College Admissions

When Ruchi Kothari stepped away from her career as a jewelry designer to raise her three children, she became deeply invested in their educational journeys. As her kids were growing up, she took on an active role in the school PTA and served on her town’s Board of Education for six years – where she worked on federal and state education policy, school finance initiatives and curriculum development efforts for Pre-K through 8th grade. After helping her own children get into their top-choice universities – and navigating myriad adversities along the way – she began to guide other students through the college admissions process. In 2018, she established a business, Ivybound Consulting, to offer those services to a larger base. Today, the Closter, New Jersey-based mompreneur has helped students get into a number of Ivy League and other top U.S. universities – but she says it's the bonds she forms with her students that inspire her most in her work. Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. How is your business different from others in your industry? I am my client’s “secret weapon” for college admissions. I provide clear, actionable guidance, ensuring students craft compelling applications, standout essays, and boast strong extracurricular profiles. And, I provide unmatched accessibility — evenings, weekends and holidays — because every student’s future deserves that level of commitment. Tell us about your biggest success so far. I take pride in a 98% success rate in helping students secure admission to their top three college choices. Our students are 20 times more likely to be accepted into one of the top 25 U.S. universities. Our students have gained acceptance to prestigious schools like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, New York University and more. What I find most fulfilling though, are the lasting relationships I form with my students and their families. Even after they head off to college, they continue to stay in touch – always expressing their gratitude for the role I played in their journey and success. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? College counseling is an emotionally-charged field, as every parent believes their child is exceptionally gifted and destined for top-tier institutions. Many come in with preconceived notions, convinced they already know how to navigate the admissions process because they “heard something from a friend” or “read something on Google.” Many mistakenly view admissions strategizing and application crafting as tasks a tutor can handle, underestimating the level of expertise involved. Also, when I first started, I was perceived as just another mom who helped her children gain admission to top colleges – and people assumed I could do the same for their children, and at lower rates. A particular challenge I face, especially within the South Asian community, is parents trying to negotiate my fees – yet they will readily pay a white male college counselor with a weaker track record without question. It took me years of hard work, dedication and unparalleled service to my students to change this perception. Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions? Growing up in America in a family with traditional Indian values often meant navigating conflicting expectations. Education was highly valued, yet as a woman, leaving home to pursue a degree was not permitted. As a child of immigrant parents and an ESL student, I had to navigate the college admissions process on my own. Through both personal and professional challenges, I have learned that rejection, discrimination and obstacles are inevitable. The key is to not let them keep you down for too long. Instead, find ways to pivot, adapt and continue growing. My journey to succeeding in two vastly different industries despite cultural and familial barriers is proof of that. My mission is to inspire and empower others — especially women and immigrants — to recognize their potential and chase their dreams, regardless of their age, life stage, or where their journey may lead. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Life as an entrepreneur is challenging, lonely and incredibly demanding. You wear many hats, and constantly find yourself questioning every decision you make. My advice to any entrepreneur is to tune out the doubters and ignore the naysayers. And, do not be intimidated by the success of others in your industry. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? I find strength in my children and their unwavering belief in me. I have guided two of them through the college application process (to Yale and Stanford), and am currently supporting my youngest. They are deeply grateful for the opportunities and futures I’ve helped create for them. I see that same appreciation in the students I work with. When I feel discouraged, I remind myself of their smiles, and the impact I have in shaping their futures. This incredible opportunity gives me purpose, inspiring me to keep moving forward no matter how difficult the journey. What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? “If You Believe” by Patch Crowe and Strive to Be. Who is your most important role model? My mother. She persevered through life under British rule in India, embraced the challenges of immigrating to the U.S. in the 1970s with optimism, and later adapted to living in different countries like Thailand. She mastered multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Spanish and Thai. From her, I have learned the power of adaptability in the face of any challenge. She has shown me how to embrace every moment with joy, resilience and passion — at any stage of life. Most importantly, she has taught me the value of unconditional love for family, the joy of motherhood, and the ability to reinvent oneself while finding fun along the way! ◾ Instagram: @IvyBoundConsultingFacebook @IvyboundConsulting Share your story! Check out more stories about women in businessWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

College Admissions

She Helps College-Bound Students Get Into Their Top-Choice Schools

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