Pavni Sikand 28 Aug, 2024
The weight of the golf club in my hands mirrored the ambitions of my 16-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, that this philosophy would allow me to persevere while I pursued my dreams 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’s Kogod School of Business, I realised how unaware international students like me were of opportunities such as NCAA scholarships, opportunities which could have eased our journeys. So, wanting to help other international students in my capacity, I joined the career-counselling cell at my college to assist students with internship opportunities, resumes and cover letters, over the course of my four years there.
Upon moving back to India, I spent seven years working with 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 to the academic space and founded The College Tribe (TCT).
Establishing 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 embraces 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 counsellor: a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. This realisation transformed The College Tribe into a boutique firm. Each student is unique, with their own story, and thus requires a tailored approach to college counselling. This enables me to craft a personalised roadmap for every student, ensuring their journey to college is both meaningful and successful.
As college counsellors, we wear different hats, serving as guides, mentors and, to some extent, therapists and friends. Recognising the importance of a counsellor’s role, the words of my coach keep ringing in my head, reminding me to commit to providing individualised attention. Every year, I deliberately limit my clientele to ensure I can engage with each student, scrutinising every detail myself. Whether overseeing passion projects, community involvement, standardised testing strategies, or providing an extra set of eyes for application reviews, I’m involved every step of the way.
What sets TCT apart is the strong connection I build with every student. Through weekly meetings, workshops and/or 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.
During my career, I have successfully guided over 250 students, enabling them to gain admission to prestigious institutions. My expertise extends beyond academic admissions; I am adept at traversing the challenging terrain of NCAA sports recruitment and scholarship acquisition, helping open 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 to note when it comes to college admissions, based on my experience as a counsellor:
1. The SAT is poised to regain its importance in this competitive landscape. A good SAT score is crucial to make you stand out.
2. While impressive capstone projects and research papers are commonplace, participation in competitive national and international competitions is key to getting noticed.
3. Starting early is crucial to managing workload pressure and ensuring a more enjoyable process.
4. 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!
5. Admissions are extremely complex; no one person has cracked this process. Factors such as diversity, choice of major, and international admission numbers all play a role. Leave some of it up to fate! Not getting into your dream college doesn’t make you less smart!
The College Tribe is more than just a college-counselling 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 personalised approach, we aim to make every student’s journey to college not only a success but, also, an experience that is enriching and transformative.
Website: https://thecollegetribe.com/
