About Us
Empowering students to navigate the college admissions process with confidence.
I founded Astra Admissions to guide students and families through every step of the college admissions process. I personalize my guidance to each unique student, empowering them to showcase their intellect, interests, background, and personal narrative. Throughout our work together, I foster a close advising relationship with students and families, reducing stress and encouraging students to feel in control of the process. I advise students from across the United States, and from all academic backgrounds, helping them find their best-fit college.
My unique experience includes working in several college admission offices, from the most elite, highly selective STEM institution in the world, to a large public university, to a small college. I have read applications for admission and voted in admission selection committees. The insight I have gained from my direct college admissions experience, collaborating with fellow admissions officers in making actual decisions, is invaluable in guiding my students.
Meet Patty
Patty Pirone-Rice, Founder & College Advisor
During the 14 years I served working in college admissions offices, I read and evaluated thousands of applications. I was an Admissions Reader for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Office of Undergraduate Admissions for eight years, until the spring of 2024. I evaluated prospective students’ applications for admission to MIT’s incoming freshman classes using a holistic approach that considered all aspects of a student’s background. I was also a member of MIT’s selection committee, collaborating to make admission decisions to shape the accomplished entering class. My admissions experience has highlighted the importance of students not only having a strong academic background but also sharing their stories and showcasing their interests and talents.
Earlier in my career, I served as Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. I was Chairperson of the Girls to College program, helping young women from underrepresented backgrounds learn about higher education, and also was the primary liaison for international applicants. Before this, I was an Associate Director of Admission for Regis College, where I was responsible for training Admission Officers and conducting workshops on the admissions process at high schools. As a graduate student, I interned in the undergraduate admissions office at Boston College, presenting information sessions to large groups of visiting students and families, and also worked in the Career Services Office at Babson College, helping students refine their resumes.
I have a Master of Arts (MA) in Higher Education Administration from Boston College and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of New Hampshire. I have experience in college admissions from both the institution and the parent sides, as I have guided my three children through the process. My oldest son is a Georgetown University graduate, my daughter is a Boston College graduate, and my youngest son is an incoming student at Boston College. I enjoy working with students from across the country and the world while living in Andover, Massachusetts, with my husband Chris and our tiny red poodle, who often makes surprise appearances during Zoom meetings.