Premium Path Admissions

Taking college admissions to a higher standard

Discover your unique signature, tell stories that matter, and find your ideal college home. Our specialized 1:1 guidance fosters empowerment, peace of mind, whole-person alignment, and coveted admissions decisions.

Personalized guidance for success

A differentiated approach to admissions guidance

College admissions advising is interesting. For the most part, it plays by a scarcity mindset, in which performativity, homogenization, and fear and anxiety drive decisions. The problem is that this disconnects students from their potential and makes it harder, not easier, to stand out.With years of professional experience in talent development, marketing, content, whole-person education, and higher education, I help students not only get an edge in the admissions process but ensure that they are equipped for the future through profound levels of self-knowledge.My students, both aspiring undergraduate and graduate students, consistently show higher performance relative to their peers, experience exceptional levels of energy and resilience, and develop lifelong critical thinking and self-awareness skills through our guidance and mentorship.

You're in good hands.

Meet Your Advisor

Having studied at Duke, Northeastern, Stanford, and Harvard, I have helped students receive hundreds of thousands in scholarships and admission to Yale, Cornell, Brown, Penn, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and more.I am a highly sought advisor with an uncanny ability to identify your story and a deep understanding of universities and careers. I have seen the pitfalls and limitations of college advising—and help you break beyond those limitations to help you shape your path.A certified coach, writer, and education innovator publicly recognized by a 4x #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and Melinda French Gates, you can trust you'll receive game-changing insights, impactful writing support, and empowering coaching when you work with me.

What our clients say

Get undivided attention toward your flourishing

Students and families recognize the individualized attention we provide to help them excel not only in the admissions process but throughout life.

"I was accepted to Johns Hopkins and Penn, with admissions officers even complimenting my essays. Rayner truly is a wizard, and I highly recommend him."


JJ, Admitted to Penn and Johns Hopkins

"Rayner! We are in shock because he has gotten accepted into Yale, Brown, Penn and Carnegie Mellon. He is leaning toward Yale and they are sponsoring him to visit campus.”


Parent of Two Students Admitted to Yale

"With his help, I got into Cornell! I recommend Rayner to anyone looking for a reliable and understanding college counselor who truly seeks to help you express your story."


Sean, Admitted to Cornell University

Flexible services. Unmatched results.

Sync, async, and comprehensive advising services

Build your profile, craft your story, and create an exciting future. Services are available on a flexible, project, or package basis, and we also offer synchronous and asynchronous support options that meet your needs.

Get our best insights

Unmatched insights into what makes great advising

Don't just take our word for it! See what we have to say about admissions, from the strategic to operational. The College Wayfinder explores various topics that will help you navigate the college application and admissions process skillfully and set yourself up for success and satisfaction.

Ready to get started?

Schedule your first 1:1 meeting

I can't wait to meet you! Schedule your first or subsequent 1:1 meeting below. You can schedule a full session right away or start with an easy 30-minute consultation to assess whether it's the right fit with low stakes.

Student Results

Find your college home and create a bright future

My students have received admission to the following schools:
Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, Yale (2), Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern (2), Penn (2), Brown, Cornell, Duke (2), Dartmouth, Northeastern, UChicago, Carnegie Mellon, Emory, Rice, University of Washington, New York University, Indiana University, UNC Chapel Hill, Penn State, NJIT, UT Austin, University of Virginia, UC Berkeley, and UCLA.
My students have won scholarships and placed in honors programs:
- Northeastern University John Martinson Honors Program (Business)
- Northeastern University London Scholars Program (Business)
- UMD College Park Scholars Program (Business)
- $58,000 scholarship to Florida State University (Business)
- $58,000 scholarship to Ohio State University (Business)
- $24,000 Dean’s Scholarship to Indiana Kelley School of Business
- $18,000 per year Chancellor’s Award, UMass Amherst (Science)
- $16,000 per year Honors Scholarship to NJIT (Science)
Personal results in the admissions process
Admissions to Johns Hopkins, Northeastern, Duke University, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. Tens of thousands in scholarships and grants from UCLA, Northeastern, Johns Hopkins, and Duke University. Double winner of graduate fellowships and 100% acceptance rate in graduate admissions.
Results By Class
Class of 2025 Results
Class of 2024 Results (coming soon)
Class of 2018 & 2019 (coming soon)

About Me

My Background

A former Head of Content in HR and talent management, Fortune 500 marketing consultant, executive coach in higher education, and college advisor who has worked with admissions officers from multiple Top 10 universities, I thrive in empowering students to reach their potential.Advising Experience — Silicon Valley boutique admissions firm with a former admissions director at Stanford Graduate School of Business, collaboration with former admissions officers at Columbia, Duke, UNC, UVA, and moreEducational Background — MBA Fellow & Candidate at Northeastern University, BA Honors from Duke University, Neuroscience Coursework at Stanford, Published Scholar in Contemporary Religion & Spirituality at HarvardWriting & Education Recognitions — 4x #1 NYT Bestselling Author Marianne Williamson, Melinda French Gates, Duke English Director of Undergraduate Studies, Duke's Distinguished Professor of Cultural Anthropology

Flexible services. Unmatched results.

Flexible Live 1:1 Consultations

I provide hourly consultations to high school students and aspiring graduate students to handle any area of the admissions process as well as personal development.For high school students, consultations are recommended once every 6-12 months, but can be scheduled as often as needed, particularly in the critical junior and senior years.For prospective graduate applicants, consultations can be scheduled as needed whenever space is available.

Flexible services. Unmatched results.

Asynchronous Advising & Support

Async and project-based services are available for families looking for help with one particular part of the process. If you're new to our business, get started with a 30-minute consultation and we'll walk you through it.Tailored college lists and program recommendations can help students optimize decisions, chart their paths forward with confidence and wonder, and discover hidden opportunities that transform their lives.Asynchronous editing and advising services are also available to students who complete a number of live meetings to help us get to know them. Get started with a live consultation or place an order directly to get help.

Flexible services. Unmatched results.

Comprehensive Advising Package

I work with a limited number of students each year for the entirety of the college application process, ensuring comprehensive support and guaranteed availability.This package doesn't just include all applications and essays for up to 12 colleges and universities. It also includes profile development, college list building, timeline, planning, custom program recommendations, and more.It begins with an initial consultation. Schedule working time on my calendar and let me know you're considering the comprehensive package to get started.

What our clients say

Full Client Testimonials

Amazing and efficient essay writer —"When I first met Rayner, I was in a college essay crisis. I was completely lost on how to fix my Common App essay, and deadlines were approaching in less than two weeks. Rayner was able to quickly catch onto what message I was attempting to deliver within my essays. Then, he masterfully revised, edited, and helped me portray my message clearly yet beautifully, resulting in a truly wonderful essay. Through this Common App essay, I was accepted to Johns Hopkins and Penn, with my admissions officers even complimenting my essays. Rayner truly is a wizard, and I highly recommend him."


JJ, Admitted to Penn and Johns Hopkins

LIfe changing — "We are in shock because he has gotten accepted into Yale, Brown, Penn and Carnegie Mellon. He is leaning towards Yale and they are sponsoring him to fly there and visit the campus this month! The financial aid they are offering our family is life changing as well."


Parent of Two Students Admitted to Yale

Reliable and Understanding — "Rayner helped me greatly to elevate my college essays to the next level. As someone who struggled to find their own voice in the myriad of college essays, Rayner helped me to bring out my true self and passions in my writing. Rayner's patience and ability to design efficient roadmaps helped me stay afloat during this process. With his help, I got into Cornell! I would love to recommend Rayner to anyone looking for a reliable and understanding college counselor who truly seeks to help you express your story."


Sean, Admitted to Cornell University

Helpful and Inspiring — “I had an alumni interview prep with Rayner. It was super helpful for me to learn about the process, along with how to prepare for my alumni interview. Beyond that, I learned a lot about Duke and it is wonderful to talk with Rayner as an individual.”


Yuchen, Admitted to Duke University

Knowledgeable and Considerate — "Rayner was clear in his explanations, considerate of all aspects of my application, and helped me understand the central theme of my application. I have recieved acceptances from U of Toronto, UW Seattle, UT Austin, and NYU. Thank you again for your help. I will recommend you to my junior friends and keep you in mind if I ever need assistance with my writing!"


Ariana, Admitted to New York University

Clear and Constructive — "Over the course of our sessions, Rayner helped me draft ideas and explore different options for writing the essay. He was very helpful in getting my ideas into words and sentences that sounded both engaging and concise. Rayner was attentive in listening to what I had to say, and he had helpful constructive feedback that guided the essay in the right direction. Overall, Rayner is a great person to ask for help for writing advice, and he can quickly implement ideas."


Johnston, Student

Patient and Collaborative — “Rayner helped us immensely with the personal statement of a university application. He made himself available on multiple occasions as he knew we were marching against a very tight timeline. Most importantly, Rayner was a pleasure to work with. He got to know my son, asking him thoughtful questions and understanding what he was trying to convey in his writing.My son was stuck and frustrated and finding Rayner was the best gift! We appreciated his patience, sound advice, and superb guidance. Honestly, had we not found Rayner, I think my son would have delayed applying full stop. Rayner gave us hope and helped my son create a piece of work he was truly proud of. I could not recommend him more.”


Barbara, Parent

Excellent Services and Values — "Rayner provided knowledge and expertise on application strategy, planning, organizing, research, and essays. As a result, my son not only got accepted by his EA colleges but also learned how to write essays and now enjoys writing. We're lucky to know Rayner; without his consults, my son would not be where he is. Thanks so much, Rayner, for your help! You have excellent services and values.”


Charles, Parent of Student Admitted to UMA

Colleague Testimonials

Uncommonly creative entrepreneur — "Rayner has outstanding marketing and communication skills. His eye for detail, research acumen, follow-through, technical savvy, and his ability to analyze and strategize in order to meet deadlines is exceptional. More importantly, Rayner is highly ethical and refreshingly honest. In my 30+ years of professional content development, he stands out as an uncommonly creative entrepreneur."


Bonnie, Advisor and Senior Editor at Stanford

Incredibly thoughtful editor — "Rayner, I wanted to give you a shoutout. You are an incredibly thoughtful editor and help the student think about different ways and opportunities to frame things. That really stands out to me, as other advisors I have worked with focus purely on grammar. Glad to have had the opportunity to work with you!"


Jack, Former Admissions Officer