Turning Students’ Strengths Into Superpowers And College Plans Into Pathways

Illustration of a person with a cape, standing on books, holding a book, symbolizing a superhero or a person with knowledge and confidence.

From stress to strategy, Laser Pathways guides families through the college admissions journey with clarity, confidence, and a lot less drama. We help students focus not just on getting in, but on what happens after: academics, outcomes, and career fit.

College admissions have changed. The pressure?
Higher than ever.

Illustration of a person sitting at a desk with a laptop, surrounded by stacks of papers, looking stressed with a hand on their forehead, with large question marks on either side.

From missed deadlines to murky goals, the process can strain even the strongest parent-teen bond. Whether your teen feels stuck, stressed, or lost, you're not alone. Laser Pathways steps in with empathy, structure, and strategy to guide families through today's complex admissions landscape.

  • Does your teen shut down when you bring up college applications?

  • Does every college conversation turn into a battle that's damaging your relationship?

  • Does the sheer volume of choices feel overwhelming, and are you terrified of making the wrong decision?

  • Are you concerned that your teen will choose a college based on rankings, rather than real outcomes or career preparation?

  • Do you need an expert voice your teen will listen to, so you can be the parent, not the villain?

Introducing Laser Pathways

Strategic College Guidance And Matchmaking With A Recruiter's Edge

Laser Pathways helps students find schools that fit across four dimensions of fit: academic, social, financial, and professional. We prioritize what matters to your student, not just what’s listed in rankings. With insights from executive recruiting, we guide students through a process that connects their goals, values, and strengths to the right college environment and a clear path forward.

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Foundation Building (9th-10th Grade)

Strategic Early Planning

Help your teen discover their strengths and interests early in high school. We’ll guide thoughtful choices in courses and activities that align with who they are, building a genuine foundation for future college applications.

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Comprehensive Support (11th-12th Grade)

The Ultimate Launch Plan

Our signature 20-session package covers everything from junior year exploration to choosing and enrolling in your student’s perfect-fit college, including: aptitude assessments, college research and list building, standardized test planning, essay and activity list brainstorming and coaching, application strategy and completion, interview preparation, financial aid strategy, and final decision guidance.

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Senior Rush Package (12th Grade)

Accelerated Application Excellence

Starting late? We'll create a focused timeline for standout applications, including: strategic college list refinement, compelling essay and activity list development, and personal brand clarity, all designed to showcase your authentic story under tight deadlines.

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Targeted Consulting

Expert Guidance When You Need It

Ideal for families and students seeking focused, expert advice.

Hourly support is available for specific needs, including essay coaching, interview preparation, activity list optimization, college visit strategy, and career exploration.

We also offer coaching for young adults launching early careers. This includes resume and LinkedIn support, networking tips, informational interviews, communication coaching, and job search planning to prepare them for the real-world challenges ahead.

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Hi, I’m Laura Laser

Founder and Chief Pathfinder

I've spent 15 years as an Executive Recruiter, placing creative talent and executives at the ad agencies that build the world's most powerful brands. I learned what makes people memorable. What makes them hireable. What separates the candidates who get the job from those who don't.

As a parent, I found myself facing a different kind of placement challenge: helping my own kids get into college. We cracked the code. One is a recent UC Berkeley grad, and the other is at Vanderbilt on a full-tuition scholarship.

That's when it hit me. The same instincts that helped me spot talent could help students discover their own. The same eye for what makes someone unforgettable could help kids tell their stories with power. My English and American Literature degree from Brandeis, plus screenwriting training at UCLA, taught me that every great story has a hook. And my understanding of what employers want? That could help families choose colleges that actually launch careers.

So I became an Independent Educational Consultant. I started by volunteering with first-generation students through ScholarMatch and Matchlighters, because I believe every kid deserves a shot at their dreams. Now I work with families who can invest in private consulting, but that foundation still shapes everything I do. As an IECA member with certification through UC Irvine, I'm held to the highest ethical standards in this industry, which is crucial when you're entrusted with someone's future.

When you're investing in your child's future, you deserve someone who understands both the admissions game and the career endgame.

Logo of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, featuring stylized blue text with red and blue accents and a red underline.

College counseling is not just about getting in. As a recruiter, I have seen how the ability to tell a clear and compelling story can open doors. Not just in college, but in internships, clubs, jobs, and careers. That mindset pays off long after the acceptance letter.

Missions Accomplished by my students

  • “Laura was incredibly supportive throughout my entire college application process. She truly cared about my success and the help she provided was proof of that. After months of working together, I’m proud to say that her support greatly influenced my acceptance into UCLA. She is someone I recommend to anyone in need of college counseling!”

    – Htun

  • "Having Laura as my college mentor has been a tremendous help in my journey of the college application process. She has been patient, kind, and very knowledgeable about this process, and having her assistance affected me greatly. I’m forever thankful for her support in my pursuits and hope that many others will find her just as helpful!"

    – Annalyn H

  • "I will forever cherish Laura for her invaluable advice and guidance throughout such a confusing and overwhelming process. Thanks to her support, I stayed on track and was confident in the direction of my college essays. Because of Laura, I felt more confident in myself and my abilities, and I ended up getting into my dream school! Laura was a steady source of support, and I’m so grateful for everything she’s done for me.”

    - Ryan C

A cartoon superhero woman wearing a red cape and red boots, running and reaching out towards a red graduation cap flying away.
Colorful brochure titled 'Common App Essay Topics That Make Admissions Officers Cringe' by Laura Laser at Laser Pathways, with cartoon-style illustrations of a university building and abstract comic book-like graphics surrounding the text.

Power-Up with Free Resources

Common App Essay Topics
That Make Admissions Officers Cringe

Download Your Free Guide (PDF)

A quick-hit download to help your student write something memorable, not meh.

More free Resources

College Affordability Calculator

College Net Price Calculators

MyMajors Career Assessment

BigFuture Scholarships & Search Tools

Coursera High School Programs

Free college-level courses

FAFSA Help
& Info

Common App Essay Prompts & Guides

Ready to trade stress
for clarity?

Choosing the right school and navigating the admissions process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We simplify the journey and provide the support you need, every step of the way.

When we work together, you and your child will get:

  • Clarity and structure

  • Expert insights with heart (and humor)

  • Peace of mind for parents, confidence for students

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Your questions answered

  • Most families start junior year, but I work with students from sophomore year through senior year. Earlier gives us more time, but I can help even if you're starting late.

  • I offer various packages tailored to your specific needs. We can discuss pricing once I understand your situation.

  • No one can guarantee admissions. However, I can help your student put together strong applications and find schools that are the best fit.

  • I keep my caseload small so that I can give each student the attention they deserve. 

  • That's normal. Most students don't know yet. We'll explore their interests and find schools that give them options.

  • Yes, but I don't write them. I help them find their voice and tell their own stories.

  • Colleges can spot AI writing, and it can hurt your chances. I teach students how to use AI for brainstorming, but the writing needs to be their own.

  • My goal is for your student to take the lead, with my guidance and your encouragement. I’ll keep you updated along the way so you can feel confident and at ease.

  • Absolutely! We help students identify their interests, explore majors, and connect those choices to potential careers. We also teach them how to use tools like O*NET and help build soft skills like networking and communication.

  • That’s totally normal. We help students choose schools that offer flexibility, strong advising, and career resources so they can explore and pivot with confidence.

Get in touch

Every Hero Needs a Sidekick

Ready to get started?

Let's talk about your student's unique path and create a personalized plan.
Book your free consultation today.

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