Author Archives: Holly Spence

College Town USA

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When people think of the Boston area, the volume of outstanding universities is among the first topics to arise in conversation (trailing only perhaps politics and sports). It’s not hard to see why.  Across varied majors, school sizes, and locations both urban and suburban, going to school in or around Boston has something for everybody. 

 

You want to shoot for some of the most elite programs in the country?  Focus on Cambridge Massachusetts – not only is it home to historic Harvard Square, kayakers rowing down the Charles River, and the world’s only Curious George Store, but you will also find Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology within shouting distance of one another. 

 

But don’t be thrown by low admissions numbers. Harvard students study and find fun things to do in equal measure.  The MIT application meanwhile encourages some of the most creative essay topics of any university.

 

If you want to achieve your undergraduate education within a bustling city, head a few miles inward north and you will discover Boston University and Northeastern.  BU, located on Commonwealth Avenue, draws many of the nation’s hungriest applicants in Biology (explore the Combined Med Program), Communications, and Law while offering thrilling hockey games at Agganis Arena. 

 

Northeastern has become a focal point for many students interested in Business, Marketing, Engineering, and more. It’s minutes from some of the country’s best restaurants and bars and a healthy walk to Fenway Park, home of Red Sox (BU is even closer to Fenway on the other side).

 

Seeking more of a suburban campus with easy train access into the city?  Check out Tufts University and Boston College. Tufts, located in Medford, draws students from all over the nation and has tremendous offerings in the Social Sciences, the Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, and Engineering. It also has one of the highest student retention rates anywhere.

 

Boston College, located in Chestnut Hill, is a leader in liberal arts education, and also draws applicants far and wide. Some of the strongest academic programs include Economics, Finance, Psychology, and Bio. BC is also close to Cleveland Circle, the Alston/Brighton area, and Newton Centre, the latter home to our local Insight Education office.

 

Want to experience something you haven’t heard of?  Head over to visit Brandeis, located in nearby Waltham Ma, a tremendous private research university with a significant liberal arts focus, and fewer than 4000 undergraduate students.

 

Want to explore the Arts with a depth and focus nearly unmatched anywhere?  Take a tour of Emerson College, which will set you on an amazing track.  Notable alumni include Paul Thomas Anderson, Jay Leno, Denis Leary, Norman Lear, and Henry Winkler (that’s right – the Fonz).

 

This is only the beginning – I’ve also worked with students who’ve had their sights set on Suffolk University, Bentley University, and of course UMass, the state’s public research university system, with campuses in Amherst, Lowell, Dartmouth, Boston, & Worcester.

 

It’s a great college town, and I can’t wait to continue the conversation with you!

 

Zach Pava is our local Newton high school and college admissions counselor! Learn more about Zach in his Insight Interview!

 

Consider Alternatives To The Traditional High School Experience

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For many students, the traditional high school experience is not well suited for them.

 

Unfortunately, these students often trudge through the years getting more and more frustrated and less and less interested in education. The reality is there are alternative options that might work better with their personalities, lifestyles and learning styles.

 

But before we discuss some alternatives, let’s discuss what types of students might want to make a switch.

 

Like every student, every high school has a different personality. And as personalities often do, they can clash. Some high schools are incredibly one-sided in their academic approach — whether with a strong focus on particular fields or one-dimensional. With math and science courses taking the spotlight these days at many schools, those students who want to pursue the social sciences, humanities or even the arts are often left to fend for themselves when it comes to broad academic opportunities.

 

Sadly, I have had incredibly gifted artists get disillusioned because they are often told that “art is a waste of time.” More importantly, others diminish their interests.

 

The reality is that the arts play a huge role in society, and even in technology. Graphic designers and user interface experts often have artistic backgrounds. Additionally, too many schools these days focus on multiple-choice exams, where the gray area between answers does not exist.

 

It is in this gray area where discussion and creativity can make the difference for some students. They thrive in environments where they can talk, challenge perspectives and find compromises. But if the school does not reward this type of thinking, they will be stifled.

 

And some students simply do not connect with the school community. Perhaps a bad experience left them jaded. Perhaps an extended absence due to a variety of reasons kept them from forming strong relationships early on. In many of these cases, looking at alternative programs might be a good way to reboot the high school experience.

 

Many community colleges offer concurrent enrollment programs for high school students. In these programs, students take all of their courses at the community college, making sure to also meet their high school graduation requirements. These programs offer the flexibility of community college. Homework and attendance, while mandatory, tend not to impact grades as much as tests, essays, and projects.

 

Students at community colleges will also come from a wide array of backgrounds and life experiences. The downside is that many of these college students do not really hang around campus before and after classes. Many will shuffle off to work or other obligations. So high school students should not opt for a program like this if they seek a strongly connected community.

 

There are even online high schools that offer a diversity of courses. Through these programs, students will conduct most of their work independently, watch lectures on video or log into live sessions, and then take tests online. The structures can vary. These are incredibly good options for students who have a strong level of self-discipline. It is easy to shrug off work no one is demanding. The benefit is also the flexibility. In many cases, students can do the work during the times they are most productive.

 

One other option would be to look at private or charter schools with curriculums best suited for the student. There is an increasing number of these popping up. While they still require that you complete state graduation requirements, the different structures and other opportunities might make them attractive options. It is worth visiting these schools and sitting in on classes to see if this new environment will make a difference.

 

The key to remember is that you don’t always have to settle for the situation you are in. High school is a time of exploration and transitioning into adulthood. Being a high school student is hard enough; you don’t have to feel trapped in an environment that does not work for you. So if you need a change, seek out your options.

 

Read more about finding your passion and the Archeology of Success in our Insight blogs. 

All the best, 

Team Insight 

2018-2019 Common Application Essay Prompts

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The Common Application has announced that the 2018-2019 personal essay writing prompts will be the same as the seven 2017-2018 prompts. This is great news, as it allows Juniors to now start thinking about their responses to the prompts ahead of the college application writing season coming up this year. 

 

Meredith Lombardi, Associate Director, Outreach, and Education for The Common Application states: “Through the Common App essay prompts, we want to give all applicants the opportunity to share their voice with colleges. Every applicant has a unique story. The essay helps bring that story to life”. 

 

Here are the 2018-2019 Common Application Personal Essay Writing Prompts: 

 

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 

4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. 

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? 

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. 

 

All the best, 

Team Insight 

Stuck for Summer Plans? Here Are Some Great Bay Area Options!

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There are so many great, competitive programs and options available to students who are planning how to spend their summers. The tough part – how to decide!

 

You can spend your summer doing a variety of things, maybe it’s working part-time while taking an SAT course, perhaps you want to do an internship and then volunteer. Whatever you decide, it can be helpful to begin your planning by checking out some of the local options.

 

We’ve rounded up a few great programs below to help you make an informed decision. ***PLEASE NOTE: the dates provided below are for the year 2018. Please make sure to ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK for 2019 and beyond dates for camps and application deadlines. 

 

Disclaimer: Insight Education is not affiliated with any of the below programs. All information has been taken from the programs websites, which are linked in the descriptions so you can do further research. We strictly recommend contacting any program that you are interested in directly to confirm details, especially deadline dates and costs for the program.  

 

GeneCamp at Stanford is an incredible camp for local high school students that incorporates seminars with renowned scientists in the field to learn more about the science of genomics. If selected, the camp is free to participate in. The application opens on Feb 3 and is due by March 5. Check out their website for more information: http://med.stanford.edu/genecamp.html

 

Girls Who Code is another option that runs for 7 weeks over the summer, with locations in the Bay Area. The camps are free and focused for girls in 10th and 11th grade. You’ll learn computer science through real-world projects in art, storytelling, robotics, video games and more! Visit their website via this link. https://girlswhocode.com/summer-immersion-programs/

 

Hands On Bay Area have a great program called Bay Area Tomorrow which is a local volunteering program that connects you with local non-profit leaders. Plus, you’ll get 55 hours of community service in 2 weeks! See more here https://www.handsonbayarea.org/tomorrow

 

BlueStamp Engineering has programs in Palo Alto and San Francisco, ranging from 2 to 6-week options. The program is for high school students to build engineering projects they are passionate about. Applications are open now! Click here to find out more: http://bluestampengineering.com/

 

The Rosetta Institute has 2-week camps at UCB for students that are interested in Health and Biology. Students live on campus for the duration of the course, and fees range from $1980 upward. Check out their website for more detailed information:  https://www.rosettainstitute.org/

 

The Youth Service Corps – a great one for our Fremont Families! Students can work with the city, engage in their community and earn dozens of volunteering hours with the Youth Service Corps or Counselors In Training (CIT). More information here https://fremont.gov/346/Youth-Service-Corps

 

The Berkeley Business Academy for Youth. This program introduces youth from around the world to the disciplines and skills that make a business work. B-BAY students learn from professors who are at the top of their field and from youth mentors. More info here: http://haas.berkeley.edu/businessacademy/

 

SIP is a summer-long (10-week) research internship program for high-school students in STEM fields. UCSC faculty, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers provide one-on-one mentoring of these high-school interns. The research projects are real in that they are not made up just for the high-school students; instead students are inserted into existing research projects here at UCSC. This is a highly competitive program. See more here: http://ucsc-sip.org/

 

There are also some interesting summer programs hosted at colleges around California!

UCSD hosts Academic Connections, an opportunity for high school students with a 3.3 or above weighted cumulative GPA to get a jump start on college experiences. Applications are open now and close on June 15th, and have a $100 application fee. This program does require a financial investment, which includes tuition, course materials, housing and all meals, activities and SAT prep. See more about the program and costs here: http://academicconnections.ucsd.edu/

 

Santa Clara University has a young scholars program that allows students to explore the world of higher education in a 5-week intensive program that includes university courses, advising, and meetings with key people on campus. See more about the deadlines and fees here https://www.scu.edu/ysp/

 

Take some time to research what is a good fit for you, and talk to your family and trusted advisors. Your Insight counselor can help you decide which programs are a good fit, and share further programs from our vast database to suit your academic and career interests. Most importantly, we want you to have a fun and productive summer!

 

All the best,

Team Insight  

Make Sure “Senioritis” Doesn’t Spoil Your College Dreams

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After submitting their college applications, I’ll bet what high school seniors want most to do is just relax — something they have not gotten to do in a long while! And while I do believe they deserve to savor these unscheduled and unhurried moments, I would caution them that the effort they just put in can unravel if they let “senioritis” seep in.

 

Their friends may tell them second semester grades do not matter. If that was the case, do you think second semester would exist at all? Of course they still matter. Colleges reserve the right to rescind any offers of admission if academic standards drop. Simply getting one more B than normal is not going to throw an admissions officer into a tizzy, but a startling number of lower grades or a failing grade (and a D counts as a failing grade) can mean lax seniors will have nowhere to attend in the fall.

 

And grades are not the only things that still matter. Admissions officers want to know whether these seniors have kept up with extracurricular activities and other commitments. And, admissions offices regularly check up on those commitments listed on applications.

 

So seniors certainly should not want to quit that club they claimed was their passion as soon as their applications are in. If they plan to exchange some activities for new ones just to explore their interests, that is of course OK, but it should be in line with what was written on the applications. If they know there are going to be major changes in how time is allotted, it would be good to draft up a quick update and send it to the colleges. But before doing that they should think about the impact.

 

And I cannot stress this enough because I have seen it happen to the best of kids — do not get into trouble at school or with the law. Do not cheat on the chemistry test because you were too tired to study. Do not drive with others in your car if your license prohibits it. Yes, these pieces of advice seem almost silly to write, but bad behavior in these last few months can outweigh 17 years of perfection.

 

The lesson is just not to get reckless and believe that you are invincible.

 

But seniors should have fun this semester. The next several weeks are going to be filled with senior activities. This will be their last time with this group of people. Upon graduation, people go their own ways. Seniors should get to know their teachers, and maybe even find out they are really interesting people!

 

“Senioritis” is commonly believed to be a lack of interest in school. But rather, “senioritis” should mean fully immersing yourself in your senior year and all that is has to offer.

 

Class of 2018, we wish you a fun and fruitful rest of your senior year! 

Don’t Seek Summer Internships Just To Impress Admissions Officers

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The rush to get summer internships can feel as intense as the pressure to get into college. There is a misconception that specific internships will get kids into their dream colleges or that certain “unique” experiences will help to set students apart in the admissions process. So students trudge through applications. Teachers are forced to write more letters of recommendation. And school registrars barely take a breather before sending out another set of transcripts. And as with college applications, students tend to apply to too many programs just in the hopes of getting in. In the meantime, parents ready their pocketbooks for another expensive educational investment.

 

But the question has to be asked: are these expensive programs really worth it in the long term?

 

Unfortunately, like with most questions that relate to college admissions, the answer is “it depends.” I always tell my students that the program means nothing if they get nothing from it. In the same vein, students can capture meaning and learning from a variety of summer experiences. I often steer students away from the really pricey and easy-to-get-into programs. Simply doing a program for the sake of doing a program is a waste of time and money. The student could rather have used that time to really pursue his own interests, perhaps found in the smaller or less expensive internship and work opportunities. 

 

Sure, it is cool to say that you worked at this up-and-coming tech company, but if all you did was run errands and answer the phone, the experience is actually not that interesting. Perhaps working a lab will give you a taste of medicine, but don’t expect that you will be discovering a cure for diabetes in just six weeks — science does not work like that. Perhaps you want to be a future CEO, so something business-related appeals to you, but really everything is a business, even the local ice cream shop!

 

Summer used to be a time when kids got to actually relax a bit, ride around on their bikes and explore their surroundings. Students got jobs not because it would look “good” on their college applications, but because they wanted or needed to earn money. Kids would help out their parents with chores around the house or even at their offices. Teens would spend time playing instruments they loved, swim because the weather allowed it, and actually gain a sense of independence — the best preparation for life.

 

While I don’t expect that summers will swing back to those more relaxed times, I do believe there is value in exploring one’s personal and professional interests during those 10 weeks of sunshine. You can combo having some time to participate in your hobbies alongside your summer job or internship. 

 

If you are a teen, think about what would make you the happiest this summer. This does not mean you should while away the summer at the mall or playing video games. But what are the things you simply do not have time to explore during the school year? What experiences have you been craving?

 

Perhaps you are excited about practicing your Spanish and learning about medicine. Maybe you can find an opportunity to volunteer alongside a medical translator. Maybe you want to earn some money and explore business. That local ice cream shop I mentioned is a great way to get experience learning about customer behaviors and how real businesses make money. Maybe surfing has been on your bucket list for a few years now. Wake up early to catch the waves, assuming you live close enough, and then spend your day doing something else.

 

The craze around summer programs directly relates to college experiences. The reality is that admissions officers appreciate these real-life, everyday experiences as much as they do the more structured programs. And the truth is that the real experiences tend to actually be the unique ones because each experience is new rather than scheduled and planned.

 

So while I have no issue with students applying to and going to programs, I do have concerns when that is for the sole purpose of college admissions. Rather, summer is an opportunity for students to demonstrate to colleges their unique interests, experiences, and perceptions. Ultimately, the more meaningful and fulfilling summers tend to be the most interesting to one’s life and, and in turn, on a college application.

 

Q&A with your Counselor – Jenny Bloom

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We continue our Q&A series with Jenny Bloom, Insight counselor for 5 years and all-round awesome human! 

 

Where did you go to college?

I went to The University of Texas at Austin for my undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Sciences (go Longhorns!). Post college, I moved to Los Angeles to work with students at UCLA.  After doing that for three years I decided to pursue my Master’s degree at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles in Early Childhood Education

 

What is your favorite memory of your college days?

There are so many memories that stand out to me from college it’s hard to choose just one.  I really love football so some of my favorite memories are from going to football games at UT.  I was at UT when we won the National Championship with Vince Young.  The games were exciting and the campus itself was so electrified and unified during that winning season.

Some of my best memories from undergrad are just the times I spent hanging out with my friends, making dinner, going to movies, playing intermural sports.  I made so many lifelong friendships during my four years of college and these memories of spending time with them are the foundation of our friendships.

 

What inspired you to become a college admissions counselor?

College admissions counseling really pulls together all of my strengths and life experiences.  I worked with students at UCLA post-college, and I have also been a community college instructor.  Now working with high school students and helping them figure out their goals and find their unique voice is something that really inspires me. Being able to be part of this specific portion a student’s journey is really joy-giving.

 

What is the best thing about being a college admissions counselor?

The best thing is working with young people as they are discovering what they are going to be excited about in life.  I really enjoy the times where I see a student’s face light up talking about something they are interested in—whether it’s an extracurricular activity, an academic subject, or even a really good book they are reading.

 

What is the most challenging thing about being a college admissions counselor?

One of the most challenging things is when one of my students faces a disappointment or setback.  It’s definitely a hard thing to experience as a teenager, but I also think that those are the growing moments. 

 

How long have you been with Insight? What is your favorite memory from this time?

I’ve been working at Insight Education since 2012 and one of my favorite moments is still from the first year I worked here.  A student didn’t know how to read her admissions decision and asked me to help her with the online portal.  We found out together with her mom she was accepted into her top choice school! She was jumping up and down and screaming, there were hugs all around; it was such a great moment!

 

Looking to the next 5 years at Insight, what are you most looking forward to?

In the next five years at Insight, I am most looking forward to meeting the new Freshmen that will develop into young adults and Seniors applying to college!

 

Tell us about your favorite restaurant close to home?

My favorite restaurant in the Bay Area is Doppio Zero in Mountain View.  I love their pizzas, and it’s a fun place to go and get a great meal with friends.

 

Who is your favorite sports team?

My favorite sports team is the Texas Longhorns.  I love watching sports in general and my time at UT really solidified my love of all things burnt orange. Hook ‘em! \m/

 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time when I’m not taking care of my kiddos, I love to read and run.

 

If you could pick any 3 people in the world to invite to a dinner party, who would they be and why? 

I would invite Jane Austen because I love her books and I also know she was a bit tongue-in-cheek when she wrote about women and her leading heroines.  It would be interesting to meet the author behind the work.  I would also invite Rosa Parks and Indira Gandhi. Both of those women were important leaders in very pivotal times in history, so it would be nice to hear their experiences.

 

If you had to pick a motto to live by, what would it be?

Be kind and true to yourself.

 

What is your favorite weather season and why?

Fall, because my birthday is in the fall!  And also growing up in Texas, that is when the weather started cooling down, the leaves started changing color and it is so peaceful to me.

 

What is your favorite holiday or event to celebrate and why?

I love to celebrate summer… is that an event?  I really love being able to relax and enjoy time off doing whatever it is I want to do with no restrictions or guidelines.

 

If you weren’t a college admissions counselor, what would your dream job be?

My dream job would be teaching in some capacity.  Either as a professor or as an early childhood educator.

 

Where in the world would you love to travel?

I would love to travel to Italy and France.  Both places have so much history and great food to explore!

 

Any parting words of wisdom or advice to students?

High school is just one part of your life journey, so be present, be yourself, and be kind!

 

Learn more about Jenny in her Insight Interview! 

How to Answer College Interview Questions (In the Way Your Interviewer Wants!)

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So you’ve decided to do a college interview. Congrats! This is a great opportunity for you and your dream school to get better acquainted.

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous before an interview, but by preparing and preparing some more with our list of common college interview questions, and understanding how to give answers that show you truly understand your interviewer’s priorities, you’ll be able to give stronger interviews in no time!

 

Tell Me About Yourself

Nail Your College Admissions Interview

‘I go to high school, I’m a junior, I have a dog and I like soccer,’ is NOT how to answer this question. Rather than giving your interviewer a long rambling list, make this question work for you by highlighting just three things about you that you want your interviewer to know.

What kind of things should you talk about? What’s the most meaningful and unique to you, of course! It could be activities you’ve been involved with, a unique experience you had, your academic interests, values or goals, fun facts or even your family or cultural background. Here are a couple sample answers:

Well a little bit about me: I’ve been playing the flute since I was old enough to walk, and haven’t put it down ever since! I also spend far too much time on Reddit, generally reading about sci-fi or crazy scientific breakthroughs. I’m also the oldest of three kids, so have to watch way too much Disney channel.

I used to think medicine was kind of gross, but that all changed when I had to help my grandpa recover from his surgery and was able to see how healthcare totally transformed his life. I enjoy playing sports like lacrosse and soccer, and if I had a superpower it would be to speak every language in the world.

Note how each of these answers tells me much more about this student than I’d know from a resume, and also reveal a little bit of their interests, personality, and quirks. No need to try to come across as perfect- acting like you’re flawless typically comes around as anything but!

 

Why Do You Want to Study This Major?

How did you discover your passion for history? Or love of physics? Consider telling your interviewer about that moment (or series of moments) when you realized this interest was something you wanted to turn into a career, or how you’ve developed this interest. If you’re applying undeclared that’s totally fine too, but be prepared to talk about a couple of the majors you’re considering, and try to think through what your different major interests, like International Relations or Film and Media Studies, have in common.

I had been working as a camp counselor for a couple summers and loving it, when I thought to myself, ‘hey what if I actually became a teacher?’ I also love sports, and that’s why I’m planning on majoring in education and want to be a P.E. teacher one day.

It all started as series of columns I did in my journalism class on local school board elections. I loved talking with people and understanding the issues on all sides and what a huge difference people could make in education, which is why I’m studying political science and hope to work in local government.

Why Do You Want to Go To This College?

 

How to Answer the Top 5 College Admissions Interview Questions

This question shouldn’t come as a surprise, so come prepared! Have at least three academic reasons why “Dream University” can make your goals come true, and also have at least two non-academic reasons you love the school. That way you’ll be prepared to talk about “Dream University” no matter what topic comes up.

I’m drawn to your ecology studies program and love how you have a conservation focus. I was really interested to see that you recently had some top ecologists give a lecture at your school and even have opportunities for undergraduate students to do field research with actual fish and wildlife. However, I also love how you have an experimental college, where students are encouraged to teach each other fun subjects like slack-lining or Vietnamese cooking!

 

Do You Have Any Questions For Me?

Hint: ‘No’ is not an acceptable answer. If you’re applying to a college, you should be excited about it! Asking questions is a great way to demonstrate this curiosity and enthusiasm. Great questions include asking your interviewer about their own experience and asking specific questions. However, be aware your interviewer may not be equally familiar with all departments or special programs.

What do you wish you’d known as a freshman?

What’s something unexpected about Dream University?

How did going to Dream University prepare you for your job?

 

Tell Me About Your Activities (This One Is Deceptively Simple!)

So you think you’re going to talk about how you made varsity tennis, or maybe about your love of hip-hop dance, but the truth is your interviewer is also trying to assess your level of commitment and your values.

Talking about how your dance partner made you look bad is not a good idea, nor is pretending that you are the world’s best debater when you’re really not. Be prepared to talk about your accomplishments, how long you’ve been involved with your activity, and what aspects of your activity keep you coming back for more. It can also show maturity and humility to mention the parts of your activity that don’t come as easily to you that you are still working on.

 

Done Preparing These Questions? Good Work!

All and all, if you prepare for your college interview ahead of time, keep in mind the lessons of theater and improv, and show up with a positive attitude, you’ll be able to not only learn more about your Dream University but also truly shine as a prospective student.

 

 

All the best for your college interviews, 

Team Insight 

It was a great year for Insight Students!

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2017 has been a wonderful year for our Insight students, with many getting into the top college of their choice or scoring the SAT/ ACT Score of their dreams! Below are some notes from our students as they celebrate their success. 

I took an Insight SAT Boot Camp, and afterward, I got 1570 on the SAT!!!! 800 MATH and 770 READING!!!!

#NYUSTERNCLASSOF2022 THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING I CAN BARELY TYPE IM SO EXCITED AND I WOULDNT BE HERE WITHOUT YOU GUYS SO THANK YOU! 

Thank you so much for all your help throughout the college application process. My parents and I really appreciate your constant support and encouragement. Your smiling face and kind attitude made me feel comfortable from the day I met you! 

It’s official! I could not have this without your help. Your help has meant so much to me and there was no way I could have gotten into my top choice without you. Thank you again, Zach.

I am truly loving college, and there have been so many times when I think, “what would Sarah advise me to do right now?” You have really taught me how to live through my values; you have given me the strength to take risks to grow, and helped me enjoy the journey of learning. I am so lucky that you happened to be my counselor. 

Purvi’s expertise & guidance helped our daughter get accepted to schools of her choice, one actually offered a full scholarship!

I got into UIUC yesterday for math & cs! Thanks for all of your help, because I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.

Dear Jenny, You have been a big help to us with the college app process. Thanks for your guidance and support!

This was the best experience ever! Purvi is so friendly and she really knows her stuff. She helped me to edit my personal statements for UCs. She even made sure that the number of words does not exceed the word limit. She paid attention to every single detail and she made me feel way more relaxed and confident. The result was good as well, I got into UC Berkeley! 

Holiday Happiness with Insight: Our Holiday Traditions

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For the whole month of December, Team Insight are celebrating the holidays by taking a look back at the things that bring us joy. One of the big things we all enjoy are the traditions we celebrate with our families during the season. 

Below are some of our favorite holiday traditions. What are yours? Share them with us by tagging @insight_eddy on Instagram, and @InsightEduc on Facebook and Twitter! 

Sarah: On New Year’s Eve instead of resolutions, we each write something on a piece of paper that we want to let go of from the past year and throw it into the fire. Then we draw a card from my deck of inspirational cards and let that provide an intention for the new year. 

Christina: My favorite holiday tradition started after we had our first daughter, we would have to go to at least 2 different houses to celebrate with family. In the wee hours of Christmas morning, we open presents in our pjs, unbrushed hair and teeth and spend time together with just my own little family.

Jenny: My favorite tradition is waking up on Christmas morning and eating a slice of my Husband’s mom’s famous cinnamon swirl poppyseed bread and a slice of another neighbor’s famous Irish soda bread and drinking a coffee and fresh squeezed OJ while opening presents.

Helena: Watching Elf on repeat. Snuggling with pets when it’s cold. It’s not really a tradition, but it’s a warm and cozy thing to do. 

Zach: I enjoy watching movies with my family on Christmas Eve, holiday decorations all over the living room and our tree lit, as we wait on all gift exchanges until the morning. Some favorites include Elf, Home Alone, & the immortal Griswold classic, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  My younger brothers and I used to watch NBA games during the afternoon, but with parenthood, it’s more about helping the kids play with their new toys. This year may add new traditions, as Emily will be celebrating her very first Christmas and Benjamin will be celebrating his first as a big brother

Casey: My husband’s grandparents are still around and living throughout Northern California, so we can have as many as 5 Christmases over a 3-day period and end up driving over 400 miles, so my favorite part was surviving the madness.😆  Now that we have our son, my favorite part is wrapping gifts last-minute (like, literally 11 pm on Christmas Eve) while watching Nightmare Before Christmas and Love Actually, and then we get to have our own mini-Christmas in the early morning before embarking on our journey(s). 

Amy: Relaxing with my family, drinking hot toddies, and coming up with the most ironic secret Santa gifts.

Ally: My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the Christmas tree with my family listening to the Muppets Christmas Cd. Every year we decorate as a family and then play the card game UNO and drink brandy with eggnog. 

Holly: My favorite tradition is watching Love Actually on Christmas Eve, usually with a little bottle of bubbles and some kind of tasty treat, and then getting to open one present after the movie.