Our Counseling Examples
Students Targeting Different Career Interests
GPA: 4.0
SAT score: 1440
AP courses: 9 AP courses: Calc BC/Bio/Stats/US History/Gov/Macro Econ/Micro Econ/English Lit/Chinese
School and graduation year: Johnson High School, San Antonio, 2023
Extracurricular activities:
- DECA
- FBLA Accounting Competition
- Novel – Business Plan Competition
- Dance Team
- Foodbank
- Entrepreneurship/Google Analytics/IRS ViTA/TCE Certificate
Overview: A top performance public high school student with strong business/accounting interest targeting UT Austin Business School
College Major: Business/Accounting
Schools Admitted: UT Austin, Baylor, UIUC, Texas A&M, SMU, TCU, UT Dallas, Ohio State,
Scholarship/Financial Aid: UT Austin – Full Ride; Baylor – $54,324
Strategy:
- Explore two career directions targeting job opportunities
- Built a college list with both business and pre-med programs
- Fully leverage early round and priority application
- Applied FAFSA & CSS Profile early
- Brainstormed and edited college essays carefully
GPA: 4.42
SAT/ACT score: 1520 (770 Math/750 English)
AP courses: 8 AP Courses: Calculus AB, English Language, US History, Physics 1, Macro Economics, Statistics, Spanish, Environmental Science
School and graduation year: Los Altos High School, 2021
Extracurricular activities:
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- Entrepreneurship Club
- President of the Finance Club
- Youth Advisor for a local community service organization
- Founder of New Student Orientation Club,
- Enrolled in community college for business course curriculum
- Multiple sport varsity athlete and club team participant
- Math Tutor
Overview:
- Top performing student with great time management and heavily involved in community organizations
- Focused on a career in finance, specifically an undergraduate business school experience
College Major: Finance
Schools Admitted: Early Decision – NYU Stern School of Business
Scholarship/Financial Aid: n/a
Strategy:
- Continued focus on advanced math and science courses while balancing the rigor of humanities coursework
- Provided standardized test preparation resources and study timeline
- Advised on the selection of advanced community college courses in the business field
- Helped select meaningful college summer programs and supported the application process
- Encouraged research and involvement in community-based service programs
- Brainstormed and edited essays highlighting strong academic performance and business passions
GPA: 4.17
SAT/ACT score: 1410
AP courses: 7 AP Courses: Calculus AB, English Literature, US History, World History, Statistics, Micro Economics, Macro Economics
School and graduation year: Dougherty Valley High School, 2023
Extracurricular activities:
- STEM Peer Teacher
- Marketing Intern
- Social Media Manager
- Founder of High School Art Club
- Editor for the High School Newspaper
Overview:
- Artistically talented student interested in social science coursework
- Excellent writer and strong in humanities fields
College Major: Economics, Pre-Law
Schools Admitted: Fordham University, Union College, Rutgers, Gettysburg College, Lafayette, Dickinson, Bryn Mawr
Scholarship/Financial Aid: $27,000/year – Fordham, $23,000/year – Union
Strategy:
- Researched legal profession and law school application process
- Helped define college major options based on interests and skill
- Researched liberal art school curriculum and college choices
- Encouraged continued study for standardized tests to raise scores
- Managed timeline for ED application including brainstormed and edited meaningful essays to highlight strengths and goals
Top Performing Students Targeting Selective Colleges
GPA: 4.76
SAT/ACT score: 1590
AP courses: 13 AP Courses: Computer Science A, English Language, European History, Calculus BC, Physics 1, US History, Statistics, Government, Macro Economics, Microeconomics, English Literature, Spanish, Physics C
School and graduation year: Mountain View High School, 2023
Extracurricular activities:
- Research intern at MIT
- Participant in Technology Symposium/Science Fair
- AI Intern
- Founder and Software Developer
- Multiple leadership positions in high school STEM clubs
- Teen CERT Board Member
- Community Leadership Council
- High School Athlete
Overview:
- Highly motivated and top-performing student aiming for computer science major in an Ivy League School
College Major:
Computer Science
Schools Admitted:
Early Decision – Cornell
Scholarship/Financial Aid: n/a
Strategy:
- Continued increase in rigor and top performance in courses
- Encouraged standardized test preparation for increased score
- Helped student locate relevant local community service opportunities for continued involvement
- Researched Ivy League schools and curriculum options
- Brainstormed and edited essays highlighting student’s unique voice and profile
GPA: 3.98
SAT/ACT score: 1530
AP courses: 10 AP courses, Psych/Macro Econ/Micro Econ/Chinese/Bio/Physics 1/Calc AB/Calc BC/English Lang/US History
School and graduation year: Mission San Jose High, 2022
Extracurricular activities:
- Smoke Signal Staff Writer, Editor and Editor in Chief
- Leo Club President
- American Math Competition,
- Percussion and school band
- Tennis Varsity
- summer programs in Columbia and Penn
Overview: Ivy League Candidate – A Public High School Top Performing Student Targeting Selective Colleges
College Major: English
Schools Admitted: UPenn, Early Decision
Scholarship/Financial Aid: n/a
Strategy:
- Advised high school academic courses and rigor to meet Ivy League expectation,
- Supported his passion on writing, percussion and tennis; build up leadership track from early stage,
- Encouraged participation of AMC
- Advised joining the summer program of his dream colleges
- Planned college visit
- Tutored a couple of difficult courses including AP Physics
- Advised ED plan and mentored essays.
GPA: 4.0
SAT: 2390
School: A public high school in California
Extracurricular Activities:
- Captain of water polo team
- Swimming
- Drama
- Tutoring
- Research
- Boy Scout
Overview:
- A highly motivated and top-performing student with great study habits and a goal-oriented outlook
- Very interested in science and engineering, but a little weak in humanities and writing
Schools Admitted:
- Yale University ($35,000 scholarship)
- Brown University
- Dartmouth University
- Duke University ($45,000 scholarship)
- Johns Hopkins University
- UC Berkeley
- UC Los Angeles
- UC San Diego
UC Regents scholarship
Strategy:
- Added a drama activity to improve his public speaking and presentation
skills and cultivated a more liberal arts background in addition to his excellence in math and science - Introduced tutoring to improve writing skills
- Advised on a summer research
activity before senior year - Helped brainstorm and edit essays, which resulted in a
passion-illustrated college application and interview
GPA: 4.0
SAT: 2240
SAT II Subject: Math 2 800, Chemistry 800, Physics 800, US History 800
School: An public school in California
Extracurricular Activities:
- President of Math & Science Club
- Math Tutor
- Key Club
- Oakland Youth Orchestra
- CVHS Symphony
- USA Computing Olympiad
- AMC
- Ross Summer Program
Overview:
- A top-performing student with strong passions in math and sciences
- Practiced a lot in music and engaged in a few activities
- Weak in communication and writing and not very clear on college and major choices
Schools Admitted:
- Brown University
- Cornell University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Southern California
- UC Berkeley
- UC Los Angeles
- UC San Diego
- UC Santa Barbara (Regents Scholarship)
Strategy:
- Advised on taking SAT II Physics and major in Computer Science
- Guided step-by-step in college essay writing, focusing on his passions for math and science and his effort in building up the Math & Science Club to improve his high school’s overall math performance
Public/Private School Students Seeking Personal Guidance
GPA: 4.0
SAT/ACT test score: 1510
AP courses: 5 AP courses: AP Gov/Econ, AP Calculus, AP Psychology, AP Literature, and AP Language
School and graduation year: American High School, 2022
Extracurricular activities:
- Camp counselor
- Elementary school teacher’s assistant
- Online tutor for children in various subjects
- Art and drawing
- ATDP courses
- Piano and violin
Overview: a strong student with a passion for learning and helping others
College Major: education/psychology
Admitted: NYU, U Washington, UC Davis, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz, San Francisco state university
Scholarship/Financial Aid: n/a
Strategy:
- Highlight teaching and tutoring experience for major of interest
- Focus on her passion for helping others in brainstorming and editing of application essays
GPA: 4.0
SAT: 2000
School: A public school in North Carolina
Extracurricular Activities:
- Piano
- Clubs
- Community service
Overview:
- High GPA
- Thoughtful and analytical personality
- Challenging
academic coursework - Musically talented
- Test scores not as high as he would have liked
- Confused about major choices for college
Schools Admitted:
- Wake Forest University (Early Decision)
Strategy:
- Student is academically strong but encouraged SAT tutoring to bring up scores
- Brainstormed meaningful essay topics/experiences to make his ED application
stand out - Helped define college majors
- Managed timeline for ED application and made sure all materials were completed by the early deadline
- Utilized Skype and email to meet student needs
Talented & Skilled Students
GPA: UW 3.96
SAT/ACT score: 1400
AP courses: 5 AP Courses: Statistics, Chemistry, Government, Biology, Calculus BC
School and graduation year: Homestead High School, 2023
Extracurricular activities:
- UI/UX Designer
- Graphic Design and Marketing Intern
- Assistant Art Instructor
- Tutor
- Varsity Athlete
- American Sign Language Club
- Art Club
- Art Academy Member for Advanced Art Skill Development
- National Chinese Honors Society
Overview:
- Strong math and science student passionate about a career combining art and technology
College Major: Graphic Design, UI/UX Design
Schools Admitted:
Northeastern, University of San Francisco, UC San Diego, Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, Art Center College of Design, UC Davis
Scholarship/Financial Aid: University of San Francisco – $24,000/year
Strategy:
- Utilized strengths in art and STEM to showcase varied talents in essays
- Applied to colleges with graphic design programs meeting student’s interdisciplinary interests
- Researched the field of graphic design and UI/UX, as well as colleges meeting preferences
- Matched student’s desire for a prestigious school with internship opportunities and hands-on learning
- Researched international institutions for possible college fit
GPA: 3.5
SAT: 2150
School: A public school in California
Extracurricular Activities:
- Captain of dance team
- Choreographer
- Gymnast
- Extensive community service hours
- National Honor Society
Overview:
- Won multiple awards in dance competitions
- Talented writer
- Outstanding leadership skills
- Kind and caring personality
- Socially conscious
- Extensive community service hours
- Struggled in a science course
Schools Admitted:
- New York University
- Rutgers University ($8,000 scholarship)
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ($10,000 scholarship),
- Fordham University
- Temple University
- University of San Francisco
- UC Davis
- UC Santa Barbara
- UC Santa Cruz
- UC Riverside
- UC Merced
Strategy:
- Utilized her strength in writing to showcase her personality, experiences, and goals in essays
- Applied to colleges with high-ranking performing arts programs
- Guided her through supplemental performing arts applications including auditions, essays, letters of recommendations etc.
Students and Families in Need of Financial Aid & Scholarship
GPA: 3.95
SAT/ACT score: 1480
AP courses: 8 AP courses: US History/Bio/English Lang/Chinese/Gov/Econ/Stats/Calc AB
School and graduation year: James Logan High, 2019
Extracurricular activities:
- James Logan Forensics Officer
- Non-profit Org Founder
- Cross Country Team
- Piano
Overview: Top performance student from a disadvantaged family
College Major: Political Science & International Relations
Schools Admitted: Wellesley, Georgetown, Hamilton, Vassar, UC Irvine, UC San Diego
Scholarship/Financial Aid: Wellesley: $65,214, Hamilton $61,090, Vassar: $3500, UC San Diego: $22, 218
Strategy:
- Proposed liberal arts college solution
- Built a balanced college list focusing on political science & international relations
- Worked with QuestBridge
- Applied FAFSA, CSS Profile and Cal Grant
- Brainstormed and edited college essays carefully
GPA: 3.8
SAT: 2400
School: A public school in California
Extracurricular Activities:
- Founder and president of club
- Extensive community service
- Basketball team
- National Honor Society
- Research experience
- Tutor
Overview:
- Outstanding leadership skills
- Determined to be successful
- Outgoing personality
- Extensive community service hours
- High SAT score
- Challenging academic courses
Schools Admitted:
- Johns Hopkins University ($20,000 scholarship)
- Vanderbilt University (full tuition scholarship)
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Loyola Marymount University (full tuition scholarship)
- UC Berkeley
- UC Santa Barbara
- UC San Diego
UC Regents scholarship
Strategy:
- Identified colleges with top programs in chosen field of study
- Focused on leadership and unique experiences in essays
- Refined essays to stand out
GPA: 3.7
SAT: 1630
School: A top public school in California
Extracurricular Activities:
- News reporter on Asian TV network
- Local radio station
- Relay For Life
Overview:
- A hard-working student from a disadvantaged family
- Looking for a cost-efficient institute for higher education
- Great communication skills
- Weak in testing and writing
Schools Admitted:
- UC Riverside
- UC Merced
- University of San Francisco
- Santa Clara University
- San Francisco State University
- San Jose State University
UC full financial aid package $31,000
Strategy:
- Emphasized growth from a disadvantaged family with very few resources, while still achieving good academic performance
- Focused on consistent effort of working in TV, radio, and digital media, all showing her passion for mass communication
- Guided application for FAFSA early and received full financial aid from UC
Immigrant/International Students
GPA: 3.9
SAT/ACT score: 1560
AP courses: 6 AP courses, AP Language, AP Literature, AP Calculus, AP Physics, APCS, AP Chemistry
Other community college courses: Java, orchestra, Mandarin
School and graduation year: Irvington High School, 2022
Extracurricular activities:
- Computer Science Club, VP and Competitions Director
- Epsilon Hacks, Director of Financial Affairs & Sponsorships
- Resonance! Club, Treasurer
- Piano Instructor
- Tri-city Band Corps
- Presidents volunteer award- Bronze
Overview: Bilingual student with activity emphasis in computer science, music, linguistics, and business
College Major: Computer science
Admitted: U Washington, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz
Scholarship/Financial Aid: n/a
Strategy:
- Align extracurricular activities with major of choice
- Highlight how other talents including music and leadership experience will enhance their versatility as a computer science student
GPA: 3.95
SAT/ACT: 2360
High School: A public high school in California
Extracurricular Activities:
- Model UN
- Social Entrepreneur Society
- Varsity golf
- Homeless shelter volunteer
Overview:
- Motivated immigrant student with great study habits
- Active in learning and goal-oriented
- Uncertain of future career interests
Schools Admitted:
- Johns Hopkins University
- Georgetown University ($15,000 scholarship)
- Tufts University ($5,000 scholarship)
- Boston College
- Wellesley College
- George Washington University
- UC Berkeley
- UC Los Angeles
- UC Santa Barbara
- UC San Diego
UC Regents Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Strategy:
- Guided curriculum choice to improve maintain top academic performance
- Advised extracurricular activities, founded her own club
- Helped define interest in international relations and active involvement in Model UN
- Consistently worked on English skills to improve test scores
- Set clear goals and monitored progress carefully
GPA: 3.7
SAT: 1760
TOEFL: 83
School: A public high school in Shanghai, China
Extracurricular Activities:
- Founder of Creative Craft Workshop
- Publicist of the Associate Student Body
- Volunteer of Himalaya Gallery
Overview:
- Passionate about art and graphic design
- Committed to attending a selective art institute or college with graphic/industrial design
- Invests a lot of time to study and prepare for tests
- A bit weak in TOEFL and SAT test scores
Schools Admitted:
- Pratt Institute
- California College of the Arts
- Parsons School of Design
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Penn State University
- UC Irvine
- UC Santa Cruz.
Strategy:
- Highlighted her passion for art, learning and practice from a young age, and interest in industrial design
- Advised and reviewed her art portfolio
- Selected schools that fit her profile
- Guided and edited college essays
Graduate Applicants Targeting Top Colleges
GPA: 3.36
TOEFL: 103
GRE: 321
School: A second-tier civil engineering college in Beijing, China
Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Union
- Student council president
- Student Art and Culture Council
- Figure skating
- Equestrian
- Drawing
Overview:
- Top-performing student in her class and a student leader at her college who trained in figure skating for a long time
- Very motivated and committed to go to graduate school in the US
- Extensive internship experience in the civil engineering field, as her parent owns a construction company
- Not too knowledgeable on American colleges, not great in writing, GPA is not competitive due to strict grade curve from her college.
Schools Admitted:
- Duke University
- University of Southern California
- Carnegie Mellon University
- UC San Diego
- UC Irvine
- University of Washington
- Penn State University
- George Washington University
Strategy:
- Emphasized internship and hands-on experience in civil engineering field
- Helped build “stories” for application essays regarding career interest, current preparation of college education, and major-related work experience
- Improved studying and test-taking strategies to boost academic performance
- Meticulously handpicked colleges that matched her career interest and student profile
Students With Learning Differences
GPA: 3.0
SAT: 1030
School: A public high school in California
Extracurricular Activities:
- Eagle Scout
- DECA
- Match
Overview:
- ADHD student with low performance, yet committed to college education
Schools Admitted
- Sonoma State
- CSU East Bay
- University of San Francisco
- University of the Pacific
- Menlo College ($16,000 scholarship)
- St. Mary’s College ($6,000 scholarship)
Strategy:
- Tutored to improve SAT performance
- Helped select colleges including several private universities, liberal arts colleges, and CSUs
- Guided college applications and essays
- Emphasized leadership and interest in business/entrepreneurship