Get Matched

Ready to work with someone who has been through this? You are in the right place.

We accept students on a rolling basis. There is no deadline and no selection round. Tell us a bit about yourself and we will pair you with a mentor who fits your goals.

Start Here!

How Matching Works

There is no selection process. Every student who reaches out gets a mentor, as long as we have one available. The form below helps us understand your background, your goals, and what you want help with, so we can pair you with someone whose experience actually lines up. If we do not have the right match immediately, we will tell you honestly and let you know when we do.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Rising Fellowship is an educational initiative focused on expanding access to higher education by providing general guidance, resources, and exposure to the college admissions process.

  • Any high school student planning to attend college is welcome. The program is especially focused on students from underrepresented, first-generation, low-income, immigrant, or adverse life backgrounds who want support translating their story and goals into a strong college application. There is no selection round. If we have a mentor available, you get one.

  • No. The program is entirely free, and it always will be. We do not charge fees, request donations, or accept payments of any kind.

  • No, and no program honestly can. Admissions decisions rest entirely with each college. What we offer is guidance from people who have been through the process, so you can put forward the strongest version of your own application.

  • Not in the professional sense. Our mentors are volunteers, most of them current college students or recent graduates, sharing their own experience of applying and attending. They are not licensed counselors or professional admissions consultants, and their guidance should complement, not replace, your school counselor.

  • No. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can step away at any time without explanation. The optional ambassador role after the program is exactly that, optional.

  • No. The Rising Fellowship is independent. Our members attended a range of institutions, but the program is not sponsored, endorsed, or operated by any university, school, or employer.

  • Only to match you with a mentor, communicate with you, and support you through the program. We do not sell student information or share it with third parties. We ask for what we need to make a good match and nothing more, which is why we do not collect GPAs, test scores, or financial documents.

  • Yes, and we encourage it. When you sign up, we ask you to list one trusted adult who knows you are working with a mentor. That can be a parent or guardian, but it can just as easily be a school counselor, teacher, coach, case worker, adult relative, or program staff member. If there is no adult you can list right now, tell us and we will work it out with you. It will not stop you from getting a mentor. All meetings and messages go through official program accounts, never personal ones.Yes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed and involved, especially for students under 18.

  • Students can fill out our intake form to be matched with a mentor. If you are a college student or graduate interested in mentoring, or a school interested in hosting a talk, email us at therisingfellowship@gmail.com.

  • Possibly. We currently offer talks to middle and high schools, and we are open to partnerships that expand access for students. Any future partnership will be announced here.

  • Possibly. We currently offer talks to middle and high schools, and we are open to partnerships that expand access for students. Any future partnership will be announced here.