126. I Worked at WashU Admissions—Here’s What Really Gets You In

Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE. Yale graduate and InGenius Prep counselor Titiana shares how she got into Yale and the exact strategies that helped her stand out in the admissions process. She talks about what made Yale the right fit, how she approached Yale essays and interviews, and the parts of the experience that students rarely hear about.  --- 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.

Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into Washington University in St. Louis (WashU)—often called a “hidden Ivy” for its exceptional academics, selective admissions, and unique student experience. 🎯 Pro Tip: Don’t get caught up in rankings—academic stats matter, but your personality, story, and fit can make all the difference. In this episode, Ariel shares: ➜ What makes WashU’s campus and community feel like a true “fit” ➜ The most memorable applications and essays she’s ever seen ➜ Insider tips on interviews, letters of recommendation, and application strategy ➜ How to find your perfect college fit beyond rankings ➜ Fun WashU traditions like Moonlight Breakfast (yes, pancakes at midnight!) ➜ Her top 3 actionable tips for students prepping EA/ED applications. --- 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.

Want personalized help with your application strategy? Book a free 1:1 call with one of our Former Admissions Officers here: CLICK HERE. In this episode, we delve into key takeaways from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference. Our experts, Katherine—Director of Undergraduate Services, and Pia—Director of Counselor Management at InGenius Prep, share their firsthand experiences and valuable insights from attending the event. Tune in to get up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in college admissions. --- 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. MIT admits less than 5% of applicants each year. If you or your teen has MIT at the top of the college list, you need more than perfect grades and test scores to stand out. In this episode, former MIT and Ivy League admissions officers share the hidden details behind successful MIT applications: 🔹 What a strong STEAM profile actually looks like 🔹 The types of projects and research experiences that grab MIT’s attention 🔹 Why creativity, curiosity, and initiative matter as much as raw talent 🔹 How to frame supplements so they connect with MIT’s hands-on, problem-solving culture Whether you’re preparing for engineering, computer science, or math competitions, this episode gives you the insider perspective on what MIT admissions is really looking for. 👉 Follow us for more straight-from-the-admissions-office advice. --- 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/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.