Testimonials

Students

Circle Match Class of 2023

"My advisors attended the same high school and know the struggles of our East LA community. Seeing them achieve great things in college provided my cohort the confidence we needed to give it our all. I was able to narrate parts of my story I didn’t think I would be comfortable sharing."

"Being able to attend college without any financial burden because of Circle Match put me one step closer to repaying my immigrant family for all their sacrifices and getting me to where I currently am."

"As a first-gen student, I was worried about the college application process, but through Circle Match there was always an advisor available to reach out to for advice. It was easy to be comfortable in my cohort because I was familiar with the other students being from the same community, going to the same school, and knowing the same teachers."

"Before Circle Match, I assumed only grades mattered in a college application, but my advisors taught me the importance of each aspect, including extracurriculars and essays. Seeing how everyone works together in the community, I would go through Circle Match again, and I’m encouraging my younger sister to join too. Because of Circle Match, I was admitted to Vanderbilt."

"Everything about the college application process was new to me— I had been told previously it would be difficult. When I got an acceptance email from WashU, I was shocked, and then I was admitted to UPenn. Through Circle Match, my work ethic improved, and I gained a close peer group that feels like family."

"Circle Match is more than a group of advisors that review essays, it’s a welcoming community of friends. The feedback they provide is personalized and constructive. Circle Match is an opportunity to build your discipline and get into the college right for you."

"Because of my Circle Match advisors and peers, I didn’t have to go through the college application process alone. The near-peer advisors understood how we felt as incoming first-generation college students. The parent resources also allowed my parents to familiarize themselves with the process."

Visiting Colleges – Circle Match students visiting Columbia University in New York, NY

Circle Match Class of 2022

"I have trouble expressing and connecting my thoughts coherently. Circle Match provided me with the resources I needed to overcome my writing challenges."

"From introducing us to new people through informational webinars and one-on-one conversations with advisors—I’m glad to say I survived the college application process with the help of Circle Match."

"Circle Match allowed me to confidently explore beyond what I thought was possible. My advisors guided me through college essays, interviews, and introduced me to countless opportunities I wasn’t aware of. "

"Circle Match guided me through every step of the college process, but most importantly the program taught me to never think less of myself because of my background. "

Cohort Communities – Garfield High School Class of 2023 with their Circle Match advisors, Angelica Garcia and Osvaldo Cabrales

Circle Match Class of 2021

"While working on essays, I was able to reflect introspectively on my identity, allowing me to grow as both a person and as a writer. Circle Match broadened my perspective and gave me the confidence I needed to look outside the colleges in my area and consider some of the best in the country."

"Circle Match not only introduced me to a whole other world of options when it comes to my future, but they also helped me through every step of the college application process."

"I never knew how misinformed I was about the grueling college application process until I began the Circle Match program. Not knowing where to start. Circle Match helped me find my voice so that my college essays were a reflection of who I am."

"Not only did Circle Match broaden my horizons, but it also gave me amazing resources for my applications, helping me with everything from essay editing to resume building. I’m really grateful."

"Circle Match certainly helped me to realize that it was possible for me to go to a top-level school. I managed to learn how to truly develop myself as an applicant."

Cohort Bonding – Ice cream breaks with students and advisors

Circle Match Class of 2020

"Coming from an under-resourced school with a lack of representation at top tier universities, I never saw elite schools as options— even though I did well academically. At the time, nobody really understood the rigor and commitment that this process demands. My parents didn’t understand me. My friends didn’t. My teachers didn’t. But Circle Match did."

"As a first-generation low-income student, I knew that I wanted to attend college. However, admission into top-tier universities didn’t seem like a possibility for someone like me, but with the help of Circle Match, these improbable aspirations soon became a reality."

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