Cardinal Edge
Selective High School & College Application Strategy
Your Cardinal Edge
Selective 1-on-1 mentorship for any student who wants clear direction, real accountability, and an application built on intentional choices.
Who I am
A mentor who's been exactly where you are now.
Aarav Kothari
Founder & Mentor · Stanford '30
- Varsity Scholar Athlete
- AI/ML Research
- Startup + Nonprofit Builder
- Competition Experience
- Recent Admissions Perspective
I'm a Stanford commit who recently went through the same process students are navigating now. I built Cardinal Edge to help students turn interests into direction, projects, leadership, and a cohesive application without the scattered activities, wasted summers, and weak positioning.
Specialties
Why This Exists
Most students are capable, they just lack awareness, structure, focus, and strategy. This program gives you a personal mentor who helps you choose the right activities, build meaningful projects, stay accountable, and present a cohesive, powerful college application.
“I don't know what I should be doing.”
You're capable, but without a clear direction, every club and opportunity feels like a guess.
“I'm doing a lot, but it doesn't add up.”
Without clear strategy, effort doesn't translate into a cohesive application.
“I need accountability and someone who gets it.”
Parents mean well, but you need a mentor who's recently navigated the same path.
What you get instead
Personalized roadmap
Activity strategy
Opportunity guidance
Accountability
Application positioning
Book a free consultation call today.
Programs
Two focused tracks designed for where you are in your journey.
High School Track
Grades 8–11
Help students build direction, confidence, leadership, extracurricular depth, and a strong long-term profile before application season.
- Extracurricular strategy
- Competition selection
- Leadership planning
- Passion project guidance
- Summer program planning
- Internship/research outreach
- Cold email guidance
- Resume building
- Organization and calendar systems
- SAT/ACT general strategy and referrals
College Application Track
Grade 12
Help seniors craft a cohesive, authentic, and compelling application. Direct assistance with every component of the college application process.
- College list strategy
- Application deadline planning
- Personal statement brainstorming and feedback
- Supplemental essay strategy and feedback
- Activity list drafting
- Awards section strategy
- Teacher recommendation brag sheet
- Application narrative development
- Interview prep
- Application schedule and accountability
Pricing
Every plan is different. Exact pricing is decided after your initial consultation call, we'll match the right level of support to your goals.
Swipe to compare plans →
High School Track Basic
Grades 8–11
For students who need strategic guidance and monthly accountability.
- 1 monthly 1-on-1 call
- Slack access
- Personalized roadmap
- Extracurricular planning
- Opportunity recommendations
- Parent update after each call
High School Track Premium
Grades 8–11
For students who want deeper accountability and hands-on profile development.
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Up to 2 calls per month
- Activity tracking
- Personalized project/leadership strategy
- Outreach templates
- Club application assistance
- Competition referrals and guidance
- Stronger accountability systems
College App Track Basic
Grade 12
For seniors who need structure, essay strategy, and application organization.
- College list planning
- Application timeline
- Common App guidance
- Activity and awards section review
- Personal statement strategy
- Limited supplemental feedback
- Parent updates
College App Track Premium
Grade 12
For seniors who want deeper narrative work and more hands-on application support.
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Up to 2 calls per month
- Personal statement brainstorming and feedback
- Supplemental essay strategy, tips, and feedback
- Application-by-application positioning
- Teacher recommendation strategy
- Interview prep
- Scholarship application assistance
- Stronger deadline accountability
High School Track Basic
Grades 8–11
For students who need strategic guidance and monthly accountability.
- 1 monthly 1-on-1 call
- Slack access
- Personalized roadmap
- Extracurricular planning
- Opportunity recommendations
- Parent update after each call
High School Track Premium
Grades 8–11
For students who want deeper accountability and hands-on profile development.
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Up to 2 calls per month
- Activity tracking
- Personalized project/leadership strategy
- Outreach templates
- Club application assistance
- Competition referrals and guidance
- Stronger accountability systems
College App Track Basic
Grade 12
For seniors who need structure, essay strategy, and application organization.
- College list planning
- Application timeline
- Common App guidance
- Activity and awards section review
- Personal statement strategy
- Limited supplemental feedback
- Parent updates
College App Track Premium
Grade 12
For seniors who want deeper narrative work and more hands-on application support.
- Everything in Basic, plus:
- Up to 2 calls per month
- Personal statement brainstorming and feedback
- Supplemental essay strategy, tips, and feedback
- Application-by-application positioning
- Teacher recommendation strategy
- Interview prep
- Scholarship application assistance
- Stronger deadline accountability
Semester options may be available for first-time students in the first two semesters. Pricing is always discussed on the consultation call, never before we understand your needs.
What You Get
Personalized support with resources I've used myself.
Personalized Roadmap PDFs
Activity Trackers
Application Calendars
Outreach Templates
Resume Templates
Essay Brainstorming Frameworks
Slack Access
Parent Updates
Accountability Systems
Opportunity Recommendations
Book Free Call
Tell me a bit about yourself and we'll see if this program is the right fit. Due to personalized assistance, I can only help a limited number of students for each cohort.
FAQs
Straight answers to the questions students and parents ask most.
It depends on what you choose. After you book a free call, I'll talk through options and find the right fit. No pressure, no commitment required.