Our Program – Circle Match

Our Program Overview

What is Circle Match?

Our main program involves placing students in small cohorts to receive expert guidance from advisors who come from the same geographic area and often the same high school community. This shared background allows for a deeper social and cultural understanding of each student’s journey.

Through personalized guidance, regular check-ins, and access to tailored resources, students gain confidence in their goals, succeed in the college admissions process, and are empowered to give back to their communities.

Afterward, our self-sustaining model empowers them to return to Circle Match and pay it forward, leading the way as college advisors in their communities and volunteers.

Want to learn more?

Check out our About Us to learn more about our history.

Memorial HS ('23) Cohort Grab Boba with their advisors after finishing applying to college

The Circle Match Pathway

Complete Circle Match Application Form
Start by filling out the application form and submitting your high school transcript.
Welcome to Circle Match
Admitted students are welcomed into the program with an onboarding session, where they meet the staff and advisors who will guide them through the college application process.
Explore Our Cohort Model
Students are placed in small, supportive groups, with peers from the same high school community spearheaded by two current college students from the same geographic area and usually the same high school community. Students meet regularly to track progress, discuss challenges, and provide mutual support.
Paying It Forward & Ongoing Support After completing the program, students give back by joining as advisors or volunteers. These roles develop leadership skills and provide students with integral professional experiences. Our pay-it-forward model allows Circle Match to serve more high school students while making sure that programmatic alumni persist through college.

Interested in learning more about our past public programming?

For Students

We support high school students every step of the way, helping you navigate college applications, essays, scholarships, and more.

For Schools & Communities

If you represent a school or community organization, we partner with institutions to bring Circle Match’s resources to students in your area.

For Donors

Your support helps us continue to expand our reach. Donate today and help us support students from underprivileged backgrounds in their journey to higher education.

College Fair

Welcome Party

Cohort Gathering

Columbia Tour

What Circle Match Students Have To Say

"Circle Match has worked with our school to provide college advising and guidance to our students. Having the program support our students has been very helpful in providing additional college application information to our students, which they share with their peers, strengthening our college-going culture. The guidance our recent Circle Match alumni provide has been very impactful to the Garfield High School community and to help not only the students in the program, but the school at large."

Before Circle Match, our family felt lost in the college application process. Circle Match changed everything, offering not just advising but leadership development. The advisors helped my son navigate the process and grow personally. Thanks to Circle Match, he was admitted to Cornell University and now gives back as an advisor, mentoring other students. Our family is forever grateful for the lasting impact this program has made, not only on my son but on all of us.”

Want More Information?

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need more information about how you can get involved. We’re here to help!

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