d only taken three APs compared to others who had six or more?

    Her counselor was supportive—but juggling 400+ students. Her parents encouraged her—but had never applied to U.S. schools themselves. The web was full of noise, contradictions, and “chance me” bravado.

    What she needed was someone who had been through this exact process, recently—and won.

    That’s where peer guidance comes in.

    Advice, But From Someone Who Gets It

    Peer guidance isn’t casual mentoring. It’s not a friend guessing what admissions officers want. It’s not a Reddit post filtered through twenty opinions.

    It’s structured, intentional, paid advice from a student who applied to similar schools, came from a similar background, and achieved real success.

    In Maya’s case, she used Pathways to find someone who:

    • Attended the same type of public school
    • Also applied test-optional and got into NYU, BU, and Emory
    • Was South Asian, like Maya
    • Chose to major in public health
    • Scored in the same ACT range

    Maya booked a 30-minute consult and came away with clarity: she had a compelling story around public service, and she didn’t need to apologize for not submitting test scores. In fact, the advisor helped her see how to frame it as a strength.

    The consult cost her less than a dinner out. The clarity? Priceless.

    The Myth of the One-Size-Fits-All Strategy

    The problem with traditional advice is that it often assumes a standard applicant. But admissions isn’t standard.

    • A rural Midwestern student with limited APs needs different advice than a competitive prep school senior in Boston.
    • An international applicant from Ghana faces different scrutiny than a first-gen Latina from Los Angeles.
    • A STEM-focused boy applying to Caltech will need different guidance than an arts-focused girl applying to Barnard.

    Peer advisors can speak to these nuances. They were those applicants. They understand the hidden levers—the moments when choosing the right essay topic or positioning an extracurricular made the difference.

    It’s Not a Shortcut. It’s the System That Should Exist.

    Some might hear “peer” and think less experienced. But that’s a misunderstanding of what applicants need.

    They don’t just need general wisdom. They need relevant context.

    Traditional counselors can provide macro advice: deadlines, FAFSA, letters of rec. But they rarely have time—or recent personal experience—to walk through:

    • What made an extracurricular spike stand out?
    • How to choose between prompt 3 and prompt 7 for Common App?
    • What “demonstrated interest” actually looked like at Tufts?

    Peer advisors fill that gap. And because they’re paid per consult, they’re prepared, focused, and generous with insight.

    This isn’t mentorship. This is strategy.

    A Better Way, Accessible to All

    At Pathways, we believe peer consults should be part of every student’s toolkit.

    • For some, it will supplement what their counselor already provides.
    • For others, it will replace the missing support they never had.
    • For most, it will clarify their unique path—by learning from someone who walked it just a year or two ago.

    This is not the future of advising. It’s the present, done right.

  • Peer Coaching Helped My Parents Understand, Too

    By Amina K. (not her real name), Undergraduate Student from Pakistan

    When I decided to apply to universities in the United States, I was excited—excited to explore new opportunities, to challenge myself academically, and to step into a world that seemed so different from my home in Pakistan. However, there was a huge obstacle in my path: my parents.

    It’s not that my parents didn’t want me to pursue higher education abroad—they did. But they had never been to the United States themselves. They didn’t know how the admissions process worked. In fact, they didn’t even understand the basic concepts of what I needed to do: SAT scores, essays, interviews, financial aid—it all seemed like an insurmountable mountain to them. Even though I wanted this, they were scared. They couldn’t comprehend the complexities of what I was trying to navigate.

    I vividly remember long nights spent explaining the U.S. college system to my parents. I would tell them about deadlines, requirements, and what I needed to prepare, but they would get confused or frustrated. They wanted to be supportive, but they just didn’t have the context or knowledge to understand what I was saying. It wasn’t just a language barrier—it was the culture gap, too. The American way of higher education was so different from anything they had known.

    That’s when I found peer coaching. Through Pathways, I was connected with Lila (not her real name), a peer coach who was a student at a prestigious university in the U.S. She had gone through the same journey of applying as an international student, and she understood exactly what I was experiencing. But what I didn’t expect was that Lila’s guidance didn’t just help me—it helped my parents, too.

    When we first connected, I wasn’t sure how she would be able to help with my specific situation. I had a lot of logistical questions about how to write my essays and what schools I should apply to, but I was also struggling with my parents’ concerns. Lila was incredibly empathetic, listening patiently as I shared the challenges I faced with my family. After hearing my story, she offered a unique solution: “Why don’t I talk to your parents directly?”

    At first, I was skeptical. How would a conversation between Lila and my parents help? They didn’t speak English fluently, and they were understandably nervous about a system they didn’t understand. But Lila’s offer gave me hope. We set up a Zoom call where Lila patiently walked my parents through the entire application process—from what an SAT score was to the differences between financial aid and scholarships. She explained how American universities selected students and why extracurricular activities were so important.

    But most importantly, she explained that the process was not a “one size fits all” approach. There were universities with different financial aid policies, and that it wasn’t just about getting into the top-tier schools—it was about finding the right fit. This approach, this reassurance that we had options, put my parents’ minds at ease. They saw that this wasn’t some unattainable dream but a process that could be navigated with the right support.

    Lila also made it clear to my parents that applying to U.S. colleges as an international student wasn’t as simple as filling out a form—it required research and effort. But hearing it from someone who had been in their shoes made all the difference. She told them about the challenges she faced as an international student, her journey with the visa process, and the financial hurdles she overcame. Her success story made them feel like it was possible for me too. They no longer saw my decision as a far-off fantasy but as something grounded in reality.

    The conversation with Lila didn’t just address the technicalities of applying to college—it helped bridge a massive gap between my parents’ concerns and the practical steps I needed to take. I watched as my parents’ anxiety turned into cautious optimism. They started asking questions about schools and financial aid options they had never even considered before.

    What I also appreciated was that Lila encouraged my parents to be actively involved in my college search. In our subsequent calls, she reminded me to involve my parents in the process, helping them understand that their support would make a huge difference. She also emphasized that even though the system was different from what they knew, the principles behind it—hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn—were the same everywhere.

    In the end, the peer coaching experience wasn’t just about helping me get into college; it was about empowering my parents to understand the entire process and to be confident in my ability to navigate it. It helped all of us realize that while the unknown can be overwhelming, with the right guidance, it’s possible to break it down and make it manageable.

    When the acceptance letters started coming in, my parents were the first to celebrate. They had come to trust the process because they now understood it. They had seen firsthand how someone who had been where I was—someone from a similar background—had successfully navigated the same journey.

    Looking back, I realize how important it was for my family to feel included in this decision. It wasn’t just my future at stake; it was our collective understanding of how to take this leap together. And without peer coaching, I’m not sure that understanding would have ever fully taken root.

    If you’re an international student, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not just navigating a system that’s unfamiliar to you; you’re navigating it for your entire family. Peer coaching is a way to make that process smoother, not just for you but for the people who support you the most. It can give everyone the tools and confidence to make your dreams a reality—together.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • STEM, Startups, and Summer Programs: Crafting a Story That Stands Out

    By Michael Tran, Future Engineering Major

    Applying to college as a high school student is never easy, but for those of us passionate about STEM, there’s an extra layer of complexity. You’re not just trying to stand out academically — you’re trying to show your future school that you’re capable of contributing to cutting-edge technology, solving real-world problems, and driving innovation. And when it comes to crafting an application that stands out, nothing can be more impactful than real-world experience. For me, that meant diving into summer programs and internships with startups.

    Here’s how my summer experiences shaped my application and helped me tell a story that made me stand out to admissions committees.

    The Power of Hands-On Experience

    It’s one thing to take advanced math or science courses in school, but it’s another to apply those concepts in the real world. Early on in my high school career, I knew I wanted to study something like engineering or computer science, but I wasn’t sure how to show that interest in a way that would catch the eye of admissions officers.

    That’s when I stumbled upon a summer program at a local tech startup. It wasn’t a prestigious program, and it didn’t offer college credit or certifications. But what it did offer was invaluable — real experience. I spent six weeks helping a small team of engineers design a new app interface. I was learning firsthand about the intersection of technology and user experience, and that experience helped me develop a much deeper understanding of the field.

    Working in a startup also exposed me to the daily challenges that entrepreneurs face. I was able to see how quickly things could change, how flexibility and problem-solving were crucial in an environment where there was no room for complacency.

    Making My Summer Program Work for My Application

    When it came time to write my college essays, I realized I could turn that summer internship experience into a compelling story. But it wasn’t just about listing the technical skills I had learned — it was about showcasing how that summer program had shaped me as an individual.

    I wrote about how I entered the program as a student interested in tech but unsure of what that looked like in a professional context. By the end of the summer, I had developed new skills, learned how to work in a fast-paced team, and found new ways to solve problems under pressure. But most importantly, I was able to highlight how the program confirmed my desire to pursue a STEM field.

    When crafting the narrative for my personal statement, I didn’t focus solely on the technical aspects. Instead, I framed the story around growth — how I went from being a student in a classroom, learning theory, to someone who could apply that theory to create something real. That transition from theory to practice became the backbone of my essay.

    The Importance of Storytelling

    What I learned is that the key to a strong application is not just listing accomplishments but telling a story that connects those accomplishments to your larger goals. For example, I didn’t just talk about how I helped design an app interface. I explained how that experience sparked my passion for engineering and cemented my desire to work at the intersection of technology and user experience. I also described how I wanted to bring that hands-on, problem-solving mindset to my college studies and beyond.

    I also worked to connect my summer program experience to my future aspirations. I didn’t want to just be another applicant with a “cool summer internship” — I wanted my admissions officers to see that this was a stepping stone on my path to becoming an engineer who could create tech that improves lives. That meant emphasizing how the startup experience pushed me to think creatively, to collaborate effectively, and to approach challenges with an entrepreneurial mindset.

    Why STEM Students Need Startup Experience

    In my experience, startup internships and summer programs aren’t just great for building technical skills; they also give you an opportunity to learn how to fail and how to learn from those failures. Startups are all about rapid iteration and testing new ideas. It’s common to try something that doesn’t work, learn from it, and pivot. That’s a valuable lesson for anyone entering a STEM field, where failure is often the first step toward success.

    Plus, working in a startup allowed me to see the true scope of innovation. A single idea could transform into a product that would eventually reach hundreds, if not thousands, of people. This scale of impact was eye-opening and gave me a deeper sense of purpose in pursuing STEM.

    Don’t Forget the Soft Skills

    While it’s important to showcase your technical abilities, I also realized that startup environments test and develop your soft skills — collaboration, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. I made sure to highlight these in my application, as they are often overlooked by students focused on technical accomplishments alone.

    In my application, I discussed how working in a small team required clear communication and how I learned to take initiative, sometimes stepping up to lead a task or brainstorm a solution. These experiences helped me grow both as a student and as a person, and I made sure that came across in my personal statement.

    The Outcome: From Passion to Purpose

    When I finally received my college acceptance letter, it felt like the culmination of everything I had worked for. But what truly made me proud was that my summer program experiences had played a major role in shaping who I was as an applicant. I had demonstrated not only my passion for STEM but also my ability to apply what I learned, my commitment to personal growth, and my willingness to challenge myself.

    As I prepare to start my college journey, I know that the experiences I had in those summer programs and internships will continue to shape my future career. The most important lesson I learned throughout the process is that no experience, no matter how small, is insignificant when it comes to telling your story. By taking part in those programs, I didn’t just gain knowledge — I gained a story that is uniquely mine.

  • 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.