Our 2023 Early College Admissions Results
Quick answer: InGenius Prep students earned Early Decision and Early Action admission to leading national universities and liberal arts colleges in the 2023 early round. This page lists the schools that admitted our students and celebrates the work behind each result, from Ivy League universities to top liberal arts colleges. Now that mid-December has arrived, […]
Deferred from Early Decision: Advice on Your Next Steps
Quick answer: Being deferred from Early Decision means the college will review your application again with the Regular Decision pool, so you are still a qualified candidate. Next, follow each college’s deferral instructions, send midyear grades and meaningful updates, write a letter of continued interest if the school accepts one, and finish your Regular Decision […]
Top Summer Programs For High Schoolers Based on Your Interests
Quick answer: Most summer programs for high schoolers add little admissions value, but a few highly selective ones, such as the Research Science Institute, Yale Young Global Scholars, and Wharton’s Leadership in the Business World, carry real weight. The best summer program matches your interests, whether in STEM, business, humanities, or the arts. Top Summer […]
Last Minute UC Application Tips Before the November 30 Deadline
Quick answer: These last minute UC application tips will help you finish before the November 30 deadline, which covers all nine undergraduate campuses. Group similar activities, describe your role in each entry, choose four Personal Insight Questions that fit your story, double-check your majors and self-reported grades, and submit a few days early. Last Minute […]
How to Answer the Why Major Essay: Tips for Success
Quick answer: To answer the why major essay, explain the specific experiences that sparked your interest, show how you have explored the field through classes, activities, or projects, and connect your goals to the college’s specific courses, faculty, and resources. Clarity and concrete detail matter more than broad statements about loving a subject. How to […]
What College Admissions Officers Look For: Advice from Former Readers
Quick answer: What college admissions officers look for starts with academic rigor in context, followed by an activities list that leads with your most meaningful commitments, recommendation letters that add new insight, and specific, authentic essays. Readers value depth and impact in a few areas over surface involvement in many, and test scores matter differently […]
Former Admissions Officers Discuss the Importance of College Interviews
Quick answer: How important are college interviews? They are rarely the deciding factor, but Former Admissions Officers say interview reports can sway close calls, confirm what the application shows, and add details found nowhere else. Interviewers look for engagement, curiosity, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the school, so preparation and genuine conversation matter most. How Important […]
Common College Admissions Myths Debunked by Former Admissions Officers
Quick answer: The most common college admissions myths are that you need a perfect GPA, that a top test score guarantees admission, and that you must excel at everything. Former Admissions Officers say colleges value challenging coursework, depth in a few interests, and authentic essays. Legacy and demonstrated interest matter at some colleges but never […]
USC Early Action: Deadlines, Eligibility, and Application Tips
Quick answer: USC early action is a non-binding, non-restrictive option with a November 1 deadline and decisions in late January. USC also offers binding Early Decision with the same deadline and mid-December decisions. Performing arts programs in dance, drama, and music do not participate in either early round and follow a December 1 deadline. Why […]
Tips for Starting High School: A Comprehensive Guide to the 9th Grade
Quick answer: The best tips for starting high school are to explore new interests, join a few activities, choose challenging but manageable classes, build study and time-management habits early, and get to know your teachers and counselor. Freshman grades appear on your transcript, so steady effort from the first semester matters. Tips for Starting High […]