Your Journey Starts Here

destined for college

Free one-on-one college counseling and a pathway to game-changing college support.

WELCOME

WHat is DESTINED FOR COLLEGE?

Destined for College is ScholarMatch's free college access program for high school students in the San Francisco Bay Area who will be the first in their families to attend college.

Through our virtual program, students work with college coaches via phone, text message, email, and video calls once a month during their senior year of high school to work on the following:

Explore college options
Review financial aid award letters
Develop and edit personal statements
Search and apply for scholarships
Fill out financial aid applications
Clarify any college application issues
OUR PROCESS

HOW IT WORKS

1
JUNIOR YEAR

APPLY TO Destined for COllege

Explore our program eligibility requirements, timeline, and expectations. Once you've reviewed and met all criteria, you can submit your application using the link below.

Applications are now closed. Please check back in February of 2025 for more updates.

Eligibility
Timeline
Program Expectations
2

MATCH with a college coach

Students are matched with a college coach and work together virtually throughout the year. Communication happens via phone, email, and text as they navigate the college application process together.


Destined for College program offerings include:

College prep, workshops, and networking events
Free SAT/ACT prep tutoring
3

COMPLETE our MILESTONES

We provide a step-by-step guide for students to prepare for college. These milestones provide a comprehensive guide for students to navigate the college preparation process, covering topics ranging from college exploration to application to decision-making and beyond.

Go to College-Ready Milestones
4
SENIOR YEAR

Apply to Continue Support

In the spring of their senior year, Destined for College participants who complete their milestones can apply to our Scholars Program, ScholarMatch’s college persistence program, to continue receiving college advising support.

Students who are accepted to continue with ScholarMatch will receive robust advising, financial support, and career mentoring all the way to college graduation.

testimonials

What Students ARE sayING

"ScholarMatch has allowed me to dream bigger and realize that I can pursue higher education without financial debt. My mentor is like one of my friends. She truly cares about me, we have engaging conversations, and we don’t just talk about only college applications. She’s helped me through so much, and she says it’s been a journey watching me grow this past year with the time we’ve spent together.”

– Vicky V., Class of 2022

“The ScholarMatch program has been a HUGE resource in helping me apply to college. (Big shout out to my ScholarMatch Advisor Nancy for everything she has done for me, including helping me to write essays, apply for scholarships, and prepare for interviews!!) ScholarMatch has provided me with many resources and information to know which college is my best fit. Because of the immense support I received, I will be going to Johns Hopkins University this upcoming fall! A fun fact about myself is that I love to watch pop culture analysis videos on YouTube.”

– Iheoma A., Class of 2022

“As a first-gen low-income student, I had no clue how to start applying for college. Upon meeting with my ScholarMatch coach, Amber, she transformed my fear into confidence and assurance that I would be able to accomplish my goals. Words can’t adequately express my gratitude for her role in my college application process, I don’t think I would have reached this point without her wisdom and dedication to my success!”

– Eden A., Class of 2022

“My college coach, Paul, has helped me find the right schools, guided me through the application process, and helped me secure enough aid to keep me debt-free. He’s been very kind, available, and never hesitates to lend some guidance. I’m positive I wouldn’t be where I am now without his help and the ScholarMatch program!”

– Steven R., Class of 2022
WELCOME!

BIG FUTURE STUDENTS

Did you find us through the Big Future program by College Board? Check out our Big Future/Destination College application here.

FAQ

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.

Everything you need to know about Destined for College and ScholarMatch.

Still have a questions in mind? Contact us directly!

Contact us
What is the application process?
Who is eligible for your program?
How do students and families hear about your program?
How many times do students have to meet with their coaches?
What are the expectations in working with a college coach?
What type of colleges do students apply to?
I’m a student and I already have an idea of where I want to go to college, should
I still apply?
What if I am receiving support from another organization?
How do students and coaches get matched?