01 — The First Advisor
An advisor who laughed at my dream
When I look back on my final years of high school, I remember a conversation with an advisor about my college options. I shared with him my passion for learning across a wide range of subjects and showed him the grades I had achieved up to that point.
When he found out I was German and had strong grades in mathematics, he advised me to apply for actuarial science programs in Germany, since I would earn well in that field. My father, on the other hand, had suggested considering universities like Harvard. When I asked the advisor about the application process for Harvard, he laughed and waved it off — he said I wouldn't get in anyway.
I believed the advisor. I decided to focus on my exams and began researching German universities, putting together a list of my favourites.
02 — Everything Changes
A whiteboard, a name, a belief.
The following year we had a different advisor, whom I met for the first time in August of my graduation year. When he saw my grades and extracurricular activities, he asked why I was only applying to universities in Germany.
"When I told him I had considered applying to Harvard, he turned around and wrote 'Raissa — Harvard' on the whiteboard behind him."
"You should have come sooner — but we can still try."
About seven months later, my acceptance letter from Harvard College showed me the enormous impact an encouraging advisor can have on a student's life. That contrast — between discouragement and belief — is the inspiration behind founding ARC.
03 — Harvard & Beyond
Education as a lifelong passion
Education has always been my passion. During my time at Harvard, I decided to cross-register at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and take Master's-level courses alongside my undergraduate studies.
Throughout my time at Harvard, I tutored fellow students and advised high school seniors applying to elite universities — all while completing my Bachelor's degree in Economics with Cum Laude honours. My love for education has only grown over the years, culminating in this company: ARC Consultancy.
04 — Why ARC Exists
No one should have to navigate it alone.
At ARC, I want to help students recognise their true potential while keeping their mental health at the centre of what is typically a very stressful time. Together with my team of talented advisors, I hope to have regular, open conversations with our clients — not only about the details of their application, but also about their hopes for the future and how those can be achieved.
We aspire for this process — in which we develop an almost family-like relationship with our students — to help them truly discover who they are on the path to their future university.
Every student deserves an advisor who believes in them — not one who holds them back.