Devon Blog

Tag: college admissions help

  • 🎓 We’re Hiring! College Prep Peer Advisor (Remote, Part-Time, Consultant)

    Position Type: Part-Time, Remote
    Commitment: Flexible Hours (~2–6 hrs/week)
    Compensation: Your consultation rate is determined by the exclusivity of your profile and experiences.

    About the Role

    Did you navigate college admissions with a spreadsheet, a dream, and no idea where to start? Want to pay it forward by helping high schoolers avoid stress and burnout in their college prep journey?

    Pathways is hiring College Prep Peer Advisors—college students from top-tier universities who want to mentor high schoolers (grades 9–12) through the college application, pre-professional, and extracurricular planning process.

    This role is ideal for students at highly selective colleges (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, Duke, UChicago, Vanderbilt, etc.) who remember the grind—and want to give real, tactical advice to the next generation. You’ll act as a college admissions mentor, extracurricular strategist, and application coach—all rolled into one.

    ✅ Key Responsibilities

    🎯 Academic & College Advising

    • Help students identify their academic interests, course plans, and summer enrichment goals.
    • Guide students in building a competitive yet authentic college application profile (GPA, test prep, course rigor, honors, and awards).

    🏆 Extracurricular Planning & Talent Development

    • Work with students to select and deepen extracurricular activities, internships, and research programs.
    • Support students with application research, deadlines, and program strategy (BS/MD, pre-med, STEM, pre-law, business, etc.).

    ✍️ Essay Brainstorming & Draft Support

    • Help students brainstorm, outline, and refine personal statements, supplementals, and summer program essays.
    • Provide feedback that elevates the student’s voice—no ghostwriting or writing-for-hire.

    📅 Productivity Coaching

    • Track student progress, manage deadlines, and build action plans using Notion, Trello, or Google Sheets.
    • Be a “college coach” meets accountability buddy who helps them stay on track with tasks like resume building, college list refinement, or shadowing program research.

    📣 Mentorship & Empathy

    • Build real relationships. You’ll be a sounding board, a motivational voice, and a source of encouragement during a high-pressure time.

    🧠 Who We’re Looking For

    Must-Have Qualifications:

    • Current undergrad (Class of 2025–2028) at a top-ranked U.S. university (Ivy+, Top 30).
    • Deep personal experience with college admissions, Common App, essay writing, and building a standout extracurricular profile.
    • Strong communication skills—both verbal and written. You know how to meet students where they are.
    • Empathy, patience, and the ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.

    Nice-to-Have:

    • Experience mentoring high school students (e.g., tutoring, RA work, nonprofit programs, summer programs).
    • Familiarity with specific admissions pathways (BS/MD, pre-med track, STEM summer programs, QuestBridge, HBCUs, etc.).
    • Passion for education, youth mentorship, or ed-tech.

    📈 What You’ll Gain

    • Paid experience as a college admissions peer mentor.
    • Flexible, remote work that fits your student schedule.
    • Build your profile and brand
    • Access to a vibrant team of peer mentors from across the U.S.
    • Build a side income while you pay-it-forward

    Start your application to be an advisor on Pathways👉
    Questions? Write to us using the contact us section of our website

  • Industry Resources that led us to knowing why we need ‘Pathways’

    What is the data saying?

    • Rising Application Numbers and Falling Acceptance Rates: The college admissions process has become significantly more competitive in recent years. Between 2019–2020 and 2021–2022, the number of students applying to college jumped by 21.3%[^8]. Students are also applying to more schools on average—6.22 in 2021–2022 versus 3–4 a decade ago[^8]. At top universities, acceptance rates have steadily declined. For example, Harvard’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was just 3.6%, down from 3.43% in 2025, while UCLA’s rate dropped to 8.8% for the Class of 2027[^1][^3][^5]. Many other elite schools now admit fewer than 10% of applicants[^1][^3].
    • More Applicants, More Applications: The 2024–2025 application cycle saw a 4% increase in the number of applicants and a 6% rise in total applications submitted compared to the previous year, further intensifying competition[^4]. The trend is especially pronounced at highly selective institutions, where the volume of applications has surged while the number of available spots remains relatively constant[^1][^5][^8].
    • Selective Schools Are Especially Competitive:The most selective colleges (e.g., Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) now have admit rates below 5–7%[^1][^3]. Even top public universities like UCLA and UC Berkeley have acceptance rates around 11–12% despite receiving over 100,000 applications each year[^5].

    Why Peer Engagement Is Increasingly Important

    • Changing Application Landscape: The admissions process has evolved rapidly, with new application platforms, test-optional policies, and shifting institutional priorities. Sara Harberson, a former admissions dean, notes that the process is now “drastically different” from what previous generations experienced[^8]. This means that traditional advice from school counselors or older advisors may not fully reflect current realities.
    • Peer Networks as Real-Time Resources: Because the process changes so quickly, students benefit from engaging with peers who have just navigated the admissions cycle. These peers can provide up-to-date insights on application strategies, essay expectations, and the nuances of specific schools’ processes[^8]. The process is described as “incredibly public and incredibly isolating,” making peer support both a practical and emotional resource[^8].
    • Increased Stress and Complexity: The growing use of early decision, waitlists, and holistic review adds layers of complexity. Students are more likely to seek out advice from recent applicants who understand the latest trends and pitfalls, rather than relying solely on traditional advisors whose information may be outdated[^8].

    Summary Table: Recent Trends in College Admissions

    TrendData / Observation
    Application growth21.3% increase (2019–2022)[^8]
    % applying to 10+ colleges Nearly doubled from 8% to 17% in last decade[^8]
    Applications per student 6.22 (2021–2022), up from 3–4 a decade ago[^8]
    Top school acceptance rates Harvard 3.6%, UCLA 8.8%, MIT 4.5%[^1][^3][^5]
    Public university application volume UCLA: 145,904 applicants, 11.6% admit rate[^5]
    Need for peer engagement Process is rapidly changing, peers offer real-time insights[^8]

    Conclusion

    College admissions have become markedly more competitive, with more students applying to more schools and acceptance rates at top institutions reaching historic lows[^1][^3][^4][^5][^8]. The rapid evolution of the process means that engaging with peers who have recently experienced admissions is now a critical strategy for applicants, supplementing or even surpassing the value of traditional advisor guidance[^8].

    References

    [^1]: https://toptieradmissions.com/resources/college-acceptance-rates/

    [^2]: https://www.saraharberson.com/blog/class-of-2025-college-admissions-trends

    [^3]: https://www.forbes.com/sites/christopherrim/2025/03/28/the-results-are-in-here-are-ivy-league-and-top-college-admissions-rates-for-the-class-of-2029/

    [^4]: https://empowerly.com/applications/college-acceptance-rates-2025/

    [^5]: https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/most-applied-to-colleges/

    [^6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_admissions_in_the_United_States

    [^7]: https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/college-admissions-statistics/

    [^8]: https://www.vox.com/life/390714/college-applications-early-decision-date-acceptance-admission

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

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

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

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

    What Makes Peer Advising Different?

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

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

    Who Can Benefit from Peer Advising?

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

    1. Students Who Need a Confidence Boost

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

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

    2. Students Who Need Practical, Specific Guidance

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

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

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

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

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

    4. Students Who Want to Build Connections with Recent Applicants

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

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

    Why Peer Advising Works for Everyone

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

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

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

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

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

  • Why We Built Pathways Consulting: College Admissions Has a Broken Advice System

    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

    Why We Built Pathways: College Admissions Has a Broken Advice System

    When we set out to build Pathways, we weren’t trying to disrupt college counseling just for the sake of it. We were trying to solve a very real, very personal problem: the college advice system is fundamentally broken—for the vast majority of students.

    If you’re a high schooler applying to college today, here’s the reality: you’re expected to make the most important decision of your academic life with limited, outdated, or contradictory information. You’re supposed to figure out what schools to apply to, how to stand out, how to write, how to plan your time, how to showcase your personality, and what ‘strategy’ even means—largely on your own.

    The guidance gap isn’t just frustrating. It’s unfair.

    The Flawed System We Found

    In building Pathways, we talked to hundreds of students—some in the U.S., some abroad. What we heard, over and over, was this:

    “I had a counselor, but they barely had time to know me.”

    “Reddit is a mess. Everyone sounds confident, but I have no idea what applies to me.”

    “My parents wanted to help, but they didn’t know how.”

    “I paid thousands for a counselor, but they didn’t get my background—or what I wanted.”

    None of these stories are outliers. They’re the norm.

    Let’s look at some numbers. According to NACAC, the average student-to-counselor ratio in U.S. public high schools is 424:1. That’s not a typo. In California, it’s 572:1. That means the average student gets fewer than 40 minutes per year of one-on-one guidance.

    Now add in international students, first-generation students, children of immigrants, low-income families, students in rural or under-resourced schools—people for whom context matters. The traditional model doesn’t just underserve them. It often ignores them entirely.

    So We Built a New Model—Pathways

    Pathways is not a replacement for school counselors or essay editors. It’s a correction to the gap that exists between what students need and what they get.

    We asked a simple question:
    What if every student could talk to someone who’s actually been through this process—and won?

    Pathways is a system where students can browse profiles of peer advisors—real college students who’ve recently been through the admissions process—and book 1:1 conversations. It’s flexible, modular, and highly contextual.

    • You tell us what kind of advisor you’re looking for—schools they applied to, schools they attend, cultural background, languages they speak, scores, career path.
    • We show you matches. You pick. You pay per consult. No bloated packages, no annual retainers.
    • You have a real conversation—ask your questions, understand the game.
    • Like them? Book another. Want to switch? Browse new profiles.
    • It’s a living, breathing network—not a one-size-fits-all spreadsheet.

    We designed it to be accessible. Consults can be as low as $30–$40. Students don’t need to commit to a multi-thousand-dollar contract to talk to someone who gets it.

    Peer Advisors Are the Missing Link

    Why peers? Because the most useful advice doesn’t come from a distant expert—it comes from someone who just beat the boss level you’re trying to beat. Someone who applied test-optional, who chose between Brown and UChicago, who got off the Stanford waitlist, who built a spike in esports, who overcame a weak GPA with incredible essays.

    They don’t just tell you what worked. They show you how it worked for them.

    And because these are paid engagements, students show up prepared. Advisors show up committed. It’s mutual respect, at scale.

    This Isn’t a Shortcut. It’s the System That Should Exist.

    Pathways doesn’t promise miracles. It doesn’t guarantee Ivy League admits. What it guarantees is access to relevant insight, strategic direction, and real clarity—delivered in a way that scales, adapts, and respects each student’s context.

    We built Pathways because we believe:

    • Great advice shouldn’t be a luxury good.
    • Cultural and academic context matter.
    • Every student deserves to be more than a number on a waitlist.

    And if we can help just one student feel a little less lost, a little more focused, and a lot more empowered—we’re on the right path.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • Helping Students From Underrepresented Backgrounds Means Listening First

    By Carla J. (not her real name), College Coach

    I’ve worked with students from all walks of life, but the ones who stay with me the longest are the ones who didn’t think they belonged in the college admissions process at all.

    I remember one of my earliest students, Marcus (not his real name), a soft-spoken high school senior from rural Georgia who had a GPA most counselors would cheer for. But every time we talked about colleges, he looked away. When I finally asked him why he seemed so hesitant, he shrugged and said, “People like me don’t go to schools like that.”

    That’s when I knew my job wasn’t just to coach applications. It was to help students rewrite the narrative they’d been handed.

    The Weight of Being “First”

    Many of the students I support are the first in their family to apply to college. Some are first-generation Americans, navigating two cultures. Others come from communities where education hasn’t always been a visible path to opportunity. For all of them, the weight of being “first” can feel more like pressure than pride.

    I’ve learned that the first few sessions aren’t about essays or Common App strategies. They’re about trust. About learning how a student sees themselves. What they’ve been told they can—or can’t—achieve. The gap between ambition and belief is where most of the work happens.

    Coaching Is Not Correcting

    I once worked with a student named Aaliyah (not her real name), whose personal statement draft was a raw, honest story about growing up in public housing and caring for her younger siblings while her mom worked night shifts. She told me she wasn’t sure if it was “too much” or if colleges would think she was just trying to get pity points.

    I told her what I tell every student: Your story is your strength.

    Too often, students from underrepresented backgrounds try to erase the very things that make them compelling. They’re told to “polish” their narratives—to sound more like someone else. But my job isn’t to help them sound more like a college student. It’s to help them see that they already are one.

    Seeing What’s Possible

    It’s not enough to say “you belong.” I show students examples of others who walked similar paths. A DACA recipient now thriving at a top public university. A Somali-American girl who turned her love for coding into a summer internship and later a full ride. A trans student who wrote about building a safe space at their high school and now studies gender studies and political science.

    Representation isn’t a buzzword—it’s a blueprint.

    Small Wins, Big Shifts

    Sometimes, the breakthrough isn’t getting into a top-tier school. Sometimes it’s just getting a student to believe they deserve to apply. To ask for a letter of recommendation without apology. To talk about their achievements without minimizing them.

    I had a student last year, a Pacific Islander girl named Lina (not her real name), who used to preface every idea with “I don’t know if this is good, but…” By the end of our time together, she sent her final essay with a single sentence: “I’m proud of this.”

    That’s the win I live for.

    What I’ve Learned

    If there’s one thing I wish every parent, counselor, and admissions officer could see, it’s this: the students we think of as “underserved” are often the most resourceful, insightful, and emotionally intelligent young people in the room.

    They’ve had to be.

    And when they have someone who listens first, who affirms their stories instead of editing them out, they step into their power. Not just in their applications—but in their lives.

  • Why I Trusted Another Student With My Son’s College Questions

    By Aisha L. (not her real name), Parent of a High School Junior

    I never thought I’d let someone just a few years older than my son guide him through something as important as college admissions. But here I am—grateful that I did.

    I come from a family that believes in adult guidance, professional expertise, and structured planning. As a nurse who worked her way through community college and nights shifts, I’ve always told my children, “Do your research, talk to the experts.” So when my son Malik (not his real name), a high school junior with big dreams and even bigger anxiety, started asking questions about applying to college, I assumed we’d talk to counselors, admissions officers, maybe hire a consultant.

    What I didn’t expect was that the turning point would come from a 20-year-old junior at a university I hadn’t even heard of until last year.

    The Questions I Couldn’t Answer

    Malik is smart, driven, but cautious. The kind of kid who reads every word of the Common App before filling in his name. He had questions—so many questions. Not just about deadlines or financial aid, but things I didn’t know how to answer, like:

    • “How do you talk about something painful in your essay without sounding like you’re trying to get pity?”
    • “What if I get in but don’t feel like I belong?”
    • “How do you even know what to major in when you haven’t tried anything yet?”

    I realized my advice, rooted in my own lived experience—apply, work hard, be grateful—wasn’t enough for the world he was stepping into.

    Then We Found Jordan

    Jordan (not his real name) is a peer advisor—though he never introduced himself that way. He just said, “Hey, I’m a first-gen student too. I remember having the same questions.” That’s all it took. They clicked instantly.

    What made Jordan different wasn’t his knowledge of application deadlines or the jargon (though he knew that too). It was that he remembered. He remembered what it felt like to sit in a room full of more confident kids, to hear about “early action” and “demonstrated interest” for the first time, to wonder whether talking about growing up in a multigenerational household would make him sound “too different.”

    That memory—that closeness to the experience—made him someone my son could actually open up to.

    More Than Just Logistics

    Jordan didn’t just answer Malik’s questions. He asked his own. “What’s the class you took that surprised you the most?” “Who do you help at home when you’re not doing schoolwork?” “What’s a time you felt really proud of yourself and didn’t tell anyone?”

    These weren’t filler questions. They were the keys to Malik’s story.

    One day after their session, Malik handed me a printout of a draft essay. It was about tutoring his cousin in math and what that taught him about patience and confidence. He’d never talked to me about that before. I read it and had to blink back tears.

    Jordan didn’t just help Malik write a better essay. He helped him see himself.

    Why I Trusted Him

    If you’d asked me a year ago whether I’d let a college student mentor my son through this process, I would’ve said, “Maybe as a supplement.” Now, I think it’s essential.

    What Jordan gave my son wasn’t a strategy or a shortcut—it was trust, camaraderie, and proof that someone like him could succeed. That peer-to-peer connection filled a gap that adults couldn’t. Because no matter how many degrees or years of experience we may have, sometimes what a teenager really needs is to hear: “I’ve been there. You’re not alone.”

    And that’s why I trusted him. Not because he had all the answers, but because he remembered the questions.

  • 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.

  • The Value of Recent Experience in Navigating Today’s Admissions Landscape

    If you had asked me two years ago whether I’d be helping other students apply to college, I probably would’ve laughed. At the time, I was neck-deep in personal statements, debating whether to go test-optional, and losing sleep over what extracurriculars truly “stood out.” Fast forward to today—I’ve gotten into one of the most competitive universities in the country, and now I guide students just like I was not long ago. I’m what Pathways calls a peer advisor, and here’s the thing: when it comes to navigating today’s college admissions landscape, recency matters more than most people realize.

    The College Admissions Game Has Changed—Fast

    Let’s be honest. The rules of college admissions have shifted dramatically even in just the last 2–3 years. Test-optional policies, new FAFSA rollouts, evolving essay prompts, changing holistic review practices—it’s a moving target. And traditional college counselors, even the really good ones, often don’t have a front-row seat to the latest nuances.

    I lived through applying during COVID-era disruptions, the rise of test-blind schools, and trying to decipher how colleges were recalibrating GPA evaluations. I had to make decisions without precedent—do I still take the SAT even though my dream school doesn’t require it? Should I submit an optional video portfolio? How do I make up for a year of canceled volunteering?

    Because I faced these exact dilemmas, I can give real, practical advice that’s grounded in firsthand experience.

    Real Stories > Hypotheticals

    A lot of students I work with tell me their school counselor gave them a checklist or a spreadsheet of deadlines. Helpful? Sure. But when you’re deciding whether to write your Common App personal statement about a deeply personal experience or a quirky passion, you don’t want theoretical frameworks. You want to hear from someone who actually wrote essays that worked—someone who’s been on both sides of the accept/reject line.

    When I share my story about how I structured my “overcoming adversity” essay, or why I cut out two AP classes from my senior year to focus on research, students listen. Because it’s not just advice—it’s lived truth, tested in a real-world admissions gauntlet.

    The Edge of Peer Advising

    Working with a peer advisor means tapping into fresh, tactical insights that most traditional advising models don’t offer. For example:

    • I can show screenshots of my actual Common App and walk a student through what I picked and why.
    • I know which colleges changed their supplemental prompts last cycle and how students interpreted them.
    • I can explain how I balanced mental health with ambition—something that’s part of the student experience but often ignored by formal advisors.

    This isn’t to knock professional counselors—they absolutely bring depth, structure, and years of perspective. But in today’s hyper-competitive, algorithm-driven, test-flexible landscape, you need someone who speaks both the strategy and the reality.

    Keywords I Keep Hearing from Students

    The students I coach keep bringing up terms like:

    • “How to get into competitive colleges”
    • “What makes a good college essay”
    • “Do I need SAT scores in 2025”
    • “College admissions advice from Ivy League students”
    • “What to write in the activities section”

    I know the answers because I asked the same questions myself, not in theory, but in practice—and I figured them out.

    Recent Experience Builds Trust

    One of the most important parts of the college application journey is emotional support. When I tell a student, “Hey, I got deferred too, and here’s how I handled it,” their whole body language shifts. They know I get it. That empathy? It doesn’t come from textbooks or webinars. It comes from walking the path myself.

    Final Thought

    In a world where college admissions change faster than most people can keep up, having a peer advisor with recent experience isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a strategic advantage. I’m proud to be one of those voices for students—someone who’s walked through the fire and came out the other side, ready to guide the next group through it.