Riya’s Journey: From “Unfocused” to Top CS Programs

“What if my child can’t get into a strong college program?”
It’s a fear many parents share—especially when competition is fierce, and a student’s profile seems less than perfect.

That’s where Riya was: a Seattle high-schooler in 11th grade aiming for Computer Science, she had:

• A 3.6 GPA
• Serious test anxiety
• Modest extracurriculars
• A big heart for family and friends—but no standout “hook” for top CS programs

With peers eyeing local tech giants, like Microsoft and Amazon, Riya and her mom worried she’d get overlooked. So, they turned to PathIvy for guidance.

How PathIvy Helped

1. Matching Riya with the Right Advisor
   We chose a Senior College Applications Counselor whose personality and expertise fit Riya’s goals. That one-on-one connection laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
2. Finding Her Niche
   It turned out Riya was really intrigued by cybersecurity—she just needed a push in the right direction. We helped her explore relevant courses, research projects, internships, and even volunteer work. Suddenly, she had a clear focus and a stronger resume.
3. Crafting a Compelling Narrative
   Using our “applications theming” process, we tied Riya’s long-standing interest in altruism to the real-world problem of cybersecurity vulnerabilities in underserved communities. Admissions committees love to see genuine passion backed by a thoughtful plan.
4. Guided Essay Support
   Writing about your goals and personality can be intimidating. Riya worked with an essay specialist to make her story shine. She demonstrated self-awareness, purpose, and maturity—all traits admissions officers look for.
5. Strategic College List
   We recommended schools that value her new cybersecurity focus. By emphasizing her strengths (and minimizing her weaker spots), Riya’s college list was both ambitious and realistic.

The Results

Riya scored acceptances to UT Austin, Virginia Tech, Purdue, and other prestigious CS programs across the country. 

Why This Matters

With college admissions tougher than ever, even good students risk rejection from schools that used to be “safe bets” a decade ago. At PathIvy, we help you:

• Discover and refine your unique academic angle
• Build a strong, relevant extracurricular profile
• Tell a clear, compelling story in your essays
• Target schools that truly appreciate what you bring

Ready to Elevate Your Own Journey?

Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step. Let us help turn a “common” profile into one that stands out in the competitive world of college admissions—just like Riya did.

Interested in learning more? Contact PathIvy to explore how our personalized approach can help your student unlock top-tier college opportunities!