sagehill

Supplemental Essays: A Matchmaking Process

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:34:53 GMT

Once the personal statement is complete, it’s time to tackle college-specific prompts. The variation in these questions reflects subtle differences in institutional values. Your responses can set you apart from other applicants who may have similar grades, test scores, and extracurricular achievements.

Even when prompts seem similar, don’t assume the same answer will suffice — especially for the classic “Why us?” essay. You may plan to major in the same subject at several colleges, but each department has distinct strengths, priorities, and opportunities. A strong essay shows you understand these differences.

Research First

A nuanced response require thoughtful research.

Explore college websites or take campus tours when possible. As you learn to notice key words, images, programs, and initiatives that signal a school’s core values, you’ll become faster and more strategic in your research.

I would caution against using AI for this information; it’s best to go to the source for the most accurate results. Colleges constantly update programs, faculty priorities, and campus initiatives, so firsthand research is the most accurate way to build a compelling response.

Student Examples

One student applying to Brandeis initially planned on reusing part of a UMass essay explaining why she wanted to be an economics major. After looking more carefully at the college website, she was amazed to see that their School of Arts, Humanities, and Culture mirrored her future aspirations exactly: using literature, philosophy, and culture to shape the world. She fundamentally changed her essay to reflect how Brandeis was the perfect place for her to develop both cultural awareness through the arts and still acquire business savvy.

The result was a far more convincing portrait of fit: not just business, but the unique intersection of economics and creativity that Brandeis offers.

Another student faced a different challenge. She had written a poetic-like response to Dartmouth’s question “ What excites you?” focusing on the fascinating ways cultures develop unique forms of expression. When Swarthmore asked a question that looked almost identical, she was ready to paste in the same essay. But a closer reading changed everything.

The Swarthmore prompt wasn’t simply asking what interested her—it asked how that interest shaped the way she explores life and learning more broadly. So instead of reusing the original essay, she reframed it around the interconnected nature of knowledge itself. She kept her talent for metaphor intact, referring to interdisciplinary studies as a “connected circuit.” But she added a more philosophical take on the learning process saying “it has no borders and welcomes everyone.”

That shift made the response far more aligned with what the college was really asking.

Values Matter

Prompts often reveal what a college values to see if you are “in synch” with those values. Columbia asks applicants to share books, media, and cultural experiences to understand their intellectual curiosity and engagement with New York City. Cornell and Penn place strong emphasis on institutional fit, which is why they require more extensive “Why us?” essays. Other colleges may emphasize leadership, initiative, willingness to take risks, social responsibility, service, and distinctive talents.

So - like the two students above - it pays to carefully study what each prompt is asking you to communicate about yourself.

Treat It Like a Job Interview

The best way to approach supplemental essays is to treat them like a meaningful job interview.

It’s essential to go beyond generic praise. Avoid vague statements such as “you have great professors” or “I admire your academic excellence.” Instead, identify what the institution itself presents as innovative or distinctive — and explain why those qualities resonate with you and why you would thrive there.

In other words: give the admissions office the same feeling as a perfect dating app match.

Make them want to “swipe right.”

Do Essays Really Matter?

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:34:11 GMT

Answer: Essays can be the tie-breaker in your favor at competitive colleges.

The Personal Essay

You will be competing against thousands of others with a great GPA, an excellent SAT score, and meaningful extra-curricular pursuits - research, community service, entrepreneurship.

An engaging, insightful personal essay that demonstrates personal growth can be the deciding factor that leads to your acceptance.

Admissions officers at selective colleges are increasingly looking beyond traditional metrics to evaluate if a student has the maturity to master the pressures of college life, make sound decisions, and contribute to a vibrant campus life .

Mike Sexton, vice president for enrollment management at Santa Clara University, says that when admission officers read student essays, they ask themselves, "Would you like this person to be your roommate? Would you like to work on a group project with this person?" If you look on Harvard’s website, they seek students who are determined to make an impact on critical global issues.

The essay can reveal, better than any test score, whether you meet the profile they are looking for.

This can feel like a daunting task as it’s likely the first time you’ve had to identify the expectations of your audience and then write an essay that meets those expectations - especially when the essay has a very significant impact on your future.

Most others parts of the application are meant to show academic and extracurricular achievements. The personal essay compels you to divulge who you are as a person, focusing on your inner strengths. This can be stressful.

So first and foremost, it’s important to choose a life experience that demonstrates personal strength: initiative, willingness to take a risk, resilience, curiosity, concern for others, and self reflection.

This may seem impossible at first. So that’s when I point out that the experience need not be dramatic. In fact, it’s not a good idea to write about an ongoing crisis that is unresolved. Focusing only on pain without showing growth might make a school feel worried about you and decide you’re not ready for the demands of college life.

Colleges mainly want to know how you handle everyday obstacles. How do you face the disappointment when you don’t reach a goal you set for yourself? How do you deal with a person with whom you totally disagree? How do you overcome the fear of learning a new skill? How do you react in a room of strangers? Are you able to ask for help?

These are the sorts of issues that are sure to arise in college and counselors want to see evidence of how you handle these challenges. They want to know if you reflect on difficult experiences and learn important insights about yourself.

Finding the right experience is often the most challenging part of the essay process.

Here’s great way way to get the ball rolling. Think about activities outside of class: jobs, internships, volunteer work, summer school, clubs, musical or theatrical performances, art or poetry exhibitions, research opportunities, entrepreneurial ventures.

Activities like these show right away that you have initiative, and if you managed to stick with the activity, you likely have had to overcome challenges. I encourage students to summarize three meaningful events that happened in the past two or three years, even if they seem ordinary. Then they evaluate to see which one best meets their needs.

For this type of essay, it’s more important to dig deep into one event rather than skim over several events. And, it’s important convey the information in a compelling narrative.

We’ll go over a whole range of literary techniques that grab a reader’s attention: start in the middle of action, include dialogue, use vivid verbs and colorful descriptions, show don’t tell, introduce a conflict.

As you write the narrative, your strengths will naturally emerge … and if you don’t see them, I will definitely point them out. By incorporating these insights into the story, you will show counselors a person ready to learn from others, contribute to campus life, and thrive in a college setting.

Of course, you may need a few, or several, rewrites. But that’s a normal part of the process. As the essay unfolds, students are often surprised to realize how much they have grown and what they are capable of. Writing the personal essay can actually help you feel more confident as you take the enormous step away from home and into an exciting future.

Why Human Guidance Still Matters in the Age of AI

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:42:42 GMT

For most students, the college application personal essay is a dreaded task. They struggle not only with what to say, but also with the pressure of competing against millions of other applicants. In 2023–24 alone, more than 9.4 million first-year college applications were submitted. It’s the perfect breeding ground for stress.

Feeling overwhelmed, it’s understandable that students consider turning to artificial intelligence for help. Even colleges send mixed signals. Brown University states that AI use is “not permitted under any circumstances,” while the University of California allows limited use, emphasizing that “content and final written text must be their own.”

Meanwhile, AI detection software continues to improve, and many schools warn that if an essay is flagged as AI-generated, the application may be rejected outright. The stakes are high.

At Sage Hill, our goal is to provide the kind of thoughtful, personalized support that helps students feel confident in their own abilities—so they don’t feel drawn to rely on AI.

Colleges encourage students to seek help with brainstorming and editing from parents, counselors, and tutors because these adults are invested in nurturing a student’s unique voice. Still, striking the right balance between supporting a student and taking over can be tricky—and it’s certainly not something to hand off to a machine.

Under pressure and lacking confidence, students may begin to doubt their own ideas. This past year, several students confided in me that they allowed AI to expand on their thoughts because, as they put it, “AI can do it so much better than me.” These comments reveal a troubling sense of disempowerment.

But the college application process should be an opportunity for students to recognize their strengths, develop their voice, and gain confidence.

One student sat quietly after reading the essay prompts, eyes downcast. When I gently asked what was wrong, she said she felt that “nothing worthy of writing about” had happened in her life. This was the perfect moment to pause and look inward. I invited her to describe three recent experiences that felt meaningful—without judging their importance through a college admissions lens.

As she spoke, her confidence began to grow. She realized she did, in fact, have meaningful stories to tell. One experience stood out, but soon her worried expression returned. When I encouraged her to explain, she admitted, “It might make me look weak. I was afraid to sign up for that summer program. I thought no one would like me, and I’d feel left out.”

Another perfect teaching moment.

I reminded her that colleges aren’t searching for superheroes. They want real students—students who face fear, take risks, and grow. “The important part of your story,” I told her, “is that you did sign up. You did participate. And you found your way to connect.”

While AI can respond to words, it cannot perceive body language, tone, hesitation, or emotion—often the true language of teenagers. Those subtle cues guide us toward deeper insight, encouragement, and connection.

At Sage Hill, we help students uncover their strengths rather than dwell on their fears. Many are surprised when they realize how much courage, resilience, empathy, and determination their experiences reveal—even in moments of challenge or failure.

The right balance of guidance preserves each student’s authentic voice while bringing emerging abilities to light. And perhaps most importantly in this modern age, the process nurtures something AI never can: a genuine connection between two living, breathing people.

AI, Students, and Learning

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:39:40 GMT

A reflection after the 2025 application season

As the 2025 application season comes to a close, seeing learning across a wide age range makes one thing very clear. AI changes how students learn, but it does not change what students need to become.

AI is a tool. Like any powerful tool, it amplifies what already exists. Used well, it accelerates growth. Used poorly, it weakens independence and creates quiet dependence.

For younger children, especially in elementary school, AI has no role. Learning at this stage is physical and sensory. Cutting paper, drawing by hand, building with blocks, telling stories out loud. These are not simple activities. They are the foundation of thinking itself. Before children use tools made by others, they must first master the tools they were born with: hands, attention, and imagination.

In middle school, structure begins to form. This is when students should learn logic, mathematics, and basic programming, not by relying on AI, but by struggling through problems on their own. Reading and writing should remain entirely human and handwritten. At this stage, both AI and smartphones are distractions from the deeper work of learning how to think.

High school is where AI can begin to play a constructive role. Once students understand how to ask real questions, they can use AI to explore ideas, organize research, and test assumptions. But AI should never replace original thinking or core academic work. Colleges are not looking for polished outputs. They are looking for ownership, judgment, and intellectual honesty.

By college and adulthood, AI can become a powerful partner in building larger systems: research projects, platforms, services, or ventures. Even then, AI should not be used to make life decisions or serve as emotional support. It is a technology, not a mentor.

This is where a critical distinction must be made. AI can provide information, structure, and speed. What it cannot provide is discernment. It cannot understand a student’s values, fears, contradictions, or long-term potential. It cannot challenge a student when they are choosing the easy path over the meaningful one.

A real counselor does exactly that.

Good counselors see patterns across years, not prompts. They notice when a student’s interests are genuine versus performative. They help students connect learning to identity, effort to purpose, and ambition to responsibility. Most importantly, they hold students accountable in ways no algorithm ever will.

In every strong application I saw this year, the same truth appeared. The student did the thinking. The student made the choices. AI may have helped along the way, but a human mentor helped them grow.

The future belongs to students who know how to use powerful tools without surrendering their agency. AI will continue to evolve. Human judgment, character, and guidance will remain irreplaceable.

If there is one lesson from this application season, it is this. Use AI to move faster, but rely on people to move wisely.

Embracing diversity: writing college application essays in a post-2023 SCOTUS decision landscape

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 14:11:36 GMT

After the 2023 SCOTUS decision to ban race-conscious admission was released, I noticed a recurrent theme pop up in college application essay prompts: diversity. These prompts require students to reflect on ways in which they have experienced diversity be it about race, religion, ethnicity, income, ideology, or interests. The prompt also encourages students to explain how these experiences have impacted their beliefs and values.

Many of my students are first or second generation immigrants, and this prompt has triggered heartfelt responses about how they deal with the blending of cultures. Some have felt torn between the values and expectations of their immigrant parents and those of their American born friends and teachers. I worked with one Chinese American student who struggled to find her authentic self among what she considered two strong yet conflicting ideologies. A media savvy friend, who knew of her struggles, invited her to participate in a blog he created that addressed issues raised by multiculturalism. By sharing her personal journey publicly, she was attempting to, as she put it, “help others in a similar circumstance feel less alone in their confusion.” Afterwards, the student felt empowered by how her story could lend support to a vulnerable and often invisible group. This process of finding her voice transformed into a compelling essay.

Another student, a boy who grew up in a bi-racial household, found a unique way to act as a bridge between cultures. Although his parents were of European and Chinese ancestry, he confided that for a long time he had felt more in touch with the European side of his family. Then during the previous year, his school had offered a perfect opportunity for him to help those in need while exploring his Chinese identity. The teacher of his Chinese Language and Culture class worked out a plan with a local food pantry that needed help communicating with a group of Chinese elders. The whole class then volunteered their services, tasked with finding out how the pantry might better serve their needs. At first, the student was concerned about whether he could communicate effectively with seniors, especially as he had a limited Chinese vocabulary. But he took on the challenge, spending a week doing activities with them: visiting Chinatown, taking a museum tour, eating lunch, and riding public transportation. He also video-interviewed one of the women to understand what it was like for her to grow up in China.

He included an especially touching moment in his essay. One morning a “Shen Nai Nai,” as he called her, walked in with a basket of oranges. She peeled each orange and passed them out to everyone. The teens insisted that she eat as well, but she refused until they all received an orange, saying “You must eat first.” The student wrote, “This small instance of kindness encapsulated how loving and compassionate all of the Asian elders were toward us. As my friend put it best, ‘I feel like we are their grandchildren.’”

It’s been inspiring to see how both of these teenagers mastered the challenges that arise from living in a diverse society with compassion, understanding, and service for the larger community. College application prompts often ask students to reflect on complex issues, but with support, students describe life experiences that address the prompt and reveal incredible strengths in their personalities.

Unveiling Hidden Strengths: The Transformative Journey of College Application Essays

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:04:40 GMT

Parents and students alike may wonder why it's so hard to sit down and write college application essays. After helping scores of students accomplish this task, I have gained some important insights into this matter.

Typically, the first application essay that students write is the personal essay for the Common App. This is likely the first time students have written about personal issues for absolute strangers, and to make matters more stressful, these are not just any strangers: these are admission counselors who stand between each student and his or her dream college. Faced with a task that makes them feel vulnerable, many students freeze. Suddenly, they can't imagine anything has happened in their lives that would be important enough to send to a college. So first and foremost, I reassure students that everyday experiences are actually great material for this type of essay.

Last year, I worked with a teenage boy who had dreams of becoming an engineer. He had interned the past summer at a medical design company, and when I asked him if anything had happened there that was worth writing about, he shrugged and told me “not much.” He added that he had worked on a design that the engineers had rejected as being impractical to build because of its expense. So I gently probed a bit more, reassuring him that it was an impressive feat for a high school student to actually create a design that worked. This positive feedback helped him reveal more details. It turned out that he had been promised the opportunity to work with a team of engineers and participate in designing a product. Upon his arrival, the boss wanted him to read articles about product design and do online market research about the medical industry, but didn’t set him up to participate in any real design work. After a week of sitting in a room by himself, the student had a feeling he’d been forgotten and might need to remind the boss of his existence! In telling me the story the first time, he remembered only his uncertainty and anxiety about how to handle the situation and felt embarrassed about it. But as we chatted, he realized that this situation had challenged him in a new and important way. This wasn’t like high school with teachers keeping an eye on you; this was a professional work situation and he needed to take initiative himself if he wanted change. Although it took a few days of working up his nerve, he approached his boss and asked if it might be time for him to join a design team. His boss immediately apologized and assigned him to a group of engineers. The student finally realized he had great material for a personal essay that highlighted his ability to problem solve, determination to succeed, and courage to take on a challenge - all qualities colleges want to see in their incoming students. This student ended up attending Cornell.

Writing this personal essay often becomes a transformative experience. Students not only see that they have the inner power to write a compelling narrative, they also gain confidence as they discover hidden strengths they didn't even know they had!

Crafting Compelling Supplemental Essays: Unleashing Your Authentic Voice

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 16:04:37 GMT

The supplemental essay that students struggle with the most is, "Why do you want to attend our college?" Left to their own devices, students tend to offer reasons that could apply to any school, basically writing a generic form letter. I help them understand that colleges are seeking students that have done background research on their particular school and resonate with its unique attributes. I show students how to search the school website looking for courses, programs, professors, research and internship opportunities that capture their interest. This type of essay lets colleges know that the student is truly invested in attending.

Supplemental essay prompts also elicit answers to why a student has chosen a particular major. Schools want to know what drives the student’s interests and what kind of success they’ve already had in those fields. A common question might look like this: “Why are you interested in the major you indicated as your first-choice major?” This type of question can be challenging if the student has only recently chosen this area of interest, but even those with a background in the field can fail to recognize the value of their actions.

In one case, I worked with a student who felt ashamed of experiences that actually demonstrated her strengths! She wanted to major in business and was struggling to find a “good” topic when I learned that she was an international fashion model. Eventually, she confided her concern that colleges might adversely judge her for participating in a “superficial” endeavor. As I listened to her story, I helped her understand the treasure trove of topics embedded in her modeling career that would underscore her strengths. Because of her three years spent modeling, she had already successfully held down a job in a highly competitive adult world. She had acted in a highly responsible way, always being on time for job interviews and modeling shoots, and always acting in a professional manner. No one ever knew she was a teenager unless she told them. Considering she planned to pursue a business major, her ability to not only survive but thrive in this environment would likely work in her favor. Once she understood how her modeling career highlighted her communication skills and her maturity, she wrote an amazing essay. This student ended up attending NYU.

Accurately understanding each supplemental essay prompt and addressing it with relevant information is probably the biggest hurdle for students to overcome. Then comes the next hurdle: putting it all into words. For this step, I offer tips for creating a narrative that is narrowly focused with no extraneous details. Then I explain how to insert insights that help admissions counselors gain a better understanding of why this individual would be a great addition to their particular university.

Jenny's Expert Guidance in Navigating the American Education System

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:22:01 GMT

Since immigrating to the United States, our journey through the American education system has been unfamiliar and challenging. With limited knowledge of adolescent psychology and the intricacies of the education system, we sought a counselor who could bridge the cultural gap and provide comprehensive guidance for our children's higher education. It is with great appreciation and respect that we have entrusted this crucial role to the exceptional and proficient Mrs. Jenny Wan.

Under Jenny's professional guidance, our youngest son successfully gained admission to a prestigious private middle school in Boston in 2022. More recently, our eldest daughter received an acceptance letter from her top-choice university through Early Decision. The impact of Jenny's dedication and support has been transformative.

Jenny has been tutoring our eldest daughter since the tenth grade, especially during the challenging period of online learning due to the pandemic. With regular communication, she supervised our daughter's daily studies, assisted in planning extracurricular activities, and provided gradual guidance for university applications. Throughout this process, we observed a remarkable transformation in our daughter. She developed a deeper appreciation for learning and further education, cultivating a strong sense of self-motivation and determination. Overcoming challenges became second nature to her, resulting in increased confidence and resilience. Jenny's positive energy, compassionate listening, and persuasive guidance contributed to our daughter's growing sense of optimism, fostering open and peaceful discussions between our family members about planning and college selection. In the tenth grade, as our eldest daughter began planning her college applications, Jenny identified her interests in education and economics. Jenny meticulously crafted a two-year plan, outlining course selection, extracurricular activities, and summer engagements. Under Jenny's guidance, our daughter participated in educational psychology courses offered by Brown University, completed online microeconomics AP courses, organized a children's summer camp, engaged in chess training, volunteered with the Best Buddy organization, completed early education and practical courses with assistant teacher certification, and participated in Cornell University's economics summer program. Through Jenny's systematic and targeted planning, our daughter not only acquired knowledge and practical experience in education and economics but also developed unique personal qualities and life experiences that enriched her university application.

For our youngest son, who was applying to private middle school upon completion of the sixth grade, Jenny's guidance began early in his academic journey. The application process, including paperwork and interviews, was entirely new territory for our 12-year-old son and us as parents. However, Jenny provided unwavering support, coaching us step-by-step, word by word, throughout the entire process. She helped our son recognize his strengths and directed his efforts toward effective interview preparation. Thanks to Jenny's guidance, our son's self-confidence and interview skills have flourished. A crucial aspect of our youngest son's application process has been the interviews with school admissions officers. For a 12-year-old, this presented a significant challenge. To alleviate tension and ensure preparedness, Jenny conducted rehearsals with our son, emulating the characteristics of each school he would interview with. These sessions improved his familiarity with the schools and his interview experience. As a result of Jenny's effective guidance, our son successfully completed interviews with seven schools, receiving positive feedback and high praise for his performance.

Jenny's deep understanding of both Chinese and American cultures, coupled with her insight into the psychological development and value systems of American students, has proven invaluable. Throughout our three-year relationship, we as parents have gained a new perspective on our children's development, relinquishing unrealistic expectations and gaining a better understanding of their growth needs. With Jenny's guidance, constructive exchanges, and mutual respect, we have achieved smooth consensuses on significant issues.

In addition to her vast knowledge, information, and impartial decision-making abilities, Jenny possesses exceptional communication skills. She adeptly analyzes problems and provides guidance and solutions while considering the perspectives and opinions of others. When diverging views arise, Jenny demonstrates remarkable wisdom and emotional intelligence by proposing alternative approaches that honor the principles involved. As a result, decisions made collectively by students, parents, and Jenny resonate and are seamlessly implemented, yielding highly satisfactory outcomes.

With sincere gratitude, we acknowledge Jenny's instrumental role in our children's success. The profound impact of her expertise, meticulous guidance, and compassionate support has empowered our children to reach new heights. We are forever grateful for her unwavering commitment to their long-term happiness and development.

With warm regards,

Wang Family, Massachusetts

A Journey of Success: Gratitude for Jenny's Guiding Hand in Evan's Secondary School Application

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:20:34 GMT

Dear Jenny,

Today marks an important milestone as Ravenna reveals that most schools have received all the application materials. With great joy, we can say that our son's high school application journey has come to a successful close. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, step-by-step guidance, and meticulous editorial assistance over the past three months. Without your expertise and patient cooperation, this achievement would not have been possible.

We would like to express our sincerest thanks and utmost respect for your professional guidance throughout this process. Your dedication and commitment to our son's success have been truly remarkable. The countless hours you devoted to providing individualized guidance and ensuring the quality of each application document have made a significant impact. The entire school application journey has profoundly enlightened Evan about the path he wishes to pursue in the future. Your guidance has instilled in him the importance of perseverance and the value of taking steady steps towards his goals. As we move forward, we anticipate the need for your continued support and guidance to help Evan further excel and grow.

With heartfelt appreciation and warm regards,

Evan's parents, Massachusetts

Empowered for Success: Jenny's Unwavering Guidance in Achieving My Dream at Harvard

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:19:11 GMT

Jenny is an exceptional and devoted counselor whose unwavering guidance has been instrumental in every step of my application process. Her passion, expertise, and commitment have played a pivotal role in my successful journey toward acceptance into my dream programs at Harvard.

From the very beginning, Jenny displayed a genuine interest in understanding my interests and goals. Her extensive knowledge and dedication enabled her to provide invaluable insights, helping me curate a list of master's and Ph.D. programs that perfectly aligned with my aspirations. Through our discussions, Jenny's enthusiasm and genuine care fueled my motivation and empowered me to pursue programs that truly resonated with my ambitions.

Jenny's meticulous attention to detail extended beyond program recommendations. She took the time to thoroughly analyze my coursework and research experiences, recognizing the unique strengths and qualities that set me apart. With her guidance, I was able to effectively highlight these attributes in my applications, allowing my true potential to shine through.

One area where Jenny's expertise truly stood out was in the crafting of my application essays. When I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to structure my statements, Jenny's exceptional guidance helped me find my voice. Her ability to understand my personal interests and experiences allowed us to create compelling essays that captured the essence of who I am as an individual. Jenny's dedication to tailoring the essays to my background and passions was evident in her thoughtful suggestions and unwavering support.

Moreover, Jenny's invaluable advice and support extended to interview preparation. With her guidance, I felt well-prepared and confident in showcasing my abilities and aspirations during these crucial interactions. Her insights and practice sessions provided me with the necessary skills to make a lasting impression.

Throughout the entire process, Jenny's accessibility and responsiveness have been remarkable. She consistently demonstrated her commitment to my success by promptly addressing any questions or concerns that arose. Her attention to detail and unwavering support made the application process seamless and organized.

I am filled with profound gratitude for Jenny's guidance, which played a pivotal role in my acceptance into my dream programs at Harvard. Her passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication have truly empowered me for success. I am honored to have had Jenny as my counselor, and I will forever be grateful for the impact she has had on my academic journey.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Bowen, Zhejiang, China

Guided to Success: My Journey with Jenny in College Applications

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:17:37 GMT

I thoroughly enjoyed Jenny's invaluable help with my college application! Her guidance and expertise have been instrumental in shaping my application journey and making it a truly rewarding experience.

Initially, as I embarked on the application process, I felt unsure about the steps involved, especially when it came to crafting the supplemental essays, a new challenge for me. However, Jenny's insightful tips on essay writing proved to be a game-changer. With her guidance, I was able to produce essays that not only reflected my abilities but also perfectly aligned with the unique preferences of the colleges I applied to.

One aspect that truly sets Jenny apart was her exceptional communication skills. Her prompt and clear responses were a lifeline during the often overwhelming application process. I vividly recall seeking her advice on selecting majors for Brandeis University. Within moments, Jenny provided valuable guidance, advising me against applying for a highly competitive major and redirecting my focus toward more suitable options. Her guidance allowed me to make informed decisions and avoid potential disappointment.

Jenny's assistance went beyond essay help. Her keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence shone through when she helped me refine my writing skills. I distinctly remember struggling with my WPI essay, but Jenny's constructive suggestions and guidance empowered me to independently write a compelling piece. Similarly, when tackling the supplementary essay for Providence College, Jenny's astute observation of commonalities with another essay I had written saved me time and effort. With her guidance, I was able to seamlessly rework and expand upon my existing content.

In addition to her expertise, Jenny's friendly and approachable demeanor made the entire process enjoyable. Her easy communication style, understanding, and attentive nature fostered a collaborative environment where I felt comfortable discussing my concerns and seeking guidance.

I am immensely grateful for Jenny's unwavering support throughout my college application journey. Her guidance, attention to detail, and genuine care have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my application. Working with Jenny has been a true pleasure, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in need of expert guidance during the college application process.

Sincerely,
Tom (student), UMass Amherst, Computer Science Major, from Massachusetts

Blossoming Transformations: The Remarkable Growth in Our Child

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:15:47 GMT

Throughout this transformative journey, our daughter has undergone remarkable and deeply personal changes, blossoming into a more confident and resilient individual. We cannot express enough gratitude for the profound impact your guidance and support have had on her growth.

First and foremost, our daughter has come to recognize her strengths, thanks to your unwavering belief in her abilities. This newfound self-assurance has propelled her to approach challenges with unwavering confidence, knowing that she possesses the capabilities to overcome them. The spark of self-awareness you ignited within her has empowered her to actively seek out new experiences, fearlessly embracing opportunities beyond her comfort zone. It is truly remarkable to witness the doors of possibility swing open as she fearlessly explores uncharted territories.

Your steadfast dedication and encouragement have inspired our daughter to go the extra mile, investing her time and effort into pursuits that hold deep importance or bring her joy. Her unwavering determination is a testament to the resilience you helped cultivate. We are filled with immense pride as we witness her commitment to growth and excellence, knowing that your guidance has played a pivotal role in nurturing this unwavering spirit.

Communication skills have flourished under your guidance, as our daughter now engages with adults with newfound confidence and articulate expression. It is heartwarming to witness her mature communication, effortlessly conveying her thoughts and ideas with grace and clarity. The gift of effective communication you have imparted will undoubtedly serve her well in all future endeavors.

The process of preparing for interviews has been nothing short of transformative. Through your one-on-one discussions and meticulous preparation, our daughter has learned to establish a deep sense of relevance and connection with each school she aspires to join. The mental preparation and insights you provided have been instrumental in her remarkable performances during interviews, where she flawlessly and confidently answers questions. The genuine excitement and sense of accomplishment she radiates after each interview are testaments to your invaluable support.

Above all, we are humbled and grateful for the unforeseen, long-term effects this journey has had on our daughter's growth. Together, we have faced countless challenges, persevered through ups and downs, and made difficult choices that have ultimately fortified her character. This application process has enriched her life with invaluable lessons and experiences that will shape her future endeavors.

We are thrilled to share that our daughter has been accepted as a proud freshman at Emory University this Fall. This incredible achievement is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the unwavering support she received from you, Jenny. We cannot thank you enough for being an extraordinary mentor and making an indelible impact on our daughter's life.

Jenny, you have been an invaluable guide, and your dedication and belief in our daughter have propelled her toward this exciting new chapter. It has been an honor to witness her growth under your care, and we are filled with anticipation for the bright future that lies ahead. Thank you for being a beacon of inspiration and support throughout this transformative journey.

With the deepest gratitude,

Sunny's family, Massachusetts

Empowering Our University Application Journey with Jenny's Support

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:14:22 GMT

Applying to American universities is a complex and high-stakes process. Fortunately, Jenny's invaluable support proved instrumental in our success. Her profound understanding of the application journey brought stability and practicality to our experience. With a composed temperament and exceptional organizational skills, Jenny adeptly organized, prioritized, and categorized tasks, untangling the chaos. This enabled us to swiftly and effectively create a well-structured portfolio, gaining clarity along the way. Jenny's approach provided solace to our restless hearts, and her prompt responses to our queries offered optimal solutions.

Jenny's guidance throughout the process was indispensable. She expertly prioritized tasks, optimizing our limited time amidst the demanding 12th-grade workload. Her open-mindedness fostered thoughtful discussions, leading to the identification of the best methods and answers. We are immensely grateful for Jenny's caring companionship during the college application season. As a result, our son has been accepted to Purdue University, where he will pursue his studies in Electrical Computer Engineering. We are thrilled about this new chapter and deeply appreciate Jenny's significant role in our journey.

- Thomas's parents, Oregon

Nurturing Success: The Impact of Jenny's Guidance on Our Daughter's Journey

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 09:10:41 GMT

The primary reason we chose Jenny was due to the alignment of her educational philosophy with ours. Understanding that our daughter is a highly self-motivated individual with lofty expectations who often places significant self-imposed pressure on herself. It was crucial for us to find a counselor who didn't solely focus on getting her into a prestigious college, as such demands would only amplify her stress and potentially lead to unsatisfactory outcomes. Jenny's presence was like a breath of fresh air. Her gentle and calming demeanor, effective communication skills, and abundant patience fostered a strong connection with our daughter.

During the initial stages of the application period, our daughter faced immense pressure. However, Jenny consistently demonstrated her ability to adjust expectations and maintain flexibility. The level of communication between our daughter and Jenny was exceptional; they conversed at length, resembling true friends. This aspect holds tremendous value for us. We not only prioritize the end result but also cherish the journey itself. The process of selecting a major, choosing a college, and building a resume involves critical evaluation and self-reflection, which greatly benefits our daughter. Jenny has proven to be a compassionate listener and a reliable mentor throughout this process. We are sincerely grateful for her guidance and companionship. As parents, we also appreciate the open communication we have with Jenny, which shields our daughter from any additional parental anxiety.

As a result of Jenny's support, our daughter has successfully achieved her dream of being accepted into NYU!

- Kayla's mother, MA

Your View Determines Your Future

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As an educational consultant, I have the opportunity to meet and interact with a wide variety of parents and students. These interactions make my job very interesting, as each student has their own story, their own unique goals for their education, and their own very personal dream about their future.

High school students are often uneasy - a lot is going on in these years. Stress over grades, the question of staying nearby for school or studying abroad, which country to study in, and what to study are just a few things high school students must consider.

Answering these questions requires a lot of work and research. This work and research is a highly personalized process, as the need of each student is vastly different than their peers.

Parents also have a lot to consider during this time. It can be very stressful (and expensive) to send your child to college, especially overseas - is it worth it?

Absolutely. Studying abroad can help expand your student’s horizons by connecting them to opportunities around the world. These opportunities can help to increase your understanding of the world and give you the opportunities to have new experiences, try new things and meet new people.

A former student of mine worked very hard every summer during high school and took language classes, science, and leadership classes at international summer schools. Not only did she gain valuable experiences at these schools that helped to shape her worldview, but they also shaped her work ethic, as she had to work hard to pay for these programs.

She's now studying finance and statistics at Stanford University, using the experiences and lessons she learned during those summers spent abroad.

While this may be a stressful and confusing time for you and your student as you make decisions together about their future, do not dwell on the stress of the day-to-day. Instead, think about the exciting and wonderful future that awaits you.

Summer School Preparation for International Students

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In recent years, increasing numbers of international families have begun to consider sending their student to summer school in the United States. The benefit of these schools is that they prepare students for studying abroad and gives them the opportunity to learn campus culture and different learning environments.

To apply for summer school, we recommend that you:

Research Programs and Schools. You should apply to the school that has the program that you want and is the best fit for you. Take into consideration the school's requirements for summer admittance, such as standardized test score and prerequisites.

Gather Your Documents. Before you apply for summer school, it is important that you make sure you have all the materials and documents you need, and they are ready to submit along with your application.Submitting everything required on time and together will prevent unnecessary delays in reviewing and processing your application. Applying early and staying organized is critical to successfully applying for summer school.

Apply at the Right Time. The best time to apply for summer school applications is between November and February. If you wait to apply until the spring, you may find that your choices are limited.

Pay Your Fees on Time. Admission just means you made it in, but paying your tuition holds your spot. Make sure that you pay your tuition fees and accommodation charges on time. Also, be ready to submit your medical records and immunization records, as well your visa application.

Prepare for a New Experience. Summer school is a great adventure and means a change of scenery, new friends, and new experiences! It also can mean new challenges and new issues. Our service can help navigate these challenges and keep you focused on your education.

Interested in applying for a summer school program? We would love to help. Contact us today with your questions.