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STUDY SKILLS
Performance in academic classes is the foundation upon which a college application is based, and while counselors cannot do homework for students, it is our philosophy that study habits can be taught that will help efficiency and effectiveness in preparing for homework, testing, & exams.
Counselors use grade trackers, daily study logs, and time management charts to help students manage their time well and stay disciplined in their studies. We also delve deep into a student’s study style in order to recommend improvements that will garner efficiency, improved learning, and better grades. |
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ACADEMIC & CURRICULUM PLANNING
Should a student take five AP classes during his junior year if he wants to go to UCLA? How about a small liberal arts school? How does curriculum planning relate to a student’s SAT Subject Test calendar? Counselors give advice in academic planning, whether this might entail taking summer courses or preparing for next year’s classes ahead of time.
All of this is done in consideration of each student’s abilities and college dreams. |
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STANDARDIZED TESTING
The SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject tests are not only challenging, but often confusing. When should one take which test? How should one prepare for each, and how will colleges view the scores? How many Subject Tests are required? Counselors not only inform students in these crucial areas, but also guide each student through the process, assign problems from actual tests, offer free unlimited proctored diagnostic testing and analysis, and answer any test questions that students might have. |
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and HONORS & AWARDS
Given the increasingly competitive college process, admissions decisions depend heavily on the extracurricular activities a student has committed to in his or her four years of high school. Insight counselors motivate students to not only get involved in such activities, but to get involved in areas that they are passionate about and that will set them apart from other qualified applicants. Leadership here is key! An often neglected section of the college application is the Honors & Awards chart. Counselors at Insight research contest and award opportunities in writing, science, computer graphics, art, and the photography fields to name a few. These are otherwise difficult to find, but through the use of our extensive database we expose students to these opportunities to gain recognition for their unique talents. |
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LEADERSHIP
Leadership in activities, as well as in the classroom, is a factor that almost every selective college expresses as important in its admissions decisions. Counselors encourage students to take small steps to rise to leadership positions. However, leadership is not just about positions in clubs, and counselors seek to develop leadership qualities and characteristics in students that will shine through in the college application and equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in life. |
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SUMMER PLANNING
Counselors help research exciting and unique opportunities and internships for students that will help them get excited about their academic and extracurricular interests. The entire summer is planned out in detail, to make sure that students make efficient use of their time through opportunities that challenge them and teach them something along the way. In past years Insight students have been placed at various departments at Stanford University, the California Language Institute, the University of Minnesota research program, the Cornell RABS program, SSP, ACLU, the Educational Advancement Program at Cal Tech, NASA, UC Davis YSP, the Mosaic Program, the Children’s Hospital of Oakland, the Palo Alto Research Center, and the San Francisco 49ers Training Camp to name a few. |
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MAJOR EXPLORATION
What should one study in college? How does going to college relate to one’s future career? Do I have to declare a major when I apply to college? The purpose of major exploration is to expose students to the plethora of college majors in the science, humanities, and engineering fields, and to explore possible areas of interest. Not everyone is destined to be a doctor or engineer and no matter where your interests lie we will help you figure out how you will pursue them in college. This knowledge is then used to plan and guide both academic and extracurricular involvement such that your application makes sense, as well as which colleges a student should apply to. |
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COLLEGE & CAREER RESEARCH
College & career exploration finishes what major exploration introduces. We employ a step-by-step process in order to help students assemble a list of colleges and majors to apply to given their diverse sets of interests and skills. At Insight on of our mottos is “You Don’t Get In Unless You Apply” which is why we encourage all of our students to dream big and set challenging college goals. |
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TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS
Our counselors advise students on developing strong relationships with their teachers. Not only does this improve their chances for academic success but it is also a fundamental learning tool. One day, they will have to deal with their university professors and future bosses so it is never too early to learn. Insight counselors therefore encourage students to get to know their teachers on a personal level. This includes asking for one-on-one assistance during tutorials and being an active participant in class. Saying hello in the hallway can never hurt either. In the long run, these positive relationships will serve students well when they request Teacher Recommendation Letters for College Admissions. |
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 NEWS AND EVENTS |
| MEDICAL ADMISSIONS CLINIC |
| Combined BA/MD Medical Admissions Information Clinic Saturday February 18 in Cupertino. Join us and learn more about Combined Medical School Admissions! |
| FEBRUARY SAT BOOT CAMP |
| Improve confidence to succeed not only on the SAT-I but in any academic endeavor. Cupertino session starts February 21. |
| SAT SUMMER CLASSES |
| Build skills this summer in critical reading, writing and math to prepare. Session 1 in Cupertino starts June 11. |
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| Follow Insight |
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