Vincent Zhao
SFU Computer Science
accepted 2025
Get mentored by a student already in your dream program.
Your mentor got accepted last year. They know exactly what worked, what didn’t, and what the admissions team is really looking for, because they just lived it.
Free consultation, free first session, no commitment
Mentors currently in
The real challenge isn’t your grades. It’s knowing what actually matters.
Over 75% of applicants to competitive programs are academically qualified. The difference is in the supplementary application: the essays, the interview, the story you tell. You’re guessing at what the admissions team wants. Someone who just went through it actually knows.
What most applicants do
Do random extracurriculars just to check boxes.
Practice interviews question-by-question with no structure, hoping to figure it out on the spot.
Write essays that follow the guidelines but don't sound personal, and lack the applicant's unique story.
Have no insight into what the admissions officer actually values.
What PrepMate applicants know
Pick extracurriculars rooted in genuine passion, building a memorable, cohesive story with a mentor who knows what your program actually values.
Walk into every interview with a story bank: STAR-format answers built from their own experiences, so any question becomes a chance to tell that story.
Work with a mentor to put the story on the page articulately, in their own voice, in a way the admissions team remembers.
Know exactly what the admissions officer of their dream program is measuring.
What makes us different
Your mentor is currently in your dream program.
Not a graduate from five years ago. Someone who applied last cycle and got in.
We build the story, not just polish it.
Figure out what story to tell, which extracurriculars to chase, and how to live a path worth writing about, long before the essay is due.
Your mentor actually cares, because they were you last year.
They remember the stress. They know what helped. They want you to win.
Real deliverables, not vague “coaching.”
Every package ships things you can hold: a story map, a STAR interview bank, a submission-ready essay. What’s included scales with how much runway you have.
Free first session.
Your consultation is free. Your first 60-minute session with the mentor we match you to is free too. Full refund if it’s not a fit, no questions asked.
Simple pricing.
Three packages built around one question: how much runway you have. We walk you through exact pricing on your free call. No hidden fees.
Pick the program that fits where you are.
Three packages, one principle: the earlier you start, the more of your story we can help shape. Click any card to see exactly what’s inside.
Not sure which fits? We walk you through all the services offered and their pricing on your free consultation.
Book a Free ConsultationDon’t take our word for it.
Students who worked with PrepMate last cycle, in their own words.
“Kobe has been supportive throughout the mentorship program, always emphasizing the importance of balancing academics with extracurriculars. He introduced me to ElevAsian, showing his commitment to helping students pursue their interests. He leads by example, taking initiative in the things he cares about while still helping students manage heavy workloads. A true inspiration to everyone he works with.”
Cecilia Huang
UBC Kin
Kobe has been supportive throughout the mentorship program, always emphasizing the importance of balancing academics with extracurriculars. He introduced me to ElevAsian, showing his commitment to helping students pursue their interests. He leads by example, taking initiative in the things he cares about while still helping students manage heavy workloads. A true inspiration to everyone he works with.
Cecilia Huang, UBC KinKobe was a great help in directing me through my university applications. He held so much knowledge about the process and how to succeed in it. I was able to learn a lot from his experiences and his opinions on what he thought would be best for my journey. While I did not end up applying to Canadian schools, I was admitted to the Medical University of Warsaw, UMCH Medical University in Germany, and Humanitas University in Milan. Kobe helped me build confidence and understanding throughout our mentoring sessions.
Kiana Hrabinsky, UndecidedKobe was instrumental in helping me figure out the direction I wanted to go for university and perfect my application. He was always available to chat and gave me advice whenever I reached out. He would also schedule frequent meetings to help me edit my essays and give me advice on university. I was admitted to UC Berkeley, UNC-Chapel Hill, SFU, and UBC. Apart from just university applications, Kobe was a fantastic mentor, guiding me on life's important decisions and helping me achieve my full potential!
Richard Mou, UBC Business and Computer Science, BUCSKobe was incredibly helpful throughout my university application process and always made time to support me whenever I needed guidance. He stayed focused and direct during every meeting, giving honest feedback that genuinely improved my essays and applications. Beyond just editing, he helped me better communicate my experiences and present myself with more confidence. Thank you so much Kobe!
Kashvi Kothiyal, UndecidedKobe is reliable and responsible, always offering support. He helped me find resources and connections that aided my academic journey, and with this support I was admitted to UBC, SFU, Dalhousie, and UVic. He always goes above and beyond in helping students, and played a crucial role in the development of my nonprofit by offering his experiences, knowledge, and even supplies.
Briana Kim, SFU BeedieKobe provided invaluable guidance on balancing my extracurriculars and studies, as well as prioritizing my time to ensure I was successful in all my goals. I was admitted to UofT, Western, and UBC, all of the schools I applied to in Canada. He was not only a counselor, but also a friend who understood and sympathized with my experience.
Joyce Li, OxfordEver since Kobe helped me get through the obstacles regarding IB when I was starting grade eleven, there has been an obvious change in my confidence in the program. Not only did his mentorship get me through some of the greatest challenges of high school, but it eventually proved essential for my university applications. He helped me format my application letters, pointing out details I should include and sections that were redundant and should be deleted. On top of that, Kobe has continued to be one of the most positive influences in my life, eager to help with any questions I had about the IB program, volunteer opportunities, and the process of applying to post-secondary institutions. With all of this help, I can confidently say that Kobe played a significant role in getting me admitted to the University of Alberta, University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, and Simon Fraser University. His suggestions for scholarships also led to me receiving around $1,000 in offers from all of the institutions mentioned. Kobe continues to be an inspiration in my life, reminding me that goals can be achieved by keeping a positive outlook and balancing tasks efficiently. Once again, a huge thank you to Kobe for all the help.
Jerry Tian, UBC EngFiguring out what university to attend come spring is every Canadian student's nightmare and I was no exception. Kobe graciously took the time to patiently listen to all of my grievances and assure me that my fears about engineering's stress and workload were just imposter syndrome. Fast forward a year later, finishing my first year and first co-op at UWaterloo, I can attribute all of the good memories I've made here in my dream program to Kobe's initial belief in me.
Alisa Song, Waterloo EngineeringKobe was a huge help in the uni application process. He had a presentation walking me through what to expect with the application process and supp app over the summer, so I already knew what I had to do in the fall. Being a Terry Fox Humanitarian, Kobe definitely knows how to write compellingly, and his essays were what I took inspiration from as I applied and got accepted to every university I applied to, including UBC Vancouver Eng, UCalgary Eng, UWO Ivey + Eng, and Waterloo Engineering. Alongside those, I've received a full ride along with other five figure scholarships. Kobe's always been willing to go out of his way to help along the way, especially during my times of need at absurd hours of the day. His genuine care for each person he mentors is what makes him truly unique.
Caden Chau, Waterloo MechatronicsKobe has always been a great mentor and a role model to me. His drive and motivation are second to none. Sometimes I genuinely question how he is able to be so productive. His advice and experience regarding applying to US universities were quite helpful. I was admitted to Waterloo, Georgia Tech, and Oxford, where I currently study engineering. Kobe is an inspirational figure and his legacy still lives on at Port Moody Secondary and beyond.
WeiWei Luo, Oxford Engineering
Common questions.
How is PrepMate different from a regular admissions consultant?
Over 75% of applicants to competitive Canadian programs are academically qualified. The difference is the story you tell, and most students are guessing at what admissions actually wants. PrepMate goes further than essay and interview help. We work with you from the start to figure out what story to tell, which extracurriculars to chase, and how to live a path worth writing about. The result is a fully built application, not a polished version of whatever you happened to do.
How much does PrepMate cost?
Pricing depends on how much runway you have before your deadline. There are three packages: Accelerated (1 to 2 months out), Momentum (3 to 5 months out), and Path to Success (6 or more months out), each with a set number of 1-on-1 mentorship hours. We walk you through exact pricing on your free consultation. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. The first 30-minute consultation is free and held online with someone on the PrepMate team. No credit card, no commitment. Your first 60-minute session with the mentor we match you to is also free: if it's not a fit, you won't be charged for that session.
What if I don't like my mentor?
Switch any time. The first 60 minutes with your mentor are essentially a free trial: if it's not a fit, full refund, no friction. After that you can request a different mentor whenever you want.
Which Canadian universities do PrepMate mentors come from?
Mentors come from across the top Canadian universities, including Queen's, McMaster, University of Toronto, UBC, Western, York, McGill, University of Alberta, and others. Whatever program you're applying to, we match you with a mentor currently enrolled in it.
What does PrepMate actually deliver?
More than essay edits and interview prep. We work backward from the program you're targeting to figure out what story to tell, which extracurriculars to take on, and what experiences to live. Then we help you turn it into the submission piece: a polished essay, a STAR-format story bank for interviews, a sharper resume. The exact deliverables scale with the package you pick.
Who is PrepMate for?
Any high school student applying to a competitive Canadian university: Queen's, Western, McMaster, Waterloo, U of T, UBC, McGill, and similar top programs across the country. Parents often book the first consultation on their student's behalf.
Your mentor is waiting.
Book a free consultation. A real conversation about where you are, where you want to go, and how we’ll help you build the story to get there.
Book a Free Consultation