Authentic. Aligned. Admitted.
High-impact, whole-person college admissions and career advising for families who value more than prestige.We provide executive-level guidance, rare insight, and the instinctive clarity to shape applications that resonate, with results that last a lifetime.
Why I do this work.
My story began in the fall of my senior year — high-achieving, record-shattering valedictorian, full of potential, but without a clear path. My parents and I sought out a top-tier admissions consultant, hoping for guidance. They promised prestige, distinctiveness, the Ivy League.But as the process unfolded, something didn’t sit right. Their advice was shallow. Their strategy was generic. And when I raised questions — about essays, recommendations, what really mattered — the answers didn’t come. Most of my applications were rejected.I got lucky. One essay, one teacher, and one spark of curiosity got me into Duke, where I graduated with honors and was recognized by Melinda Gates and professors from Harvard and Yale. But I never forgot how close I came to missing it — not because I lacked talent, but because I lacked guidance.Years later, as an associate consultant in the admissions industry, I saw the same patterns — families paying $50,000 or more to shape students into something they weren’t. Chasing prestige. Burying authenticity. Buying their way to an acceptance that lost its luster the moment it arrived. And too often, watching those same students struggle in college, lost in systems that never really saw them.I knew there had to be another way.
My Approach
That’s why I work differently.
I guide students to uncover what makes them genuinely distinct — not what the system wants, but who they are. We don’t chase checklists. We build resonance. We align strategy with truth, achievement with integrity.Because getting in is just the beginning.
The real work is becoming who you’re meant to be.
Authentic Guidance. Authentic Results.
I help students achieve more than just acceptance letters. Together, we unlock their voice, values, and confidence to shape their unique strategies and narratives — and the results follow:• Admissions to top-tier universities including Yale, Penn, Cornell, Brown, Duke, and Northwestern.
• Over $350,000 in scholarships awarded, including full-ride offers for pre-med, STEM, and business.
• Honors placements at top colleges not just for what they’ve achieved, but for who they're becoming.
"Helped me express my true self."
“Rayner helped me to bring out my true self in my writing. With his help, I got into Cornell! I recommend Rayner to anyone looking for a reliable and understanding counselor who seeks to help you express your story."
— Sean, Cornell University
"Rayner truly is a wizard."
“Rayner truly is a wizard — I got into Johns Hopkins and Penn, and the admissions officers even complimented my essays.”
— JJ, Penn and Johns Hopkins
"We are in shock."
“We are in shock — he was accepted into Yale, Brown, Penn, and Carnegie Mellon. The financial aid they’re offering is life-changing.”
— 2x Yale Parent
Choose Your Path to Clarity and Success
Every student’s path is distinct. That’s why I offer two ways to work together.Not sure which path fits best? Let’s explore together in a 60-minute strategy session.
Comprehensive Package
Signature Advising
Deep strategy. Transformative storytelling. Whole-family support.For families ready for a high-touch, start-to-finish partnership. This is the work I’m best known for, and where students consistently earn full rides, Ivy League acceptances, and deep self-clarity. We collaborate across every step of the journey, from school list to final decision, with personalized strategy and compassionate rigor.• Executive-level advising across every step: school list, positioning, and more
• Unlimited feedback on essays and key materials—no hours tracked
• 1:1 student coaching sessions to build clarity, voice, and confidence
• Family strategy sessions to align communication and reduce decision stress
• Priority scheduling, dedicated support, and responsive messaging access
• Guidance on full-ride scholarships, merit strategy, and waitlist positioning
• A values-aligned, emotionally intelligent process rooted in integrity and outcomesBest for families who want a transformative process—strategic, aligned, and all in. All packages are custom-scoped after our initial Clarity & Strategy Session. Most families invest between $18K and $40K depending on timeline, school list complexity, and support level.
Flexible Services
Entry Pathway
Focused support. Clear feedback. A bridge into deeper work.This limited offering is for students who need expert input on one or two key components of the application (e.g., academic profile, essays), but aren’t looking for full-process support. It’s ideal for self-directed students who feel confident managing the rest on their own, or for families exploring whether a deeper partnership is the right fit.• Hourly or project-based sessions (60 minute minimum, $300/hr)
• Focused feedback on essays, supplementals, or college lists
• Upgrade credit available if you move into Signature within 7 days
• Priority given to students in the Signature programBest for students seeking clarity on a specific element of the process—and for families curious about working together before going all in.
Get Clarity Now
Book a Clarity + Strategy Session ($300)
This 60-minute session is the first step in working together. It’s designed for families who want to approach the college application process with depth, alignment, and strategic clarity.You’ll receive personalized insight into your student’s potential, guidance on how to stand out authentically, and clear next steps toward building an application that leads to full rides, Ivy League acceptances, and deep self-knowledge—not by gaming the system, but by aligning more deeply with who your student truly is.What to expect:
• A focused conversation about your student’s unique strengths, goals, and story
• Strategic insight into what colleges are really looking for—and how to respond
• Guidance on which comprehensive package (Core or Premium) is the best fitWhy $300: I work with a small number of families each season to provide transformative, personalized support. This session honors both of our time. If you move forward within 5 days, the full $300 will be credited toward your package.Whether or not we continue, you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a grounded sense of direction.Let’s explore what’s possible when students are seen, supported, and set free—and how I can help you become who you're meant to be.
© 2025 Premium Path Admissions / Rayner Jae Liu. All rights reserved.
Authenticity-first advising for families who value truth, not templates.
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