👋 Hello! I’m Jae, and I’m so glad you’re here.

This space is everything about college dreams in the U.S. and Canada, application roadblocks, and all the things no one tells you. I’m someone who has lived through all of it, and I am here to help you navigate your own path!

As a Deaf student from Korea, I began my education at a special school for the Deaf. Years later, I became an international student admitted to Duke University and multiple Top 20 U.S. schools. After an unexpected pause in my academic journey, I restarted in Canada, where I now study computer science at York University on a scholarship valued at $80,000/year. I am also working at a big tech. (Curious about how all of that happened? You can read more about my story at withjae.com.)

But, I dare to say that it isn’t enough. WHY STUDY WITH JAE?

From a School for the Deaf in Korea to Duke and York University

As a Deaf student from Korea, I began my education at a school for the Deaf, then went on to attend a top private international high school—eventually getting accepted to Duke University. Also, I successfully restarted my academic journey at York University in Canada, supported by scholarships valued at over $80,000/year.

Having navigated both U.S. and Canadian admissions systems, I’ve come to understand the real difference between what’s general and excpetional in each. I know what truly matters, what doesn’t, and most importantly what no one tells you! I even successfully managed to complete my Canadian college and scholarship applications in just a few months, after several years away from school. That’s the kind of insight and readiness I bring and want to share with you.

Built on 100+ real student journeys

Before launching this blog, I worked with over 100 students from all kinds of backgrounds—U.S. and Canadian citizens, permanent residents, international students, private and public schoolers, and even homeschoolers. I’ve supported Ivy League admits, helped mature students return to school, and guided countless others through successful and meaningful application journeys.

These experiences have shaped my ability to adapt, personalize, and empower your story—not just based on a few personal wins or vague instincts. I’ve seen what works across different systems, circumstances, and goals. And here, I’m here to help you figure out what’s right for you.

You Might Already Be Using Something I Built (Seriously!)

Have you ever used The Princeton Review’s SAT online courses or prep materials? If so, there’s a good chance you’ve already interacted with something I helped create without even realizing it!

In 2018, I joined The Princeton Review Super Innovation Team (yes, “that” Princeton Review) as a Creative Director—about a year after the company was acquired by a major South Korean edtech. Though my time there lasted only six months, I led multiple high-impact projects that played a key role in driving a business turnaround within the year.

I helped shape the global digital learning experience: building over 15 self-guided courses, overseeing UI/UX improvements across 5+ platforms, and creating brand strategies aligned with marketing campaigns. These projects weren’t just ideas; they were implemented (and some of them are still) on The Princeton Review’s official website and used by students worldwide.

To make it all happen, I worked closely with college counselors, admissions researchers, and even stakeholders from College Board and ACT, Inc. That experience taught me how college admissions is shaped not only by applicants, but also by the systems, institutions, and people behind the scenes.

That same depth, care, and drive for accessibility now power everything I share here—every guide, worksheet, and advising resource is built with both experience and heart.