FAQs

Goal: Address specific fears and debunk common myths

Q: Is a 4.0 GPA enough to get into an top Schools? A: No. While a high GPA is essential, it is not sufficient. With nearly half of high schoolers earning an A average , top colleges look for "Rigorous Coursework" (APs/IBs) and "Intellectual Curiosity" that goes beyond the classroom.

Q: Should my child start a non-profit or passion project to impress colleges? A: Only if they genuinely care about it. "Passion Projects" created solely for applications often backfire because they lack depth and long-term commitment. Admissions officers value consistency and authentic impact over flashy titles.

Q: What is "Snowplow Parenting," and why should I avoid it?

A: Snowplow parenting is when parents clear obstacles for their children—like writing their emails or managing their deadlines. This prevents students from developing the independence and problem-solving skills that colleges prioritize. We help you support your child without taking over.

Q: When should we start working with a counselor? A: The ideal time is 8th summer or 9th grade. This allows us to plan a 4-year academic calendar and encourages "Exploration" before the pressure of 11th grade sets in. However, we also help 10th graders pivot from broad interests to focused "Deep Involvement".

Q: Can you help my child get a prestigious internship? A: We guide students on how to find and apply for internships on their own. We strongly advise against parents using personal connections to secure internships, as admissions officers often flag these as lacking merit if the student's skills don't align with the role.

Q: What are the "Red Flags" you look for in an application?

A: We look for lack of course rigor, unrelated extracurriculars that don't fit the student's narrative, inappropriate social media presence, and generic essays that lack a personal voice .