117. Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Shares How to Write College Essays That Get You In

EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT: Two Students. One Spot. Who Gets In? Watch Former Admissions Officers battle it out live in the first-ever Admissions Showdown—where you’ll witness the debates, the behind-the-scenes decision-making, and the exact factors that determine who gets in. Curious what actually happens after you hit submit on your college application? Join us on September 23rd and experience it firsthand. Reserve yours now and see what makes them say YES. Here's the link to register.  Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE. RISING SENIORS: This is your last shot to get everything in place for college apps. Our Application Counseling Program helps you stay on track, craft a standout application, and improve your chances of getting into a Top 10 school, by up to 7x: https://hubs.la/Q02WyJTt0 In this episode, a Former UChicago Admissions Officer answers YOUR most-asked questions about college essays, GPAs, extracurriculars, and the holistic admissions process. 👉 Get expert advice on writing personal statements, tackling challenging topics, and how admissions officers evaluate your application. Perfect for high school students preparing to apply to top universities. --- Register for our upcoming webinars. We also offer tons of free resources on our website/blog.  Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

EXCLUSIVE VIRTUAL EVENT: Two Students. One Spot. Who Gets In? Watch Former Admissions Officers battle it out live in the first-ever Admissions Showdown—where you’ll witness the debates, the behind-the-scenes decision-making, and the exact factors that determine who gets in. Curious what actually happens after you hit submit on your college application? Join us on September 23rd and experience it firsthand. Reserve yours now and see what makes them say YES. Here's the link to register.  Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE. RISING SENIORS: This is your last shot to get everything in place for college apps. Our Application Counseling Program helps you stay on track, craft a standout application, and improve your chances of getting into a Top 10 school, by up to 7x: https://hubs.la/Q03BtBZ50 Join us as Shannon, who’s taught literature and writing at Yale and Ohio State, breaks down two standout personal statements from students accepted into top colleges and Ivy programs. We dive deep into each essay—one takes a traditional topic and makes it deeply personal, while the other uses a creative structure and bold voice. Shannon analyzes what makes them successful, how they reflect each student’s identity, and the key lessons you can apply to strengthen your own writing. This is a very detailed analysiss—perfect for students, parents, or anyone looking to master the art of the personal statement. --- Register for our upcoming webinars. We also offer tons of free resources on our website/blog.  Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

FREE RESOURCE: Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE. RISING SENIORS: This is your last shot to get everything in place for college apps. Our Application Counseling Program helps you stay on track, craft a standout application, and improve your chances of getting into a Top 10 school, by up to 7x: https://hubs.la/Q03BtBZ50 From ultra-competitive majors like Computer Science to the explosion of AI-generated essays, the game is changing fast, and top colleges are responding. Should you rethink your major? How are elite schools adapting to the rise of AI? And most importantly: how can you stand out in the most competitive applicant pool yet? We’re breaking it all down with real data, insider insights, and a proven strategy that has helped thousands of students get into top schools. Watch until the end. This could change the way you approach your college apps. --- Register for our upcoming webinars. We also offer tons of free resources on our website/blog.  Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

Need help with your college applications? Set up a complimentary strategy call with our team of admission experts: CLICK HERE. Meet Brendan, one of our standout students at InGenius Prep. This fall, he’s off to Duke University to study biology and medicine. But what truly set Brendan apart wasn’t just his impressive accomplishments. It was the self-awareness, consistency, and personal growth he showed throughout the application process. With the guidance of our expert counselors, Brendan built a compelling, authentic narrative that highlighted who he is beyond the resume. Take a closer look at Brendan’s high school journey, from his impactful internship to meaningful volunteer work and leadership activities. You'll see how each experience helped shape his application persona and how our team helped him tie it all together into a compelling, authentic story. --- Register for our upcoming webinars. We also offer tons of free resources on our website/blog.  Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

Need help with your college applications? Set up a complimentary strategy call with our team of admission experts: CLICK HERE.  Is your student a fit for Caltech? Here’s what admissions really want. We spoke with someone who’s been inside the Caltech admissions room, and they revealed what really catches the attention of decision-makers at one of the world’s most rigorous STEM universities. In this episode, you'll get clear, actionable insights on: What Caltech looks for beyond perfect GPAs and test scores How their academic culture compares to schools like MIT What makes a standout Caltech personal statement Why intellectual curiosity matters more than big words or technical jargon What “enough” STEM experience actually means (hint: it’s about depth, not quantity) Whether your student is starting their college application journey or preparing to apply this fall, this video will give you a clearer picture of what it takes to compete at the highest level. Listen now and help your teen gain an edge in STEM college admissions! --- Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

Need help from the best UK university admissions consultants? Set up a complimentary strategy call: CLICK HERE. 📘 Our free eBook covers everything you need to know about applying to top universities in 7 countries, including timelines, test requirements, and visa info. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to apply abroad, this guide is your go-to. --- With U.S. immigration and education policies changing, many students and families are looking to the UK for their college journey. But UK admissions are quite different from the U.S.—from the application process to student life. In this episode, Harry Sherratt, Senior Managing Director, Asia-Pacific & Director of UK Services at InGenius Prep, breaks down: Key differences between UK and U.S. university applications How to write the UCAS personal statement and what top UK universities really want Choosing the right UK university beyond rankings and location Post-graduation opportunities in the UK and beyond Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to apply, this episode will help you navigate the UK admissions landscape with confidence. Subscribe and stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore admissions in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia! --- Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  What makes a college essay stand out at top schools like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale? In this episode, we sit down with Dave Marcus, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, bestselling author of Acceptance, and former high school teacher, to unpack the art of storytelling in college applications. Dave shares tips he’s used to help CEOs, students, and professionals tell their stories with clarity and heart. Perfect for students, parents, and counselors guiding the college application process. --- Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  From prescreen recordings and performance auditions to professor connections and portfolio prep, the music admissions process is uniquely challenging. In this episode, we sit down with the experts from Inside Music Schools to unpack everything you need to know about getting into top conservatories and university music programs. Whether you're aiming for Juilliard, Berklee, or a strong music program within a larger university, this conversation is packed with advice to help you stand out. --- Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  We dive into the Trump Administration’s attempt to revoke Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and explore what this means for international students around the world. Additionally, we will break down the legal and political background behind this controversial move and provide honest, empathetic insights for students and families caught in the middle. Whether you’re just starting your college journey, in the middle of your degree, or applying now, this episode is designed to keep you informed about your next steps. --- Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.

To set up a complimentary strategy call, CLICK HERE.  Today’s students are juggling intense academics, nonstop social media, and AI tools reshaping how they learn. In this episode, we dive into: The pressure to excel academically, socially, and online How social media and constant notifications are affecting focus and mental health Why skills like time management and emotional regulation are essential for coping with stress The rise of AI in education: Is it helping or making things worse? Plus, we’ll share practical tips on how you, as a parent, can help your teen feel balanced, confident, and more in control. 📖 Read the Pew Research article on the pressures teens are facing today: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2025/03/13/pressures-teens-are-facing/ --- Register for our upcoming webinars. Questions, comments, or topic requests? Email [email protected]. To learn more about InGenius Prep, visit us at ingeniusprep.com.