Crafting Futures: A Counsellor’s OdysseySeptember 9, 2024

Thrilled to share my latest article published in the Invogue magazine! Reflecting on my journey from a 16-year-old golfer with big dreams to founding The College Tribe, this piece encapsulates my passion for guiding students through the college application process. My coach’s advice on making a solid impact has been a guiding principle, driving me to help students navigate their paths with confidence. At The College Tribe, we believe in personalized attention and fostering a supportive environment for students to thrive and get to their dream universities. Excited to continue empowering young minds to reach their full potential! Proud to be part of their growth and success!

The weight of the golf club in my hands mirrored the ambitions of my sixteen-year-old self. As I prepared for my first shot of the season, my coach’s words echoed in my mind: “Remember, the higher the force, the lesser the distance covered. What matters is the solid impact you make.” Little did I know that this advice would guide me far beyond the golf course. This philosophy helped me persevere as I dreamed of studying abroad. Despite the limited resources and information available at my all-girls boarding school, I was determined to find a way.

Entering American University – Kogod School of Business, I realized how unaware international students like me were of opportunities such as NCAA scholarships that could have eased our journeys. Wanting to help other international students in my capacity, I joined the career counseling cell at my college and assisted students with internship opportunities, resumes, and cover letters throughout my four years there.

Upon moving back to India, I spent seven years working in education companies, helping high school students achieve their dream college placements through the NCAA route, thereby combining my love for sports with my passion for student advocacy. Eventually, I transitioned into the academic space and founded The College Tribe.

The foundation of The College Tribe was fueled by a passion to guide students through the rigorous college application journey, which can be made easier with the right guidance and information. Beyond classroom walls and admission letters, our motive is to empower students to become architects of their futures, equipped with academic excellence and the essential skills to navigate an ever-changing world. My mission transcends to cultivating students into great thinkers, problem solvers, and well-rounded individuals throughout their college application process.

From the experience I gained while working in India, I stumbled upon the greatest revelation as a counselor: a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. This realization transformed The College Tribe into a boutique firm. Each student is unique, with their own story, and thus requires a tailored approach to college counseling. This enables me to craft a personalized roadmap for each student, ensuring their journey to college is both meaningful and successful.

As college counselors, we wear different hats, serving as guides, mentors, and to some extent, therapists and friends. Recognizing the importance of a counselor’s role, the words of my coach keep ringing in my head, reminding me to commit to providing personalized attention. Each year, I deliberately limit my clientele to ensure I can engage with each student, scrutinizing every detail myself. Whether overseeing passion projects, community involvement, standardized testing strategies, or providing an extra set of eyes for application reviews, I’m involved in every step.

It’s the strong connection I build with every student that sets me and TCT apart. Through weekly meetings, workshops/seminars, and in-person interactions, I not only assist them in navigating the complex college admission journey but also help them discover their strengths and passions.

Throughout my career, I have successfully guided over 250 students, helping them gain admission to prestigious institutions. My expertise extends beyond academic admissions; I am adept at navigating the challenging terrain of NCAA sports recruitment and scholarship acquisition, opening doors for numerous promising athletes.

With increasing competition and acceptance rates at top institutions plummeting to as low as 1.2-3.5%, here are five important points for college admissions based on my experience as a counselor:

• The SAT is poised to regain its importance in this competitive landscape. A good SAT score is crucial to make you stand out.

• While impressive capstone projects and research papers are commonplace, participation in competitive national and international competitions is key to standing out.

• Starting early is crucial to managing workload pressure and ensuring a more enjoyable process.

• It’s essential to maintain your unique voice and story without comparing yourself to your peers. Your story is yours, and theirs can never be yours!

• Admissions are extremely complex; no one person has cracked this process. Factors such as diversity, major, and international admit numbers all play a role.

Leave some of it up to fate! Not getting into your dream college doesn’t make you less smart!
TCT is more than just a college counseling service; it is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. We strive to create an environment where students can explore their potential and build a future that aligns with their passions and aspirations. By fostering a supportive and personalized approach, we aim to make every student’s journey to college not only successful but also an enriching and transformative experience.

Read the article here