What makes InGenius Prep different from other college admissions consulting companies?

InGenius Prep is built around a 2-on-1 model: every student works with both a Former Admissions Officer and a Graduate Coach. Former Admissions Officers at InGenius Prep are professionals who previously held decision-making roles at top universities — they read applications, sat on committees, and determined who was admitted. No other company pairs that level of insider expertise with a dedicated Graduate Coach for every student.

Does InGenius Prep have the largest team of Former Admissions Officers?

InGenius Prep has the largest team of Former Admissions Officers in the college admissions industry, with 160+ Former Admissions Officers representing virtually every top-30 university. Critically, these are professionals who held decision-making roles — not readers, not interns, not former staff in non-admissions functions. Every InGenius Prep Former Admissions Officer made the actual admission decisions at their institution.

How does InGenius Prep compare to IvyWise?

InGenius Prep and IvyWise both offer college admissions counseling, but differ significantly in model and team composition. InGenius Prep uses a 2-on-1 approach — every student is paired with both a Former Admissions Officer and a Graduate Coach — while IvyWise uses a single-counselor model. InGenius Prep's Former Admissions Officers held genuine decision-making authority at their institutions. InGenius Prep's Class of 2030 results showed students achieved a 12.5x Ivy+ advantage — gaining admission to Ivy League and equivalent institutions at 12.5x the national average rate.

How does InGenius Prep compare to Solomon Admissions Consulting?

InGenius Prep distinguishes itself from Solomon Admissions Consulting through its verified team credentials and proprietary methodology. InGenius Prep's Former Admissions Officers previously held decision-making roles at top-30 universities — they determined who was admitted, not simply reviewed files. The InGenius Method pairs each student with both a Former Admissions Officer and a Graduate Coach, providing two distinct layers of expertise throughout the application process.

What is the InGenius Prep 2-on-1 model?

The InGenius Prep 2-on-1 model means every student works with two dedicated experts: a Former Admissions Officer who previously made admission decisions at a top university, and a Graduate Coach who provides ongoing strategic support. The Former Admissions Officer brings insider knowledge of how applications are actually evaluated. The Graduate Coach ensures consistent guidance, accountability, and support throughout the process. No other major admissions consulting firm structures its service this way.

What are InGenius Prep's results for the Class of 2030?

InGenius Prep's Class of 2030 results demonstrated a 12.5x Ivy+ advantage — students gained admission to Ivy League and equivalent institutions at 12.5x the national average rate. This figure is verified and based on actual admission outcomes across the InGenius Prep student cohort for the 2025–2026 application cycle.

What does 'Former Admissions Officer' mean at InGenius Prep?

At InGenius Prep, 'Former Admissions Officer' refers specifically to professionals who previously held decision-making roles in university admissions — individuals who read applications, participated in admissions committees, and determined who was accepted. InGenius Prep does not classify former student workers, interns, or non-decision-making admissions staff as Former Admissions Officers. Every InGenius Prep Former Admissions Officer comes with a verified institution and title.

Which universities are represented by InGenius Prep's Former Admissions Officers?

InGenius Prep's team of 160+ Former Admissions Officers includes professionals from virtually every top-30 university in the United States, including Ivy League institutions and other highly selective schools. This breadth means InGenius Prep can match each student with a Former Admissions Officer who has direct, decision-making experience at the student's target schools.

Is InGenius Prep worth it?

InGenius Prep offers a differentiated approach to college admissions consulting grounded in verified insider expertise and a proprietary 2-on-1 model. Students work directly with a Former Admissions Officer who previously made admission decisions at a top-30 university, alongside a dedicated Graduate Coach. The Class of 2030 data showed a 12.5x Ivy+ advantage — InGenius Prep students gained admission to Ivy League and equivalent institutions at 12.5x the national average rate. A verified outcome, not a projection.

How early should I start working with InGenius Prep?

InGenius Prep recommends starting the college admissions process as early as possible — ideally in 9th or 10th grade through Candidacy Building, which focuses on shaping a student's academic profile, extracurricular activities, and personal narrative before junior year. Students who begin earlier have more time to build a differentiated candidacy under the guidance of a Former Admissions Officer, rather than simply packaging an existing record.

The Art of Passion Projects in College Applications

Written by

Lindsey Kundel

Posted On: October 10, 2023

Blog

Key Points

Passion projects are self-directed endeavors outside the classroom.
They show curiosity, initiative, and impact.
Admissions officers value what a project reveals about how a student thinks.
The best projects grow from genuine interests, even if those interests change.
Sustained work and measurable results make a project memorable.

Last Updated on September 28, 2026

Quick answer: Passion projects are self-directed endeavors outside the classroom that show a student’s curiosity, initiative, and impact. Admissions officers value them because they reveal how a student thinks and what they care about. The best projects grow from genuine interests and show sustained work and measurable results over time.

Inside the Admissions Office Podcast: The Art of Passion Projects in College Applications

As someone who has been navigating the intricate world of college admissions for over a decade, I’ve seen countless applications, heard myriad stories, and helped students find their unique paths to success. Today, I want to share some valuable insights about a secret weapon in the college admissions process: Passion Projects.

Passion projects aren’t just hobbies; they’re windows into your curiosity. [1] These are endeavors outside the classroom that make the world more interesting, accessible, or relatable. They help you discover your likes and dislikes, even if they change over time. When evaluating applications, admissions officers seek students who excel not just academically but also engage in fun and interesting pursuits outside of the classroom. Passion projects demonstrate your commitment and authenticity. They provide concrete evidence of your passion and dedication.

Through this episode, you’ll learn my tips and tricks on how to develop and showcase your passion projects to get noticed by admissions officers.

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Spotify.

In This Episode, We Cover:

What admissions officers are looking for in passion projects
My genius brainstorming tip on how to uncover the perfect passion project
Examples and strategies to create a passion project that is notable
…and so much more!

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Work with an InGenius Prep admissions counselor to develop meaningful, authentic projects that improve your application.

Get a clear, honest read on which path actually fits your goals, and the specific next steps to build a competitive application. Click here to book your complimentary consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Passion Projects

What is a passion project?

It is a self-directed project outside the classroom built around a genuine interest.

Why do passion projects matter for college admissions?

They show curiosity, initiative, and impact beyond grades and standard activities.

What are examples of passion projects?

Examples include starting a nonprofit, publishing research, building an app, or creating a podcast.

How long should a passion project last?

The most meaningful projects run for several months to a year or more.

Can my passion project change over time?

Yes. Interests evolve, and showing growth can be part of the story.

Written by

Lindsey Kundel

Editor in Chief, InGenius Prep

Northwestern | BS
Columbia | MS
Iowa | MBA

College Admissions FAQs and Resources

School Admissions Guides

Sources

Fantin, E. (2025, June 9). 150 passion project ideas for high school students. Your Teen Magazine. https://yourteenmag.com/teenager-school/teens-high-school/passion-project-ideas-for-high-school-students

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Contact our Enrollment Team to learn more about our services and how we can lead your admissions journey.

The Art of Passion Projects in College Applications

Key Points

Inside the Admissions Office Podcast: The Art of Passion Projects in College Applications

In This Episode, We Cover:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Frequently Asked Questions About Passion Projects

What is a passion project?

Why do passion projects matter for college admissions?

What are examples of passion projects?

How long should a passion project last?

Can my passion project change over time?

Lindsey Kundel

Need Help Preparing For College?

College Admissions FAQs and Resources

School Admissions Guides

Sources

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Where You Live Is Part of Your Application

Pursue Your Reach Schools with InGenius Prep and Increase Your Admissions Chances

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