Mara Patti

As the landscape of education continues to shift, so do students' paths towards college. Rising costs have led some young people to consider trade professions. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become deeply integrated into both classrooms and the admissions process. With at least 60% of teachers incorporating AI tools in the last academic year, students are encountering these technologies earlier and more frequently.

To help families navigate these complexities, ONE2ONE, a Florida-based college consulting company founded by Mara Patti, supports high school, college, and graduate students throughout their academic journeys and their entry into the professional world. The company offers a wide range of services, which include college list development, personal statement and supplemental essay guidance, standardized test preparation, tutoring, graduate school advising, and interview coaching.

ONE2ONE's goal is to serve as a long-term partner for students, beginning as early as junior high and continuing through college and into career preparation. Patti aims to equip students with the tools they need to network effectively, secure meaningful internships, and ultimately transition into professional roles.

Although ONE2ONE offers core service packages, the company prioritizes student individuality by providing flexible and customized options. " Understanding that each human is different is of utmost importance when guiding students through their academic journeys," she explains. "We personalize our services so students can receive the support that best meets their needs."

Patti is especially passionate about helping students identify their interests and purpose as they prepare for college and careers. " It's really important to have purpose and passions and to do things with intention." She says. The company takes a holistic approach that looks beyond grades to include extracurricular activities, internships, and volunteer work that reflect each student's authentic interests. " A transcript can tell you what classes a student is taking, but it doesn't show their essence or how they contribute to their community," she adds.

With 25 years of experience in college admissions, Patti began her career as an academic advisor before moving to admissions. Seeking closer, more personal engagement with students, she transitioned to working in a high school setting, coordinating college fairs and trips. Over time, she found the advisor-to-student ratio too high to offer the individualized attention she believed students deserved. The realization inspired her to start ONE2ONE, where she can build meaningful, one-on-one relationships.

Together with co-founder Alan Katzman, Patti also launched DigitalFirst, a division under ONE2ONE that helps college students develop a strong digital presence before entering the workforce. This service teaches students how to strategically curate online profiles and optimize them for search engines. "People are always interested in each other's online presence, so why wouldn't it be the same in the working world?" She says. "A resume can only say so much, but digital proxies give students space to expand on their interests."

ONE2ONE

The idea was born from Patti's observation of the job market during COVID, when many students struggled to secure interviews or responses from employers. Recognizing the power of digital visibility, Patti began empowering students to use online platforms to stand out. "I'm a big believer in showing and telling in this day and age," she explains.

Patti has also observed the increasing influence of AI on students' academic and personal lives, including in their college essays. Understanding this reality, she helps students navigate AI ethically and effectively. She encourages its use for brainstorming, clarifying prompts, and improving grammar, but emphasizes that students must infuse all work with their own voice, experiences, and critical thinking. "AI will never replace the human element," she says. "It's important to ensure it does not replace your personal story."

Despite challenges such as rising tuition costs and the rapid rise of AI, Patti remains dedicated to guiding students through the evolving academic and professional landscape. Her commitment to helping students identify their passions continues to drive ONE2ONE's mission: empowering young people to pursue their goals with clarity, authenticity, and confidence.

Originally published on IBTimes