At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Sweta Tibrewal for an exclusive interview with us. Sweta is a Globally Certified Career Counsellor and Founder & Chief Counselor at The Right Coll:. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Sweta her journey from Necessity to True Calling:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
The journey from college applications to acceptance can be overwhelming—filled with endless uncertainty and the pressure to stand out. In 2017, I found myself navigating this very path with my daughter. Like any parent, I wanted her to succeed, but I quickly realised that traditional, one-size-fits-all solutions couldn’t capture her individuality.
So, I immersed myself in research, learning how to craft an application that showcased her unique strengths and aspirations. The outcome? Acceptance into multiple top-tier universities including her dream college, UBC—and a deep understanding of what truly sets students apart in this competitive process.
A few years later, I guided my son through his college journey to CalTech’s Computer Science program, which aligned perfectly with his goals. These experiences taught me one simple truth: every student is different, and their path to success should be too. My work with Angel Xpress Foundation (a Mumbai-based non-profit) further paved the way toward my inner calling, as I guided students from diverse backgrounds to discover their potential and make informed, confident decisions about their futures.
Building on that foundation, I transitioned into professional career counselling, mentoring over 500+ high school students to secure admissions at top institutions worldwide, including Northwestern, Stanford, UPenn, Johns Hopkins, UChicago, UC Berkeley, CMU, LSE, NUS, and Ashoka, among others. This process made me realise that it isn’t just about admissions—it’s about building confidence, nurturing growth, and aligning passions with purpose.
At The Right Coll: I bring that same ethos to every student and family I work with, engaging in a practice rooted in empathy, authenticity, and unwavering support. Whether it’s preparing for Ivy League admissions or exploring niche programs in non-traditional fields, I take a deeply personal approach to ensure each student finds their best-fit college.
My process is simple: no shortcuts, no cookie-cutter solutions, and no inflated promises. Instead, I focus on authenticity—helping students tell their stories in ways that resonate with colleges while ensuring families feel supported with transparent communication every step of the way.
For me, success isn’t defined by acceptance letters alone. It’s about helping students discover a place where they can thrive academically and grow personally, but most importantly, a place they are happy to call their home away from home.
At The Right Coll: we don’t just help students apply to college; we guide them toward the right college—where they can grow, belong, and build a foundation for the future they deserve.
‘The Right Coll:’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving?
The Right Coll: Short for The Right College. It suggests a focus on helping high school students make the right call for their education by finding the perfect college that suits their needs. It highlights the importance of making informed decisions about higher education.
At The Right Coll: (TRC), we know that every student’s journey to college is as unique as they are. That’s why we offer personalised mentorship to guide high school students across the globe through the complex college admissions process with clarity, care, and authenticity.
We begin by understanding each student’s passions, strengths and aspirations. Using psychometric tools, we identify areas for growth and build tailored action plans– from crafting compelling application themes to mapping deadlines, scholarships, and beyond, we ensure every step is meaningful and valuable to the student.
Our approach embraces students of all profiles—academic achievers, creative minds, or those still exploring their potential. We collaborate closely with families to consider grades, interests, finances, and future plans, ensuring informed decision-making every step of the way.
Honesty and authenticity are at the heart of TRC. We don’t write essays or promise guaranteed admissions. Instead, we empower students to present their true selves and stand out to admissions teams.
With a limited number of students each year, TRC offers dedicated, hands-on support, creating deep connections with families and schools alike. At The Right Coll: we believe college is for everyone—but finding the right one takes a thoughtful approach.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
The journey of guiding high school students through the college admissions process comes with its challenges—tight deadlines, high stakes, and moments of self-doubt. But what keeps me going is the impact I see in every student’s journey.
Their Growth – Witnessing students transform from unsure and overwhelmed to confident and self-assured is incredibly fulfilling. When they start believing in themselves and their unique stories, it reminds me why I do what I do.
The Trust They Place in Me – Every late-night essay edit, every brainstorming session, every moment of reassurance matters. Knowing that families trust me with such an important milestone in their child’s life fuels my dedication.
Their Success is My Motivation – The messages of gratitude, the excitement of an acceptance letter, and the pride in their voices when they say, “I did it!”—those moments make every challenge worth it.
At the heart of it all, I don’t just help students get into college—I help them discover themselves. And that, no matter how tough the process gets, is what keeps me going.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
The three most important lessons I have learned are:
1) Progress Over Perfection – Waiting for the “perfect” moment or outcome often holds us back. I’ve learned that taking consistent steps forward is far more valuable than striving for perfection. Growth happens in the process, not in the destination.
2) Resilience is Everything – Challenges are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines us. The ability to adapt, learn, and keep moving forward—despite setbacks—has been one of the most valuable lessons in my journey.
3) Giving Back Creates True Fulfillment – Success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about the impact we make. Whether through mentoring, guiding students, or simply offering support, the joy of helping others succeed is unmatched.
These lessons continue to shape my life and my work at The Right Coll: reminding me that real success is about growth, resilience, and purpose.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
The values that guide me personally—Integrity, Growth, and Empathy—are not just the foundation of The Right Coll: but also the keys to my own success.
Integrity – I believe in honesty, transparency, and ethical guidance which has allowed me to build trust and meaningful relationships with students and families. Success, for me, is about helping students showcase their authentic selves, not shortcuts or quick fixes.
Growth – My journey has been one of continuous learning, just like the students I guide. I believe that success isn’t just about achieving a goal but about self-discovery, adaptability, and evolving with every experience.
Empathy – Every student has a unique path, and my ability to truly listen, understand, and support them has made all the difference. Creating a safe, encouraging space for students to navigate their aspirations has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work.
These values are not just principles I live by—they are at the heart of everything we do at The Right Coll: shaping a student-first approach that prioritizes authenticity, self-growth, and meaningful success.
What advice would you give high school students who want to have a successful career?
My advice to high school students who want to have a successful career would be to:
Explore & Experiment – Don’t limit yourself to one path too soon. Take up internships, courses, extracurriculars, and passion projects to discover what excites you. Your interests may evolve, and that’s okay!
Focus on Skills, Not Just Grades – Academic success is important, but what sets you apart are critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Develop these skills through real-world experiences like volunteering, leadership roles, and creative projects.
Build Meaningful Relationships – Mentors, teachers, and peers can open doors to opportunities you never imagined. Seek guidance, ask for advice, and learn from those who inspire you. Networking isn’t just for professionals—it starts now.
Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool – Setbacks are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones. Learn from failures, pivot when needed, and keep moving forward. Resilience is a skill that will serve you for life.
Stay Curious & Keep Learning – The world is changing rapidly. Stay ahead by being curious, adaptable, and open to lifelong learning. Read widely, stay informed, and continuously challenge yourself to grow.
Success isn’t about choosing the “right” career at 17—it’s about building a foundation of curiosity, resilience, and skills that will serve you throughout life. Start now, explore boldly, and trust the journey!
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
For me, the most fulfilling part of my journey is witnessing the transformations—not just in college admissions but in the students themselves. Every student I work with comes in with a unique story, a set of dreams, and sometimes, a fair share of self-doubt. The magic happens when, through self-reflection, mentorship, and guidance, they begin to see their own potential the way I do.
It’s not just about getting into top universities; it’s about helping students discover who they are, what excites them, and how they can translate that into a compelling application. Seeing a student who once felt lost gain clarity, confidence, and ultimately, acceptance into their dream school is incredibly rewarding.
What excites me most is that no two journeys are alike. Some students need help refining their essays, others need big-picture strategic planning, and some need reassurance that they are enough. Whether it’s debating a comma in an essay, brainstorming the perfect personal statement, or guiding a student through last-minute doubts, every moment matters.
The most satisfying part? The messages I receive when they finally get their acceptance—the joy, relief, and sense of accomplishment they express. Knowing that I played a small part in helping them unlock their potential and step into the next chapter of their lives makes every late-night edit, every brainstorming session, and every hour spent on research worth it.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
