Why? Because fit matters more than rankings.
Building your child’s perfect college list requires more than just names of colleges.
Senior Admissions Advisor
A: 12
A: I love hearing their stories. There's so much to discover about a person. It's very rewarding when my students get comfortable and know that I'm there for them.
A: Swim, read, write, sing, enjoy nature, and play with my two crazy boys.
A: Do what you love, and everything else will fall into place.
Special Programs Manager
A: 5
A: Hearing each student's unique stories, guiding them in discovering their passions, and helping find their voice!
A: I am a figure skater, world traveler, dessert aficionado, and devotee of the Pioneer Woman, the Barefoot Contessa, and Maneet Chauhan!
A: Work hard now -- procrastinate later!
Essay Editor
A: I have five years' experience in coaching student writing, but this is my first year with ReadyEdgeGo.
A: I love helping students find depth and meaning in their own stories—but I also just love it when they make me laugh!
A: In theory, I enjoy painting and writing poetry, but these days I actually spend most of my free time socializing or watching movies with my husband.
A: Don't just focus on achieving top grades and credentials because they look good on applications, or your education will be meaningless. The numbers and awards have their place, but stay connected to your sense of curiosity, discovery, excitement, and wonder so that the content you're learning is constantly transforming you—it's something you care about, something you remember after the final exam. Work on the aspects of yourself no one can measure, like integrity, wisdom, kindness, and compassion, so that you're not only developing your academic and career potential but also investing in the type of adult you're going to be, the person you'll have to live with after you clock out every day for the rest of your life.
Doing the hard inner work of building your character and learning deeply instead of just earning grades will set you up for a satisfying, well-rounded life. Strange as it sounds, it will also put you ahead in your academic and career goals, because colleges and hiring managers aren't looking for an empty set of data on a spreadsheet; they want a fully fleshed-out person marked by passion, creativity, and a story no one else has lived.
So go on studying hard for tests, but also spend some time asking yourself what matters in life and who your role models are. Read up on topics that amaze you, and build something incredible just for fun. Cultivate that spark of joy you feel when you're immersed in a subject that fascinates you. If you can hit that balancing act of doing your homework and meeting deadlines but also investing in the kind of person you want to be, then trust that all the rest will follow: schools will recognize you as a dynamic, all-star person, and you will also build a life of happiness, close relationships, and peace.
Admissions Advisor
A: 5 years high school mentoring experience. I was heavily involved in it all throughout college and after graduating.
A: I love hearing about their passions and what they genuinely love to do. It also makes me extremely happy to.
A: I recently picked up the electric guitar! I also have multiple aquariums, and founded a company that built body armor.
A: Don't go down a path just because you think that's "what you're supposed to do." Life is more diverse and unexpected than any of us could ever know.
Senior Essay Editor & Program Specialist
A: 15
A: I love hearing students' stories and seeing their faces light up when they talk about their passions and dreams.
A: Cook, write, draw, save Azeroth .
A: Pursue dreams that matter to you and don't be afraid of forging your own path to where you want to go.
Senior Applications Advisor
A: 7 years
A: One of my favorite experiences working with students is opening student's eyes to possibilities they didn't know would be an option for them.
A: In my free time I like to stay active playing sports / running, but most of the time I am hanging out with my wife and daughter (usually with college sports on in the background).
A: It's possible there could be several colleges that are a good fit for you. Don't lock in on just one preferred option, and work toward finding places you can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Director of Programs
A: 12
A: I love how open students are to learning and trying new things. As mentors, we get to see so much growth simply because our students are so open to new experiences and are looking forward to applying their learning and other skills.
A: In my free time I like to read and write. I also spend a lot of time just watching--my dogs, birds, trees. I also enjoy baking and cooking (even though I'm terrible at baking).
A: It's never too early or late to start practicing self-care. Build moments of joy and celebration into your week. Give yourself a treat for working hard. It's important to have things to look forward to. If you can get into the habit now, you'll have a much more balanced college experience.
Essay Editor
A: 2
A: As a major advisor for students interested in the humanities, I’ve found it immensely rewarding to offer an outlet for students to explore ideas that they often don’t get to delve into at school. Watching a student light up when they realize that there is in fact a community around their specific interests is easily the best part of the job.
A: In my free time, I love to be outdoors - I've been hiking around the Bay Area and recently started biking again. I also volunteer at community gardens and trail restoration projects in San Francisco. When I'm not outside, you can find me reading visionary fiction, practicing yoga and qigong, or cooking.
A: My advice for high school students is to focus on the present! Use this time to learn more about yourself and the world around you. Solid values and a sense of self will allow you to make challenging decisions for the future and create the life you want.
Chief Technology Officer
A: 4
A: Watching them accomplish great things.
A: Watch Formula 1, play ice hockey, and watch TV.
A: Spend time exploring different things -- you have a long time to become an expert.
Chief Executive Officer
A: 16
A: Inspiring a student towards self discovery, and wanting to learn about everything there is in the world. Reaching this moment can take time, but it's what makes it worth it every time.
A: Outdoors hiking, photography, gardening, and reading.
A: Do the thing that moves you, or be moved by forces not your own. The choice is yours.
