College Coaching
Applying to college can be a daunting task, with numerous components to the process, each not only essential but also requiring significant effort, attention to detail and introspection.
And the more competitive the college, the more complicated the application process. Frankly, it’s overwhelming for students and parents alike. After 13 years helping students, we have a deep understanding of the challenges families face. High school juniors and seniors are in their toughest years of school, balancing coursework, extracurriculars and the lengthy application process. Not to mention the social pressures of teenage life.
It’s not surprising that in 2021, a staggering 71% of high school students reported being burned out. When it comes to the application process, it can feel like the questions are endless.
We are here to help you answer the questions with confidence, reduce the stress and shepherd you through the process.
We offer all the coaching and test-prep services you need to successfully apply to college and get into your top-choice school. Our students are consistently admitted to the most competitive colleges in the nation.
IGP students have been accepted to prestigious
colleges and universities including:
Harvard
Stanford
Columbia
Princeton
Yale
Duke
University of Pennsylvania
University of Chicago
Pomona
Northwestern
Johns Hopkins
Tulane
USC
UCLA
UC Berkeley
USC Film School
Dartmouth
Barnard
Williams
Bates
Georgetown
Vassar
Wash U
Tufts
NYU
Wesleyan
Pitzer
Boston University
UC Santa Barbara
UC San Diego
University of Virginia
Kenyon
Oberlin
William & Mary
Skidmore
University of Michigan
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
University of Texas
Wellesley
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Emerson
Reed
Sarah Lawrence
Bard
Syracuse
Santa Clara
Chapman
College Essay Coaching
If there’s one aspect of your college application that sets you apart, it’s your personal statement and supplemental essays.
The essays are your opportunity to show colleges who you are beyond grades, test scores and extracurricular activities. How do you set yourself apart from an overflowing applicant pool filled with other highly qualified students?
College essay coaching from IGP teaches you how to craft winning application essays that showcase your unique voice and accomplishments, paving your way into your top-choice college. Our coaching teaches what no book can, providing an array of techniques to break through writer’s block, unlock your creativity and organize your ideas. Working with Lisa takes the stress out of the college-essay writing process and makes it fun and empowering.
Across the board, our students report that in addition to gaining admission to their chosen schools, they become better writers and editors, skills that will serve them not only in college but for a lifetime.
“Lisa was a miracle worker. When we started working together, I was struggling to put my feelings into words. Step by step we methodically worked on the essays, and not only did they sound incredible but she improved my writing skills. I completed our time together as a more competent and confident writer. I highly recommend Inner Genius Prep to anyone who wants to make the college process easier and more successful! I got in early to my first choice college, University of Michigan!”
– Caitlin Cohen
College Interview Coaching
College interviews are your opportunity to shine in person, not just on paper.
However, talking about oneself doesn’t always come naturally, especially for teenagers. Lisa teaches students how to go into interviews prepared to win over the interviewer, create authentic connections and have natural conversations that cast them in the best possible light. You’ll also learn how to handle any wacky, off-the-wall questions you can’t prepare for and what interviewers are looking for when they ask these questions.
College interview coaching from IGP prepares you to ace your interviews, both letting you know what to expect and helping you answer questions naturally and confidently.
“I’ve never liked talking about myself and was extremely nervous heading into my college interviews. Lisa taught me how to answer questions confidently so I went into my interviews feeling prepared and the conversation flowed easily. Coaching from Lisa helped me get into my dream school, Tufts! Overall, working with her was an excellent experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
– Kai Preminger, Crossroads
Transfer Essay Coaching
IGP helps students craft winning transfer essays that take them from a college at which they’re unfulfilled to one that’s the right fit.
We understand the unique challenges transfer students face and how to guide them in writing compelling essays that explain why they want to transfer and how they’ll benefit from attending a new school.
Lisa has a wealth of experience working with transfer students to help them explain why they want to transfer – and how they will pursue their education once they do – in essays that are persuasive and appealing to admissions officers. IGP has a track record of 100% success helping students transfer to the colleges of their choice.
“Lisa is amazing! She helped me with college applications as a transfer student. I was accepted into all the colleges I applied to (NYU, Northeastern, Tulane, Fordham, and American University) and am now happily attending Boston University.”
– Mari Rivera
Test Prep
Testing can play an important role in college admissions, especially for students applying to highly competitive schools.
With expert test-prep tutoring from IGP, students typically see score increases of 5-7 points or more on the ACT and 200 points or more on the SAT.
Our tutors teach you how to tackle the test with confidence. We will help you choose which test is best for you, provide a diagnostic test to get a baseline score and create a customized prep program targeted to your strengths and areas for improvement. IGP’s test-prep programs incorporate proven test-taking strategies that teach you how to navigate the tricks and traps of the test, instruction on specific content and stress management techniques so you can prep smarter, not harder.
Our students maximize their scores and college options. We have a lengthy track record of transforming anxious test takers into successful testers and helping high performers reach new personal bests.
“Lisa is not only a great coach but also such a fun person – she knows how to keep students engaged and motivated. After working with IGP, my ACT score rose from a 27 to a 35! And I got a perfect 36 on English and Reading. I completely recommend Inner Genius Prep.”
– Phoebe Brooks, Harvard-Westlake