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About our experts

What makes us different?

YourCollegeSuccess was founded out of a passion for helping students succeed. We simplify the college application process, guiding you toward discovering your unique strengths and identifying your “North Star” to reach your highest potential.

  • Diverse Experience in Industry and Education
  • Decades of College Admission Experience
  • Always plugged into Universities understanding the changing needs
  • Strategic planning and One-on-One Consulting
  • Application Optimization Plan
  • Holistic Approach to College Admissions

Wes Upton

B.A. Psychology Texas Tech University
M.S. Counseling and Development Texas Woman's University
Certified School Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
Specialization: High Achievers, Highly Selective Admissions, Mental Health Support


About me:

Having been a school counselor for the past 15 years, I have seen the many paths that students take after they graduate. Seeing this process play out from my vantage point has provided me with a broad range of knowledge and experiences to share with the students and families with whom I work. This has ranged from the most prestigious institutions in the world to our local community colleges and trade schools.

The vast array of experience and the knowledge that most high school counselors do not have adequate time to walk lockstep with their students to optimize their admissions changes helped me identify a need that I could help fill for many students.

I relish the opportunity to work with students on a deeply personal journey of getting to know their strengths, help them clarify their vision of the future, set realistic goals, and then put the steps in place, with support, to best position them to attain their goals. I have a strong connection to STEM fields as a former science teacher, and having coached high level math and science competitions for many years. I also have a strong eye for detail and am confident in supporting the college essay writing process from start to finish.
The ability to reduce the stress on the student, the parents, and simplify many of the unknowns, is the underlying purpose of this work.The joy of the exciting process and seeing it unfold never gets old.

Swapna Paravasthu

Certified College Planner, UC Berkeley,CA
Professional Member of IECA
Masters In Electrical Engineering,Wireless CommunIcations
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering
Specialization/Industry: Science,Engineering, Technology, Business, Pre-Med, BS/MD, Law
Professional Work Experience: Motorola, AT&T, Airbus, Southwest Airlines, IBM


About me:

I am a Certified College Planner from UC Berkeley, and hold a Master’s in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Wireless Communications. With over 20 years of experience leading large-scale engineering teams for top-tier companies like Motorola, AT&T, Airbus, Southwest Airlines, and IBM, I bring a unique blend of professional insight and academic rigor to the college admissions process.

As a mother, I understand first hand the uncertainty and the stress surrounding today's college admissions landscape. Driven by a commitment to guide students through this maze, I pursued further training in college planning at UC Berkeley in 2020. I have researched Top 100 US universities and I am very familiar with the admissions selection criteria. I spend time visiting Universities talking to Admissions officers to gauge what they are looking for.My mission is to demystify the admissions process for students and parents alike, offering insights into what top universities are truly looking for. The modern college admissions journey is complex, and students often feel immense pressure to achieve perfect grades, excel in AP courses, and hold leadership roles—all while sacrificing exploration of their true values and interests. With school counselors often overwhelmed by large caseloads, students can miss out on personalized guidance and career insights essential for success in today’s competitive world. My approach offers a tailored experience that focuses on each student’s unique strengths, potential, and aspirations.

Whether your student has a stellar GPA or faces academic challenges, I believe that every student can find their ideal college fit with the right strategy. As a college counselor, my role is twofold: to uncover and highlight each student’s individual potential, and to maintain an in-depth understanding of the ever-evolving priorities of top universities, so I can help the student find the right fit and more just the college, I am here to find true Ikigai (purpose) of the student. As an IECA member, I remain actively engaged with admission officers at leading institutions, ensuring that I provide the most up-to-date guidance. Additionally, my industry background allows me to recommend thoughtful pathways, from major selection to career planning, research and internship choices for a successful future.
I adhere to IECA best practices and ethics, which means that if I’m not the right consultant for you, I will connect you with one who is. While I currently do not counsel students with ASD or those pursuing military careers, I can refer you to certified IECA professionals who specialize in these areas.

Dr. Randall Colvin

Ph.D. Education, University of North Texas
M.Ed. Elementary Teaching Abilene Christian University
M.Ed. School Counseling Dallas Baptist University
B.A. Human Communication/Bible Abilene Christian University
Certified School Counselor
Specialization: College Matching, Merit Aid, Strengths Finding, Essay Writing

About me:

With 15 years as a school counselor and more than two decades in education, I bring a wealth of experience and dedication to guiding students through the college admissions process. My background also includes a valuable tenure as a financial advisor, which enhances my ability to help students and families strategize for both academic and financial success throughout the admissions process. My passion lies in helping students discover and pursue the best college paths to fulfill their academic and career ambitions. Whether identifying top programs in specific fields or maximizing opportunities for merit aid, I am committed to making the process comprehensive and effective. Through a thoughtful, personalized approach, I work to align students and families in their educational journey. My goal is to ensure every student is empowered with the knowledge and confidence to achieve their college and career dreams.

Your Success Awaits

Choose your dream college.

We have successfully placed numerous students in top U.S. universities, including Harvard, Princeton, MIT, UT Austin, Stanford, and other prestigious Texas institutions.