Our story
We believe every student deserves a real mentor
Luminao was founded on a simple idea: the best college essay advice doesn't come from expensive consultants — it comes from students who just got in. We connect high schoolers with verified current college students for authentic, affordable guidance.
"Our mission is to make elite college guidance accessible to every student, regardless of background or zip code."
— Luminao founding team
What we stand for
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Access for everyone
Elite college counseling shouldn't be reserved for students who can afford $500/hr consultants. We democratize access to real student mentors.
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Authentic guidance
Our mentors are current students who just went through the process — they know what admissions officers actually want.
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Safety first
Every mentor is verified through their .edu email. Sessions happen on our platform, never off-site.
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Student-built
Luminao was built by college students, for college students. We know the process because we lived it.
The team
Evan Kong
Co-Founder & CEO
USC Marshall School of Business
Join us
Whether you're a student looking for guidance or a college student ready to share your journey — there's a place for you on Luminao.