Helping Students Build Clear, Strategic Paths to College Success
Meet Daryl Perkins
Founder, FirstFlight College Coaching
17+ Years in Admissions, Financial Aid & Talent Recruitment
FirstFlight College Coaching was built on a simple belief — that every student deserves a clear, personalized plan for college, not just a list of schools and a hope for the best.
I’m Daryl, founder of FirstFlight. Before starting this practice, I spent more than 17 years working across college admissions, financial aid, and talent recruitment — including senior roles at Clemson University’s College of Business and East Carolina University, a dedicated FAFSA Specialist role at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Early Talent Recruiting at U.S. Bank.
That combination gives FirstFlight something most college coaches can’t offer — a view of the entire journey, from freshman year planning all the way through to what employers are actually looking for on the other side.
I started FirstFlight to bring that insider perspective directly to students and families — especially first-generation college-goers who are navigating this process without a built-in roadmap, and high-achieving students who want to make sure every decision counts.
How FirstFlight Guides Your Student Through the College Admissions Process
Discover & Define
We start by getting to know your student — their goals, strengths, academic profile, and the kind of college experience they’re looking for. From there, we build a clear, personalized strategy designed around where they’re headed.
Build & Position
We help your student develop a cohesive application — strong essays, a thoughtful college list, and a profile that presents their best, most authentic self to admissions readers.
Apply & Succeed
Your student moves through the process with structure and support — meeting deadlines with confidence, making informed decisions, and finishing strong.
A Clear, Strategic Approach
The families who get the best outcomes in the college admissions process are the ones who start with a strategy — not just a list of schools.
FirstFlight was built to give every family access to that kind of intentional, structured guidance. Whether you’re starting in 9th grade or the middle of junior year, we meet you where you are and build a plan that moves your student forward with clarity and purpose.
This is not guesswork — it’s a guided process, built around your student.
Start Building a Clear Plan for Your Student's College Journey
The Strategy Snapshot is the best place to start. In 15-20 minutes, you’ll give us what we need to assess your student’s current position and deliver a clear, actionable plan within 3-5 business days.
Delivered within 3-5 business days.