From Community College to UC Berkeley - and beyond

I was admitted into UC Berkeley, Cornell, NYU (and more) as an international and first-generation transfer student. Since then, I've helped 17 students transfer into UC Berkeley, USC, UCLA, and Vanderbilt by helping them frame their story and showcase their brand, in order to build a standout application.

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Success Rate

How it Works

Why I do this 🌟

When I first stepped foot on De Anza College a few years ago, I felt completely lost. I came with big dreams, flying across oceans and leaving everything behind just to get to that very spot. But back then, everything felt big and scary. I wasn't sure how to register for classes, I was embarrassed and insecure of my accent, I was scared to schedule appointments with counselors, and the transfer process as a whole felt very intimidating and unreachable to me.

When I was given the opportunity to lead College Leap @De Anza, the De Anza chapter of a nationwide NPO aiming to empower community college students, I knew I had to shine a spotlight on international students and the struggles we face as a community. This led me to working closely with my college's International Students Program, writing the international student handbook distributed to over 7,500+ incoming students each quarter, and establishing the foundations for a mentorship program specifically designed with international students in mind.

My community college experience taught me that in most instances, the biggest difference one can make really is by simply being the person you once needed.

As I closed my community college chapter, I began mentoring students one-on-one, helping them navigate transfer applications, build confidence in their personal stories, and see that their background was not in fact a disadvantage, but a strength.

What started as a small effort to give back quickly grew into a calling. I've since helped 7 students get into UC Berkeley (with 1 receiving the Regents' Scholarship, Berkeley's most prestigious full-ride scholarship), and many more into top UC campuses like UCLA and UCSD, and top private universities like Cornell, NYU, USC, and Vanderbilt.

Each story reminds me why I do this. Behind every acceptance letter is a student who gave almost everything up to get to that spot, a student who doubted their worth, their English, or their chances. And every time they succeed, it feels like I get to relive that moment I first opened my own UC Berkeley acceptance letter, proof that all the fear, hard work, and late nights were worth it.

Impact Snapshot 📸

students admitted into top UCs and private universities across the country

Experience mentoring students from Indonesia, India, China, Myanmar, and Vietnam through the U.S. community college transfer process.

countries

100%

success transfer rate. Every student I've mentored has successfully transferred into their personal top 3 choice of four-year universities.

11,000+

students reached over 3 years, through resources and articles I've written and published, events I've organized, and students I've mentored.

How My Mentorship Works ⚙️

Whether you're just starting your community college journey or already polishing your essays, I'll meet you where you are and help you get where you want to be 😄

1

Discovering Your Story & Direction

Before we dive into strategy, we'll start with your story. I want to learn about where you've been, what drives you, and what you want your next chapter to look like.

Through guided reflection and goal-setting, I'll help you uncover your "why" (the core of who you are as a student and a person). Together, we'll identify the schools, majors, and programs that truly fit your interests, learning style, and long-term ambitions.

🟦 What you'll get:

A personalized transfer roadmap tailored to your background, goals, and timeline
Clarity on which UCs, CSUs, or private universities align with your academic and personal story
Direction on what to prioritize, and what to stop wasting energy on

2

Building a Winning Transfer Strategy

This is where we turn goals into actions. Together, we'll design a detailed academic and extracurricular plan that checks every transfer box while making your application stand out.

I'll walk you through assist.org, IGETC, major prep, TAG planning, GPA optimization strategies, and how to choose professors, join programs, and build experiences that add real depth to your story.

🟦 What you'll get:

A customized quarter-by-quarter plan with course sequencing and requirement tracking
Guidance on balancing academics, work, and extracurriculars strategically
Insider tips on maximizing your community college experience

3

Crafting Your Story & Application

This is where everything comes together. Your essays, activities, and achievements woven into a powerful narrative that admission officers will remember. I'll help you uncover your hero story: how to turn what feels like disadvantages into powerful strengths that sets you apart.

We'll identify your defining moments, the turning points that reveal who you are, and what defines you. From there, I'll help you craft a personal brand that's authentic, memorable, and consistent across your essays, activities, and interviews.

🟦 What you'll get:

Narrative strategy sessions where we'll map out your "hero journey" together
Essay storyboarding and editing, where I'll be guiding you from idea generation all the way to the final draft
Alignment of your personal brand, ensuring that your essays, activities, and achievements tie into one cohesive image that tells admission officers exactly who you are and why you belong

4

Thriving Through the Transition

Getting accepted is just the beginning. I will stay with you as a mentor and a friend, as you transition your way into your new college and beyond. I am here to help you navigate through the early stages of your career, explore housing options, course registration, campus culture, and adapting academically and emotionally to university life.

For international students, I also provide practical guidance on OPT/CPT as you land your first internships and as you graduate and land your first full-time jobs here in the U.S.

🟦 What you'll get:

Step-by-step mentorship on exploring career paths, preparing for interviews, and leveraging your college resources to land your first internships
Practical advice on work authorization, job search timing, and maximizing your U.S. experience after graduation
A lifelong mentor and network! You're not just a mentee, you're part of a growing community of transfer success stories, connected through shared ambition and support 😄

From Community College to UC Berkeley - and beyond

Why I do this 🌟

Impact Snapshot 📸

How My Mentorship Works ⚙️

1

Discovering Your Story & Direction

A personalized transfer roadmap tailored to your background, goals, and timeline

Clarity on which UCs, CSUs, or private universities align with your academic and personal story

Direction on what to prioritize, and what to stop wasting energy on

2

Building a Winning Transfer Strategy

A customized quarter-by-quarter plan with course sequencing and requirement tracking

Guidance on balancing academics, work, and extracurriculars strategically

Insider tips on maximizing your community college experience

3

Crafting Your Story & Application

This is where everything comes together. Your essays, activities, and achievements woven into a powerful narrative that admission officers will remember. I'll help you uncover your hero story: how to turn what feels like disadvantages into powerful strengths that sets you apart.

We'll identify your defining moments, the turning points that reveal who you are, and what defines you. From there, I'll help you craft a personal brand that's authentic, memorable, and consistent across your essays, activities, and interviews. 🟦 What you'll get:

Narrative strategy sessions where we'll map out your "hero journey" together

Essay storyboarding and editing, where I'll be guiding you from idea generation all the way to the final draft

Alignment of your personal brand, ensuring that your essays, activities, and achievements tie into one cohesive image that tells admission officers exactly who you are and why you belong

4

Thriving Through the Transition

For international students, I also provide practical guidance on OPT/CPT as you land your first internships and as you graduate and land your first full-time jobs here in the U.S. 🟦 What you'll get:

Step-by-step mentorship on exploring career paths, preparing for interviews, and leveraging your college resources to land your first internships

Practical advice on work authorization, job search timing, and maximizing your U.S. experience after graduation

A lifelong mentor and network! You're not just a mentee, you're part of a growing community of transfer success stories, connected through shared ambition and support 😄

Ready to Start Your Transfer Journey?

We'll identify your defining moments, the turning points that reveal who you are, and what defines you. From there, I'll help you craft a personal brand that's authentic, memorable, and consistent across your essays, activities, and interviews.

🟦 What you'll get:

For international students, I also provide practical guidance on OPT/CPT as you land your first internships and as you graduate and land your first full-time jobs here in the U.S.

🟦 What you'll get: