Families owe it to themselves to fully explore their options in college admissions. It’s possible to achieve surprising results.
GPA: 4.0
SAT: 1550
Intended Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Activities: Environmental activism, youth commission, university research
Anna wanted to study engineering or computer science at a public university. She had already exceeded her school's math curriculum, but wasn't sure how else to set herself apart.
With ambitious college goals, Anna needed a way to stand out among other top math and computer science students. We helped her link her love for the environment to her CS talent through university academic research in air quality computer modeling. Anna was accepted at Carnegie Mellon, University of Michigan, Rice, and other Top 20 universities. She chose to enroll at UC Berkeley.
"Thank you for believing in me even when I didn't always believe in myself. You made this process less stressful and helped me produce my best work. Berkeley has been amazing!"
GPA: 3.9
ACT: 31
Intended Major: Business Administration
Activities: Marching band, soccer, DECA business club
Trevor was leader of the percussion section in his school's award-winning marching band, and an accomplished snare drum player. His dream was to study business at a Big 10 university.
Trevor was competing with students who had more math strength and business experience. We helped him frame his activities to highlight teamwork, problem solving, and communication skills. His essays exuded leadership and likability. He toured 12 colleges, and attended summer band camp at The Ohio State University. When he got into Ohio State, Trevor was thrilled. Now he's studying accounting and performing on national TV as a member of the elite marching band drumline.
"Thank you so much for all of your help! I greatly appreciated your patient feedback on all those essays."
GPA: 3.8
SAT: 1330
Intended Major: Nursing
Activities: Lifeguarding, gymnastics, girl scouts
Charlotte needed a way to demonstrate her expertise. Charlotte expressed interest in nursing, because several of her relatives worked as nurses. She didn't realize nursing is now one of the most competitive programs for admission at universities.
We strengthened Charlotte's profile by steering her to AP Biology instead of AP Environmental Science, and had her prove her fit to major by earning her CNA license and working in a retirement home. We recommended she apply only to direct-admit nursing programs, and she took our advice, applying to eight and gaining admission at seven. She enrolled at University of Portland which has an incredible NCLEX pass rate of 98%.
"There's no greater gift than finding your future, and Jessie took the time to help me figure it out. I was honestly extremely confused and stressed about all of it ... Jessie made all of it so much easier! I started my applications earlier than most of my friends, and by October of senior year I was done! After my tour at University of Portland, I could see myself being very successful there. Portland also gave me the biggest merit scholarship which was a bonus."
GPA: 4.0
ACT: 35
Intended Major: Biochemistry
Activities: Science olympiad, violin/piano, physician shadowing
Joey's parents work as physicians, and he intended to follow in their footsteps. He was participating in a dozen very-predictable activities, and worried that nothing stood out.
When we met Joey, we could immediately see his drive. An award-winning musician and top student at his big public high school, he wanted to impress admission officers by starting a club to raise money for a well-building project in Africa. Too cliché! Instead, we steered him to a hands-on, local, personally-relevant project. Through grass-roots advocacy over two years, he led the revision of a health policy and left a legacy that benefitted his school district's 25,000 students. His initiative helped distinguish him in a sea of similar pre-med applicants. He was accepted at Cornell, Notre Dame, Emory, and UCLA, among other schools, and chose to enroll at Stanford.
"We wanted our son to know how to be the most competitive applicant. The information Jessie shared - as someone who works in college admissions - gave us a new perspective."
GPA: 3.6
SAT/ACT: 1280
Intended Major: Psychology
Activities: Paid job, summer camp counselor, artist
Diagnosed with a mental health disorder in 9th grade, Ellie worked courageously to overcome it and was flourishing by 11th grade. However, her family worried that one rocky year might hold her back in college admissions.
We helped Ellie gain confidence in herself as a strong college applicant. We advised her to explain her academic journey in applications, and showcase her subsequent compassionate leadership in teen mental health. Keeping her stress low and spirits high, we helped her apply to 14 good-fit colleges. She was admitted to 11! Now she's a sophomore at University of Colorado, Boulder with terrific grades, a research position at the CU Social Neuroscience Lab, and excited to study in Florence next semester.
"Words can't express how much you helped me in this process. I learned a lot about myself from our discussions. Boulder has been the perfect place for me, and I don't think it would have happened without you."
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