By Zhenya Kunytsyna
Salem Academy
June 23, 2024
Why did you decide to sign up for Matriculate?
Even before the college admissions process began, I was already overwhelmed and needed help with college applications and wasn’t sure where to start. I started looking for advice on the Reddit forum “ApplyingToCollege,” where I found a suggestion to look into Matriculate advising for free help with college applications. Matriculate’s 1:1 advising seemed perfect to navigate the unknown process. I knew I wanted personalized help and someone to support me with choosing schools, applying for scholarships, financial aid for college, and everything in between.
How did Matriculate help you with your college and financial aid processes?
- I was matched with my Matriculate Advising Fellow (AF) later in the fall, when I had already submitted half of my applications. However, it was a period of time where I needed support the most. I was extremely happy when I finally connected with Haley, my AF from Princeton. She quickly picked me up right before the January deadlines and led me through the rest of the process. Usually, you would meet with your advisor once a week, but because the deadlines were coming up so fast, we had to work out a more flexible schedule. They provided guidance on writing my college essays. I wrote essays, Haley reviewed them in a span of a couple days, and then we met for a call to discuss next actions. During the calls she also helped me brainstorm some of the topics and gave advice on how to create a template for “Why this college?” essays. Additionally, my AF helped me polish my application, helped look for scholarships, and just supported me along the way as a friend.
What was the most useful piece of advice Matriculate or your Advising Fellow gave you?
My biggest worry coming to Matriculate advising was that I wasn’t good enough for colleges. That my essays had to be written a certain way, that my hobbies had to have a “pattern,” and that I had to present myself in the best light. My Advising Fellow helped me realize that colleges valued authenticity more than anything. She suggested I focus on showing my true self and writing essays about experiences that were important to me. This helped me to stop trying to appear “perfect,” and instead share my true story.
Would you encourage other students to apply to Matriculate?
Although my results didn’t meet my expectations and I’m currently on a gap year as my college journey has been affected by other factors, such as being under international status and therefore having fewer opportunities for financial aid. I still learned a lot during my time as a High School Fellow (HSF) and got some amazing offers from colleges thanks to my Advising Fellow and Matriculate. I would encourage anyone who is unsure, confused, or scared of the admissions process to look into Matriculate advising and consider joining as an HSF in the upcoming school year. Whatever it is you need help with, your advisor will always be there for you, and Matriculate will have even more resources to assist you.
NEED FREE COLLEGE APPLICATION SUPPORT?
Matriculate is a national nonprofit that offers 1:1 support throughout the entire college application process! If you’re a high school student, check out our application and resources HERE.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Zhenya Kunytsyna
Zhenya is originally from Ukraine and has just graduated Salem Academy in North Carolina. She is a High School Fellow Recruitment Ambassador and was a High School Fellow in 2023. She is currently taking a gap year and focusing on volunteer work with Ukrainians. In her free time, she enjoys watching true crime, learning new languages, and traveling.