Elite Academic Planning & Admissions Strategy for Ambitious Families
Clarity, structure, and long-term strategy for competitive academic and athletic pathways in Canada, the US and international schools.
What We Do
We design academic pathways that keep every door open. From course selection to NCAA eligibility to full US and Ivy League admissions, we help students build a clear, competitive plan that aligns with their goals.
Who We Serve
We support motivated students in Grades 7–12, including high‑achieving learners, student‑athletes, and families seeking clarity, structure, and trusted guidance through academic planning, course selection, and competitive Canadian, US and international admissions.
How We Support
We offer high‑touch, individualized support that integrates academic planning, curated experiential learning, and competitive admissions strategy. Our work is intentional, student‑centered, and grounded in deep expertise across the Ontario education landscape. Every plan is personalized, purposeful, and designed to help students thrive — now and in the future.
Our Services
Academic Pathway Design
A clear, personalized roadmap for academic success, NCAA eligibility, and long-term planning.
Experiential Learning & Portfolio Development
Strategic project design, leadership development, and competitive portfolio building for Canadian, US and international admissions.
Subject-Specific Academic Support
Targeted academic planning and support designed to strengthen skills and build confidence.
Ivy League, U.S. & Competitive Admissions
Full admissions support for families seeking a structures, high-touch process from start to finish.
Meet the Team
Carla Cernic
Founder & Lead Academic ConsultantAs the founder of Pathways by Design, I bring over two decades of experience in guidance, curriculum development, and student support. I help students understand their strengths, make informed academic decisions, and build pathways that reflect who they are and where they want to go. Families trust me to provide clarity, discretion, and thoughtful guidance through every stage of high‑school planning and competitive admissions.
With 20+ years as a high‑school math teacher and private tutor, Bo provides targeted, subject‑specific support that strengthens foundational understanding and builds confidence. His calm, structured approach helps students embrace learning, overcome challenges, and excel in their coursework.
Lead Academic TutorBo Cernic
Why Families Choose Us
Because they want a trusted partner who understands the complexities of high‑school planning and competitive admissions — and who provides discreet, expert guidance tailored to their child’s goals. Our boutique, family‑run model ensures continuity, trust, and a level of care that larger services simply cannot match.
Success Stories
From “You won’t get into university” to top business programs
A Grade 12 student was told by his guidance counsellor that he didn’t qualify for university. He shut down, stopped trying, and assumed the door was closed.
Together, we rebuilt his confidence, identified business programs that genuinely fit, realigned his courses, and created a clear, strategic application plan.
He was admitted to his top business programs — a complete turnaround made possible by the right pathway and the right support.
Turning athletic commitment into academic opportunity
This Grade 11 competitive athlete spent weekends coaching and running a community soccer program. We reviewed his pathway plan, built a leadership narrative around his extracurriculars, and developed a clear admissions strategy. We also identified and secured PLAR credits for his coaching work, opening space in his schedule for additional training.
The result: a strong, authentic student‑athlete profile — strategically aligned and positioned for competitive programs.
From unsure Grade 10 student to U of T scholar
This Grade 10 student had strong potential but lacked direction — and their confidence reflected that. Together, we explored their interests, built a strategic academic pathway, and connected them with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health Mentorship Program at the University of Toronto.
With aligned courses and meaningful leadership‑focused extracurriculars, their performance and confidence grew. They were ultimately accepted to the University of Toronto with a scholarship — a quiet turning point that reshaped their trajectory.