Between academics, dance, and community commitments, Taryn had the passion and the drive—she just needed some direction. With HelloCollege’s help, she refined her goals, told her story with confidence, and gained admission to multiple top schools before finding her perfect fit at Spelman College.
Spelman College
Taryn
Counselor
Taryn was open to our advice and genuinely excited about the process. With that great attitude, the biggest impact we made was showing her more options than she ever expected. Sometimes, exposure makes all the difference.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Class Rank: Top 8%
Test Score: 80th percentile
Major: Math
Student Ambassador, NSHSS
Founder, STEM Non-Profit
Student Researcher, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Varsity Golf
Taryn was an ambitious high school student with a busy schedule—sports medicine program, several dance commitments, community involvement, and more. But when it came time to apply to college, the process felt overwhelming. With essays to perfect, a Common App to complete, and looming deadlines, she needed help translating her high school accomplishments into a compelling application.
Taryn and her family knew she had real potential—but they didn’t yet have a clear roadmap to get from where she was to where she wanted to be. Her parents were focused on finding the right college fit, while Taryn was still trying to make sense of the process. She hadn’t heard of an activities list. She wasn’t sure how to approach her personal statement. She was ready to work hard—but needed the right guidance.
That changed when she began working with Don and the HelloCollege team.
We helped her build a balanced college list based on her academic interests, lifestyle preferences, and campus culture priorities. Though she initially insisted she wouldn’t stay in Georgia, she kept an open mind as we explored options together. Ultimately, she chose Spelman College in Atlanta—a decision she hadn’t expected, but one she’s now thrilled about.
As senior year progressed, Taryn’s academic interests shifted—from sports medicine to math with a focus on education. We adjusted her college list to match and supported her through the transition. Don helped her stay on top of deadlines, kept her accountable, and made sure nothing important slipped through the cracks.
One of the biggest breakthroughs came in her personal statement.
Taryn had plenty to say, but she didn’t know what parts of her story to highlight. Through a collaborative process, her coach helped her zero in on the right topic, work through multiple drafts, refine the message, and make sure it truly sounded like her. It took time, but in the end, they landed on an essay that was authentic, powerful, and deeply personal.
Taryn was accepted to Howard, Hampton, Tennessee State, Clark Atlanta, and more—but ultimately chose Spelman for its small class sizes, strong sense of community, and perfect academic fit. She’s excited to major in mathematics and join the dance team.
Navigate the college admissions process with our experts and set yourself up for college success.
