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Insights into Honors College and Honors Program Posted On: May 5, 2023 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Meilin Obinata

So, you have heard great things about honors colleges and college honors programs. Now what? In this blog post, Insight Senior College Admissions Counselor Meilin Obinata will guide you through various factors to help you figure out if one of these would be a good fit for you (or not).   What is an Honors […]

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Happy College Signing Day, Insight Class of 2023! Posted On: April 17, 2023 Posted In: Success Stories, Written by: Insight Education

On May 1st, we celebrate our amazing Class of 2023! It has been our privilege as a team to work with the students and families that entrusted us during this process. We are so proud of all the hard work, resilience, creativity, and dedication shown by our students.    Below is a snapshot of some […]

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Admitted! Which College Offer Should I Accept? Posted On: March 29, 2023 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jenny Bloom

Congratulations! Around this time of the year, all of us at Team Insight have the privilege to share the joy of our students and families as they receive acceptance letters. Now comes the next big question: “which school should I go to?” Didn’t get into your top-choice college? Check out our articles on Waitlist and […]

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Waitlist and Appeal – What Should You Do? Posted On: March 15, 2023 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

We always look forward to this time of year filled with excitement — the time when college decisions are released. It marks years of hard work and dedication. It also brings with it hope for the future and a new beginning. And while we celebrate acceptances and struggle with denials, many don’t know how to […]

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ChatGPT vs. Admissions Counselors: Can AI write a compelling college essay? Posted On: March 13, 2023 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody, Insight Education

Will ChatGPT affect your college essay? Are you no longer just competing with your peers in school when applying to college but with artificial intelligence (AI) as well? The new AI-based writing tool, ChatGPT, has been in the headlines. From writing funny song lyrics to writing essays and papers, people are in awe of this tool. […]

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Insights to the New Digital SAT Posted On: March 9, 2023 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

In early 2022, College Board announced their plan to launch a new, digital SAT. To many, the timing of this announcement does not come as a shock. During the Covid pandemic, millions of students lost access to testing centers for both the SAT and ACT, and many colleges have moved to test-optional in response to […]

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Parenting During College Admissions – Our Top Insights! Posted On: February 13, 2023 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

College admissions is a stressful time for the entire family. Seniors are anxious about starting a new chapter of their lives and leaving the comforts of home behind. Parents are equally worried about sending their children off into the world, hoping that they have prepared them well over the past 17 years.   (Parents, for […]

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Accepted, Deferred, or Denied: Understand Early Admissions Results Posted On: January 5, 2023 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

If you submitted your college application early back in October or November, late December and early January is usually a very exciting time for you as you are starting to hear back your early admissions results.   Not sure when will you know your early decision or early action results? Check out Class of 2027 Early […]

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23 amazing years of Insight! Posted On: December 22, 2022 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Insight Education

2022, another amazing year for Team Insight! We have been so blessed to share so many milestones and journeys with Insight’s students and families over the past 23 years. In 2022, our office is fully in-person, and we couldn’t be happier to see everyone and hear laughter in the office! Below is a recap of […]

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Top 3 College Admissions Interview Questions and How to Answer Them Posted On: November 29, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jason Katz

Picture this. You are sitting in front of your computer, smiling as wide as you can. You hope the person at the other end of the video call can’t see you sweat. Your heart is pounding so hard that you can hear it through your headphones. Yes, this is it. This is your college admissions […]

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Insight Alma Mater: Penn State Posted On: November 22, 2022 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Melina Matsoukas

For people who grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, applying to Penn State is a no-brainer. Like so many college towns, the university is the lifeblood of our little community. Businesses follow the beats of the semester, locals (affectionately known as “townies”) plan their weekends around avoiding game day traffic, and everyone, regardless of their […]

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Class of 2027: Early Decision / Early Action Notification Dates Posted On: November 17, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

For many of you, your college applications are almost completed (and there is light at the end of the tunnel, we promise). The next big item coming up is early admissions decisions!   The college admissions landscape continues to surprise us this year. The new, digital SAT will be implemented in Spring 2024, and some […]

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Summer Opportunities Fair 2022 Posted On: November 16, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Thank you for your interest in Insight’s Summer Opportunities Fair on November 5, 2022! We hoped you had a great time meeting the participating volunteering, research, and internship programs. We want to share a few snapshots to capture the day’s festivities and the list of participating programs (listed in alphabetical order). Wondering what you should […]

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Your Best Insights to Early Admission Options Posted On: September 1, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody, Insight Education

Over the past few years, all of us at Team Insight are noticing more and more families want to know if early admission option can increase their chance of acceptance. While early admissions may have a higher acceptance rate, it’s important to understand your options and weigh the restrictions before you send in your application! […]

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Top 10 College Essay Mistakes to Avoid Posted On: August 23, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

It’s application season! Whether you’ve been working on your college essay drafts all summer or just finished slaying your first draft, you want to double-check your personal statement or personal insight questions (PIQs) response. In this article, Insight Counselor Zach summarizes the top 10 most common college essay mistakes that you definitely want to avoid!

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Key Insights to the UC App Updates in 2022-2023 Posted On: August 21, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

The University of California (UC) application portal has been open for 2022-2023 admissions since August 1. As Insight Counselor Jenny guided our seniors step-by-step through filling out their UC apps, she discovered some important updates to the UC applications that you wouldn’t want to miss!   Key Insight #1: UC Berkeley Major Choices Update In […]

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What a Co-op University Offers and Why it is Appealing Posted On: August 18, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Do you know what’s a co-op university? What is unique about co-op? Can you name a few colleges that offer this? Let Insight share with you all about cooperative universities and why you may want to add a few of them to your college list!

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Test Optional Colleges and Score Reporting Policies for 2022-2023 Posted On: August 17, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

The list contains the test-optional colleges that changed their admission policies due to COVID-19. Some have extended their test-optional policies. These policies primarily focus on ACT and SAT standardized tests for first-year U.S. undergraduate applicants. This list was last updated in December 2022. Need help improving your SAT scores? Check out our SAT classes here. […]

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College Essays: How to Slay Your First Draft? Posted On: July 28, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Meilin Obinata

Things I hear during application season: “I read a bunch of college essays on ____ site to help me understand what I should be writing.” “My friend/parent/older sibling told me I should do _____ – is that OK? And on it goes. Why is writing for college applications so very difficult? Why does it stir […]

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The 2022-2023 ACT Registration is now open! What now? Posted On: July 11, 2022 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

For those who check the ACT website often, you’ve probably noticed that the ACT registration is now open for September 2022-July 2023 test dates! Here is a quick guide on when the ACT tests are happening, the deadlines for signing up, and what you should do (depending on your graduation year). Taking the SAT instead? […]

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How to Write the “Why Major” or “Why College” Essays? Posted On: June 30, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

During the college admissions process, you may come across many supplement essays. The most challenging one is the “why” essay. Generally, these college essay prompt asks, “Why do you want to attend our school” or “why do you want to study this specific major?”   (Rather watch a video instead? Check out Senior College Admissions […]

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2022-2023 SAT registration is opened! Now what? Posted On: May 24, 2022 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

For those who check the College Board website often, you’ve probably noticed that the SAT registration is now open for August 2022-June 2023 test dates! Here is a quick guide on when the SAT tests are happening, the deadlines for signing up, and what you should do (depending on your graduation year).   2022-2023 SAT […]

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Insights into Building a College List Posted On: May 20, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Meilin Obinata

There are so many college ranking systems – US News might be the most famous one in the USA, but there are also lists from the Washington Post, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, just to name a few. Can’t you just copy/paste a college list from one of these and call […]

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College Facts Friday: Georgia Tech Posted On: May 12, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

In this week’s #CollegeFactsFriday, we are heading to Atlanta to learn more about Georgia Institute of Technology (aka. Georgia Tech).    1. A coin toss at graduation? In 1890, the first two engineers graduated from Georgia Tech. To decide who had the honor of receiving the first degree, they tossed a coin.  2. Georgia Tech […]

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Recommendation Letters: the Great vs. the Not-So-Good Posted On: May 4, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava, Purvi Mody, Insight Education

Letters of recommendation can play a key role in the college admissions process. Many colleges, especially private universities, view their applicants holistically. They want to know who you are as a “whole person,” rather than focusing on only your academics or test scores. That’s why your college essays and your recommendation letters are important to […]

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Happy College Signing Day, Insight Class of 2022! Posted On: April 30, 2022 Posted In: Success Stories, Written by: Insight Education

On May 1st, we celebrate our amazing Class of 2022! It has been our privilege as a team to work with the students and families that entrusted us during this process. We are so proud of all the hard work, resilience, creativity, and dedication shown by our students.    Below is a snapshot of some […]

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College Facts Friday: UC Davis Posted On: April 29, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Happy Friday! You know what this means – YES, another round of quick #CollegeFacts! This week we are checking out one of the UCs. Located less than an hour away from the California state capital, UC Davis has a lot to offer.   A fan of Tolkien and sustainability? Students at UCD can apply to […]

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3 Insight Tips to Stress Management Posted On: April 27, 2022 Posted In: Life Prep, Written by: Priya Singh

As you progress through high school, you may start picking harder courses, taking on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities, and working on challenging projects over the summer. You are probably even doing all of these while trying to find times to hang out with your friends and spend time with your families.   That’s […]

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How to Answer the Common App Essay Prompt #4 Posted On: March 4, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jason Katz

In this article, college admissions counselor Jason Katz will share his insights on the Common App Essay prompt #4, which was updated in the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.  Quick Read The Common Application, which is accepted by more than 900 universities, includes the Ivy Leagues, the NESCAC, and the Claremont Colleges. It helps streamline the essential […]

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What You Need to Know About Advanced Placements (APs) Posted On: February 23, 2022 Posted In: High School, Test Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

If you or anyone in your family are currently in high school, you must have heard of Advanced Placement (AP) classes or exams. From AP tests vs. AP classes to how many APs should you take, in this article, Insight’s Head of College Admissions Counseling Purvi Mody explains all the essential facts you need to […]

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5 Important Questions to Ask When You Plan Your Summer Posted On: January 10, 2022 Posted In: High School, Written by: Zach Pava

Summer activities are a crucial part of the college evaluation process. Colleges want to see what high school students do with their long breaks and free time. Outside of the more-confined, structured school year, the activities you choose to pursue over the summer demonstrate what you value. In this Insight guide, our counselor will walk […]

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College Facts Friday: Lehigh University Posted On: January 6, 2022 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

It’s another #CollegeFactsFriday! This week, we are heading to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania to learn more about Lehigh University.      1. Lehigh University’s Taylor Stadium was the third concrete stadium in the United States. It was built in 1914. The final game at the Taylor Stadium was on a frigid day where the temperature was in […]

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22 amazing years of Insight! Posted On: December 20, 2021 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Insight Education

2021, what a year for Team Insight! We have been so blessed to share so many milestones and journeys with Insight’s students and families over the past 22 years. While 2020 turned all our lives upside down, we have enjoyed a busy year (and some normalcy) this year. Below is a recap of all the […]

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Top 6 Summer Activities for High School Students Posted On: December 13, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, High School, Written by: Zach Pava

Planning for the summer can be overwhelming for high school students and their families. From figuring out what’s meaningful to you to what can help you in college admissions, you may have trouble picking the “perfect” summer activities. In this article, Insight Senior College Admissions Counselor Zach Pava explains the top 6 summer activities for […]

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ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take? Posted On: December 6, 2021 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Standardized testing remains a key part of the college admissions process. Many students and parents begin their admissions journey by comparing the SAT and the ACT. One of the most commonly asked questions for Insight Counselors is “which test is easier/better?” The SAT and the ACT generally cover the same topics. Both ACT and SAT scores […]

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Community Service Ideas for the Holiday Season Posted On: November 30, 2021 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

The holiday season is a time for love and joy. For students (and adults), it’s also a great time to give back. While it’s important to volunteer and help out in your community year-round, the holiday season can be a wonderful start for you. There are many activities you can explore during the short break, […]

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The Complete Guide to College Admissions Interview (Class of 2026) Posted On: November 11, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

As many of you have submitted your college applications for the 2021-2022 college admissions season, it’s important to update your calendar and check your inbox regularly for interview invitations.   You probably already know which schools on your list offer admissions interviews and whether the interview helps you demonstrate your interest in attending those colleges.

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Class of 2026 Early Decision / Early Action Notification Dates Posted On: November 3, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

For many of you, your college admissions season is almost wrapped up (and there is light at the end of the tunnel, we promise). The next big item coming up is early admissions decisions!   The effect of COVID-19 continues to impact college admissions this year. Many universities and colleges have extended the test-optional admissions […]

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Beyond College Admissions: Why Extracurricular and Summer Activities Matter? Posted On: October 14, 2021 Posted In: High School, Life Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Community service, student internship, and summer research – these days, high school students are trying to pack too many extracurriculars in their resumes, hoping to impress the admissions office. It’s common knowledge that other than a strong GPA and standardized test scores, colleges are looking for students who have devoted time in the fields of […]

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5 Tips for Your College Essays Posted On: August 20, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jenny Bloom

It’s no secret that your college essays can influence your college admissions chances. You probably have been planning (and possibly stressing over) what to write and how to tell your story. Insight Senior College Admissions Counselor Jenny Bloom is here to share five tips to help you get started on your college essays!   (More […]

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College Facts Friday: Barnard College Posted On: August 19, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

For this week’s #CollegeFactsFriday, we are going to New York, New York! Cue the music and let’s learn more about Barnard College.    1. Barnard College was named after Frederick A. P. Barnard, who founded the school (with the help of a student Annie Nathan Meyer) in 1889. Barnard was the 10th president of Columbia […]

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Back to School: Get ready for a great academic year! Posted On: August 17, 2021 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

As your summer break comes to an end, you may be excited about a new school year or dreading the early mornings. Whichever describes you, it’s always a good idea to start preparing early, so you can set yourself up for a great school year. Here are a few tips to help you get ready […]

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List of Colleges Where Demonstrated Interest May Benefit You Posted On: August 11, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

As we dive deeper into the college application season, it’s important to build an authentic relationship with your top-choice university. For some colleges, demonstrated interest helps them understand which students will apply and attend their schools.

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All You Need to Know about Demonstrated Interest Posted On: August 11, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

As some of you embark on the college admissions journey, you may start to hear the term “demonstrated interest.” How does it play into the college admissions process? What can you do to use demonstrated interest to your advantage? In this article, we will share our insights on demonstrated interest and its benefits!   (More […]

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College Facts Friday: Emory University Posted On: July 23, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Welcome back to another round of #CollegeFactsFriday! This week we are visiting the Peach State, Georgia. Just 3 miles away from Georgia’s state capitol Atlanta is Emory University, a private research liberal arts college.    1. Emory’s official mascot is Swoop the Eagle, but its unofficial mascot is Dooley the Skeleton, a dapper biology lab […]

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Top 10 Summer Tasks for College Admissions Posted On: July 12, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

Summer is the perfect time to get a jump-start on your college admissions process. There are several steps that you can take to make the admissions process as stress-free as possible during the Fall. Even though your friends may procrastinate, there is no reason for you to do so.    1. Create your college list […]

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College Facts Friday: Carleton College Posted On: July 9, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Happy Friday! For this week’s #CollegeFactsFriday we are visiting the state of 10,000 lakes. Carleton College, home of the Knights, is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota.    1. The most popular majors at Carleton College include: Social Sciences, Physical Sciences,  Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Mathematics and […]

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2021-2022 SAT Registration is opened! Now what? Posted On: June 29, 2021 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

For those who check the College Board website often, you’ve probably noticed that the SAT registration is now open for August 2021 – June 2022 test dates! Here is a quick guide on when the SAT tests are happening, the deadlines for signing up, and what you should do (depending on your graduation year).   […]

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College Facts Friday: Boston University Posted On: June 25, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

 1. The Boston University Bridge is one of three places in the world where a plane can fly over a car driving over a train traveling over a boat. This is also possible with the Steel Bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, and the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon, Portugal.  2. The […]

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Insights into Transferring Colleges Posted On: June 24, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jason Katz

Are you thinking about transferring colleges? If so, you’re in the right place, because I’m a transfer student and I’m going to tell you about my experience.   Insight counselor Jason’s insight #1: Don’t blindly follow the college rankings.   When I was a senior at Palo Alto High School, I applied to approximately ten […]

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College Fact Friday: USC Posted On: June 18, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

 1. Their motto is “palmam qui meruit ferat, let he who merited the palm bear it,” meaning “achievement should be rewarded.”  2. When the University of Southern California was founded in 1880, the University employed 10 faculty members and welcomed a class of 53 students. Tuition for the first year was only $15.00 per semester, […]

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Will Passing the AP Exams Help You Save Money on College Tuition? Posted On: June 16, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Meilin Obinata

Newsflash: colleges are not consistent in their approach to honoring AP Credits. Some institutions have transparent and user-friendly policies. I’ve heard that some people believe that they could even save money on tuition by taking AP courses and passing the AP exams. The idea seems quite straightforward – spend a few hundred dollars now to […]

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How to Prepare for the ACT or the SAT This Summer Posted On: June 10, 2021 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

It’s the beginning of summer! And for many of you, you just finished a tough school year and conquered some AP exams. The last thing on your mind is preparing for another test. You may think, “It’s okay. Many schools are extending their test-optional policies.” But the reality is many admissions offices are overwhelmed by […]

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Top 3 Tips to Help You Start to Prepare for College Admissions Posted On: June 8, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to every aspect of our lives, from how we socialize to how we learn, and of course, to how we need to prepare for college admissions. If you are still unsure about which path to take on your college admissions journey, don’t worry – you’re not the only one. […]

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What Do the New UC and CSU Standardized Testing Requirements Mean For You? Posted On: June 3, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jason Katz

Insights into UC and CSU Standardized Testing Requirements for the 2021-2022 Admissions Season According to the University of California Application Center, “UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships.” In other words, UC is test-blind for the high school class of 2022.   Because UC is test-blind, […]

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Happy College Signing Day, Insight Class of 2021! Posted On: May 1, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Success Stories, Written by: Insight Education

Today, May 1st, 2021, we celebrate our amazing Class of 2021! Even though we can’t celebrate in person, it has been our privilege as a team to work with the students and families that entrusted us during this process. We are so proud of all the hard work, resilience, creativity, and dedication shown by our students.  […]

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Stop Telling Teens to Find Their Passions Posted On: April 19, 2021 Posted In: High School, Written by: Purvi Mody

When I was applying to business school, part of my personal statement focused on how I found my passion for education and how I wanted to explore it more deeply. At that time in my life, the idea of finding a passion was gratifying, like I had somehow reached a higher plane of self-awareness. Today, […]

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Understanding the Intent to Register Process Posted On: April 13, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Priya Singh

Around this time of the year, many families are faced with the dilemma of choosing a college and committing to it by making the required deposit by May 1st (Note that some colleges extended their deadlines due to Covid-19). However, this can be a hard decision when (a) you have multiple colleges to choose from, […]

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Waitlist and Appeal – What Should You Do? Posted On: April 6, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

We always look forward to this time of year filled with excitement — the time when college decisions are released. It marks years of hard work and dedication. It also brings with it hope for the future and a new beginning. And while we celebrate acceptances and struggle with denials, many don’t know how to […]

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Congratulations & Thank You, Class of 2021 Posted On: April 6, 2021 Posted In: Success Stories, Written by: Insight Education

As we are wrapping up the 2020-2021 admissions season (and now anxiously waiting with our seniors as results trickle in), all of us at Insight wants to thank our students and families for being resilient, creative, and flexible in the face of all the changes. Most of all, we are grateful to be a part […]

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College Facts Friday: UMass Amherst Posted On: April 1, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Founded in 1863 as an agricultural college, UMass Amherst was originally called the Massachusetts Agricultural College. UMass Amherst is the flagship and the largest campus in the University of Massachusetts system, as well as the first established. The official college color is maroon. The White House has named UMass Amherst to the President’s Higher Education […]

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Why It Is Important to Find Your “Best Fit” College Posted On: March 10, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jason Katz

Warren Buffett (Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway). George Lucas (creator of “Star Wars”). Larry Page (co-founder of Google). Jerry Jones (owner of the Dallas Cowboys). Arnold Schwarzenegger (former Governor of California, movie star). Oprah Winfrey (media executive, former talk show host, actress, etc.).   What do all these people have in common? You might […]

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To Test, Or Not To Test? Posted On: March 2, 2021 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education, Meilin Obinata

In a land, devastated by famine and drought, shimmering pools of water and images of plenty tempted travelers and visitors. Were these hallucinations? Oh dear reader, these visions are inspired by the financial waves crashing on colleges – I was using a metaphor for the feast and famine landscape higher education institutions are facing thanks […]

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The Importance of Writing A Letter of Continued Interest Posted On: February 4, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Meilin Obinata

I remember one student telling me, “But Meilin, they deferred me! And I’m so tired of writing apps! Why do I have to keep writing to these people if they don’t want me?” She was indeed tired of this application process. She had in fact worked very diligently, thoroughly, and even passionately (believe it or […]

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College Board is Dropping Subject Tests and the Essay Portion of the SAT: What This Means For You Posted On: January 20, 2021 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Quick Summary:  The College Board said on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, that it will stop administering the SAT Subject Tests. It will also eliminate the optional essay-writing component after June 2021. In their statement, the College Board shared that the pandemic “accelerated a process already underway … to reduce and simplify demands on students.” It […]

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A Lesson from the Pandemic: How Project Management Skills Lift Introverts   Posted On: January 13, 2021 Posted In: Life Prep, Written by: Meilin Obinata

We in the United States glamorize extroversion – being outgoing, so much so that Susan Cain shook the world  some years ago  with her  book,  “ Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking .”  Why?  Because her premise – that introverts have special gifts to offer society  – is a message […]

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Hidden Benefits of College Admissions Interview Posted On: January 6, 2021 Posted In: College Prep, Life Prep, Written by: Insight Education

By now, you’ve submitted your applications, and you may have the option to interview with college alumni. You might wonder whether or not they’ll positively affect your admission decision. More importantly, honing your interview skills goes beyond college admissions.  

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6 Warning Signs For Teen Mental Health, and What To Do About Them Posted On: December 28, 2020 Posted In: High School, Life Prep, Written by: Insight Education

It’s no secret that the pandemic is an isolating time, however together with this isolation comes an increased risk of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges for teens.

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Should I self-study for AP? Posted On: December 22, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Test Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

You probably know about Advanced Placement or AP courses. You may have even heard of AP Self-Study, and might be considering it. But should you? Does it help demonstrate your strength?

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Insight Alma Mater: Mitchell Hamline Posted On: December 14, 2020 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Meilin Obinata

My decision to attend Mitchell Hamline School of Law (MH) in Saint Paul, Minnesota started out as just a marriage of convenience. When I applied, all I knew as a Bay Area native was that Minnesota was home to Jesse Ventura, who had made his way from working as a pro wrestler to being the governor. And I knew nothing about MH; I […]

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Class of 2025 Early Decision / Early Action Notification Dates Posted On: November 25, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

For many of you, your college admissions season is almost wrapped up (and there is light at the end of the tunnel, we promise). The next big item coming up is early admissions decisions!   Like many things this year, the college admissions landscape of 2020 has changed due to COVID-19. Many universities have temporarily […]

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Best Way to Prep for PSAT? Study for the SAT! Posted On: November 21, 2020 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Insight Education

The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a part of the SAT suite. This test is offered annually to students in the 10th and 11th grades. You can only take the PSAT once per year.   What’s the Big Deal? Your PSAT scores won’t get you into college […]

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Picking a High School? Forget about College (for now) Posted On: November 4, 2020 Posted In: High School, Written by: Purvi Mody

Question: My child is in 7th grade right now and my husband and I are trying to figure out which is the best high school for him to attend so that he can get into the best colleges? If he attends a private school, does he have a guarantee at one of these schools?   Answer: […]

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Early Decision vs. Early Action – Which to Choose? Posted On: October 8, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

If you are entering the college admissions process, you might have heard of these terms. You might even wonder what they are. What is the difference? Which is better for your college admissions strategy, if at all? Insight Head of College Admissions Purvi Mody is here to share with you all the insights on Early […]

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How to Combat Zoom Fatigue Posted On: September 15, 2020 Posted In: Life Prep, Written by: Insight Education

If you are finding yourself exhausted between classes, office hours, webinars, and social time all on Zoom, you are not the only one. Over the past few months, “Zoom fatigue” or “Zoomed-out” have shown up more and more over social media and Google searches. Most importantly, it is probably showing up in your home.    Why do […]

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What are College Admissions Officers Looking for? Posted On: July 17, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jason Katz

An Interview with Santa Clara University’s Claire Kreeft, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions I conducted an interview via email with Ms. Claire Kreeft, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission at Santa Clara University (SCU).  Ms. Kreeft provides invaluable insights into the admissions process at SCU.   Please note that this interview was conducted shortly before SCU […]

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How Covid-19 Has Impacted Insight Alumni Posted On: July 11, 2020 Posted In: Life Prep, Team Insight, Written by: Zach Pava

This is a special one. At a time of uncertainty for all of us, five former Insight graduates have taken the time to share the details of their experiences in college during the pandemic. There have been highs and lows and their experiences range from adjusting to the challenges of returning home again unexpectedly during […]

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Standardized Testing: A Reflection Posted On: June 24, 2020 Posted In: Life Prep, Test Prep, Written by: Jenny Huang

I feel like there are certain activities that will always make me a little—okay, very—nervous.  These include riding a roller coaster, watching a horror movie, and lastly, taking standardized tests!   Standardized testing was not my forte, and I felt like this was the most daunting aspect of the college admission process in high school.  […]

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Finding Your College Match If You Have Learning Challenges Posted On: June 9, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Life Prep, Team Insight, Written by: Jason Katz

Have you ever wondered how to find a good college match if you have learning challenges?  In order to answer that question and provide insight, I conducted interviews via email and phone with Gabrielle E. Miller, Ed.D., Assistant Vice Provost, Learning Services and Executive Director of the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center at the […]

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From Our Founders Posted On: June 7, 2020 Posted In: Life Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody, Ajit Jain

Dear Insight Community,   It has taken us a number of days to gather our thoughts and put something down on paper to share what we are feeling with our Insight community. The country and the world are going through significant turmoil and the most recent events of the past few weeks, culminating in the […]

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Transferring Between UC Campuses…Wait, That’s Possible? Posted On: May 13, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jenny Huang

You’ve probably heard about transferring from a community college to a UC institution, but did you know it’s possible to transfer between UC campuses?  This is the path I took—I spent my first two years at UC Santa Barbara before transferring to UC Berkeley for my last two years of undergraduate studies. If you’re interested in hearing about […]

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Happy College Signing Day, Insight Class of 2020! Posted On: May 1, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Success Stories, Written by: Insight Education

Today, May 1st, 2020, we celebrate our amazing Class of 2020!    Even though we can’t celebrate in person, it has been our privilege as a team to work with the students and families that entrusted us during this process. We are so proud of all the hard work, resilience, and dedication shown by Insight’s […]

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Insight’s List of Colleges Accepting AP Credits 2020 Posted On: April 30, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Ajit Jain

THE FOLLOWING LISTS THE COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES ACCEPTING 2020 AP CREDITS Adelphi University: “We will still award Advanced Placement (AP) credit in the same way for virtual exams being offered by the College Board. We will also lend flexibility for International Baccalaureate (IB) credit on the basis of predicted scores and/or final grade scores in […]

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What’s the Best Online School Etiquette? Posted On: April 28, 2020 Posted In: High School, Written by: Jenny Bloom

  Online etiquette has always been an important part of life, but it is even more so now with all of us staying at home and social distancing.  Insight Education has now moved to a virtual platform and so have many schools for the rest of the semester and possibly summer.    Here are three […]

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Online Extracurricular and Volunteering Ideas To Make the Most of Your Lockdown Posted On: April 19, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, High School, Written by: Insight Education

So many of us have found our lives up ended during COVID-19. However, just because all of your extracurriculars have been canceled doesn’t mean you can’t still try to find ways make the best of this time at home.   So at Insight Education, we wanted to put together a list of great online extracurricular […]

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Choosing A College: Questions to Ask Alumni and Current Students Posted On: April 16, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jenny Huang

  Congratulations, Seniors!   Not only have you finished applying to college, but you’ve also now hopefully been accepted to a school and maybe even multiple schools!    What are your next steps? In our previous article, “How to Conduct a Virtual College Tour During COVID-19 Closures,“ it’s especially valuable during this time to reach […]

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How to Get the Most Out of Virtual College Tours Posted On: March 24, 2020 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Are you stuck at home because of Coronavirus fears? Or concerned about the high travel cost of college tours? Whatever the reason, more and more students and families are turning to virtual college tours and college research to learn about different universities from the comfort of their own homes. But how can you get a […]

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20 wonderful years of Insight! Posted On: December 15, 2019 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Insight Education

This year, 2019, Team Insight celebrated 20 wonderful years!  We have been so blessed to share in the pivotal moments and journeys of so many wonderful students and families over the past 20 years, and 2019 was no different! We have enjoyed a busy year, below is a small snapshot of all the fun we […]

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5 Tips To Study Smarter – Not Harder! Posted On: December 7, 2019 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

Studying can be tough, especially if the content isn’t something you’re very excited about or you have a lot of other things on the go. Below are some tips to help you focus on studying smart.    1. Follow a clear study schedule. If you want to make sure you study each week, you need […]

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College Facts Friday: San Diego State University Posted On: November 22, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

This week for #CollegeFactsFriday, we’re talking about San Diego State University!    1. San Diego State has a strong statement of ethics: “Leadership starts here”. The statement is a fundamental principle that guides the actions of the school. 2. The school is ranked No. 60 among public universities, and in the top 130 overall. Learn […]

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Dislike College? You Have Options! Posted On: November 12, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

Question: I am a freshman in college right now. I chose the school I am attending because I wanted to go to a big school in another part of the country for a new experience. I thought I would love this school, but it turns out that I am really unhappy here. Is it possible […]

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College Facts Friday: Penn State Posted On: November 8, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

We’re back with another #CollegeFactsFriday! This week, we’re taking a closer look at Penn State, located in … you guessed it, Pennsylvania!    1. The history of Penn State dates back to 1855 when the school had a focus on agricultural science. More on the history of the school here.  2. Penn State has a […]

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Why The College Essay Matters Posted On: October 20, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

Writing about oneself is not an easy task, but a necessary one when it comes to college applications. Too often students and parents scour the internet looking for the secret to the best college essays, or devour past essays as clues to getting in. But there is no gaming the system when it comes to […]

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Insight Alma Mater: UC Berkeley Posted On: October 17, 2019 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Insight Education

Welcome back to Insight Alma Mater! For those of you that haven’t ready last weeks blog, written by counselor Jenny Huang, make sure you go back and read that one first as today’s story picks up right where that one left off. Insight Alma Mater – UC Santa Barbara.    FLASHBACK TO TRANSFERRING When I […]

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College Facts Friday: American University Posted On: October 10, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

This week we’re taking #CollegeFactsFriday to the capital and learning more about American University, located in Washington DC!    1. American University was founded by John Fletcher Hurst in 1893, and first took on undergraduate students in 1925. 2. There are 250+ student organizations at AU, you can learn more about them here.  3. The […]

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Insight Alma Mater: UC Santa Barbara Posted On: October 6, 2019 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Insight Education

Welcome back to the Insight Alma Mater blog series! The story you’re about to read is one with an unexpected ending – make sure you return to our blog this time next week to find out what happens! Below is Insight Counselor Jenny Huang’s experience at the University of Santa Barbara.    FLASHBACK TO SENIOR […]

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College Facts Friday: University of Denver Posted On: October 3, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

This week we’re heading to Colorado for #CollegeFactsFriday, learning more about the University of Denver!    1. Students at DU reap the benefit of its amazing location, located near the beautiful Rocky Mountains and enjoying over 19,000 acres of park space in and around Denver.  2. University of Denver is ranked in the top 5 […]

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College Facts Friday: UC Riverside Posted On: September 19, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

As we enjoy the last few weeks of sunshine… wait, who are we kidding? It’s California! It’ll still be sunny in November! Well, even still, we can’t help but want to write about a school in sunny CA for #CollegeFactsFriday. Ready to learn more about UC Riverside? Read on!    1. The very first “first-day” […]

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Tips for Strong Letters of Recommendation Posted On: September 17, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

For students thinking about getting letters of recommendation for their college application, it can tricky to figure out how to best go about the process. We are here to help answer all of your letter of rec questions, and guide you on how to be in the BEST position to receive strong letters!    One […]

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College Facts Friday: Columbia University Posted On: September 13, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

This week, #CollegeFactsFriday is heading to New York City! Learn more about Columbia University below:    1. Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King’s College by royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the […]

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College Facts Friday: Santa Clara University Posted On: September 6, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

We’re back in the Bay for our #CollegeFactsFriday, this week looking at Santa Clara University! Read on for some facts:    1. Santa Clara University was named the top-ranked regional university in the western United States in the 2019 U.S  News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. The University earned a perfect overall score of […]

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A Little Etiquette Can Still Take You A Long Way Posted On: September 2, 2019 Posted In: Life Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

We live in a society driven by technology, that allows individuals to interact through keyboards and some kind of screen. Unfortunately, this means that some people either lose their politeness or don’t develop it in the first place. The anonymity of how we interact these days means we are losing some of the skills that […]

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Insight Alma Mater: Seattle University Posted On: August 27, 2019 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Casey Shook

We are back with one of our favorite blog series here at Insight, the “Insight Alma Mater”! Client Operations Manager Casey Shook attended Seattle University and tells a compelling story of her journey during first semester. Read on below! You can also learn more about Seattle U on their Facebook, and Instagram   “Can’t you […]

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College Facts Friday: Georgetown University Posted On: August 23, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Welcome back to #CollegeFactsFriday! This week we’re taking it to the capital with Georgetown University in Washington, D.C!    1. Located in Washington D.C, students at Georgetown are surrounded by museums, theaters, famous monuments and landmarks 2. Georgetown was established in 1789  3. The university motto is “Utraque Unum” which translates to “Both into one”  4. […]

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Three Tips for a Successful Senior Year Posted On: August 19, 2019 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

Congratulations, incoming seniors! You’re about to embark on a very exciting time in your life as the school year begins on your final year of high school. While you’re enjoying this year, there are some important things to remember! We have three great tips for you to keep in mind:    1- Be Prepared!  Your […]

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College Facts Friday: University of California, Berkeley Posted On: August 16, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

This week we’re sticking close to our HQ in the Bay Area and focusing our #CollegeFactsFriday on The University of California, Berkeley!    1. UC Berkeley is rated as the Number 1. Public University worldwide by US News & World Report.  2.  The mascot for UC Berkeley is known as “Oski”, a golden bear.  3. […]

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How To Decide Which UC Prompts To Answer Posted On: August 13, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Insight counseling students are working hard on their University of California Applications, which always brings up a common question that we get asked – “Which UC Prompt is the right prompt to answer?”  Well, the first and most important thing to say here is that there is NO “right” prompt to pick. The UC’s have […]

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College Facts Friday: NYU Posted On: August 9, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

We’re back with another #CollegeFactsFriday, this week bringing you facts about NYU – New York University!    1. NYU has a world champion Quidditch team who recently made it to the top 16 of world cup Quidditch. You can keep up with them on Facebook here!  2.  NYU was founded in 1831 and is now […]

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10 Tips for Completing your College Applications Posted On: August 5, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

It’s an exciting week for rising seniors!  Application portals for the University of California, Coalition, and Common are now open, and students can work on filling out these college applications. As students work through these applications, it’s important to keep in mind some important tips.    1- Have transcripts ready to go!  This does not […]

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College Facts Friday: CalTech Posted On: August 2, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

This week for College Facts Friday, we’re learning more about CalTech: California Institute of Technology!    1. Caltech was Founded as Throop University in 1891 in Pasadena, California, and renamed the California Institute of Technology in 1920 2. The mission of the California Institute of Technology is to expand human knowledge and benefit society through […]

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The Art of Informational Interviews Posted On: July 29, 2019 Posted In: Life Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Have you ever heard of an informational interview?    The purpose of an informational interview is you are reaching out to a professional to learn more about a specific field of interest, or their job and career. Fun fact, it’s actually because of an informational interview that I ended up becoming a college counselor at […]

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College Facts Friday: Dartmouth Posted On: July 26, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Happy Friday! Welcome back to our College Facts Friday series, this week we are looking at Dartmouth College!   1. Dartmouth’s year-round academic calendar of four 10-week terms allows you to decide when to study on campus—and when to use time away from Hanover to gain work experience, engage in service, be an intern, or […]

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The Value of Networking Posted On: July 22, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Life Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

Networking: It’s an intimidating term to be sure.  I remember first hearing that word as a college freshman, and immediately shrinking away from any follow-up conversation in the moment. Networking sounded like something my Dad did at hospital functions, some obscure activity that only mattered to people who were old enough to legally sip wine, […]

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College Facts Friday: UC Santa Cruz Posted On: July 19, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Welcome back to our new series here on the Insight blog called “College Facts Friday”. This week we’re looking at The University of California, Santa Cruz.    1. UC Santa Cruz has a big focus on water conservation. Over a 20-year period in which enrollment increased 67%, water consumption increased by less than 5% 2. […]

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Encourage Creativity In Your Teen Posted On: July 14, 2019 Posted In: Life Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

One of the questions I always ask recruiters, CEOs and entrepreneurs is what trait do they most want to see in potential hires?    Almost every time the respondent states that, beyond strong academics and analytical skills, the quality they seek out is creativity. In a world where technology is seeping into every facet of […]

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College Facts Friday: The University of Chicago Posted On: July 12, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Welcome to a new series here on the Insight blog called “College Facts Friday”. Each Friday, we’ll be posting facts about a new college! Kicking off the series is The University of Chicago.    1. UChicago’s motto is Crescat scientia; vita excolatur – Let knowledge grow from more to more; and so be human life […]

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An Insight to Boston College Posted On: July 8, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

Recently I had the pleasure of attending an information session and campus tour at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. A private Jesuit university and tier 1 research institution, BC has approximately 9,300 undergraduate and 5,000 graduate students.  About 1/3 of all undergrads are engaged in research with a professor on campus, and the university […]

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Thinking About College in Canada? Posted On: July 1, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Ajit Jain

I recently had the opportunity to attend the SuperACAC conference in Phoenix, Arizona. As a proud Canadian, what pleasantly surprised me most was how many Canadian universities participated in the college fair and the targeted presentations, confirming their commitment to increasing the volume of applications they receive from the United States. All-in-all the participating universities […]

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How To Deal With Procrastination Posted On: June 23, 2019 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

Procrastination can strike us all, at any time and ahead of any task!  One thing we hear from students a lot is that they struggle when it comes to procrastinating school work. So what can you do to break the cycle of procrastinating?  Well, that is a hard question to answer! This is something that […]

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Should You Be Taking BOTH the SAT and the ACT? Posted On: June 18, 2019 Posted In: Test Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

Today we’re going to be answering one of the most common questions we hear as counselors: “Do I need to take both the SAT and the ACT?”     The answer to this question is “NO!”  You absolutely do not need to take both exams!   In fact, one of the common errors we see sometimes when students come in for […]

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An Insight to Northeastern University Posted On: June 9, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

Northeastern University provides a unique balance of campus and city life that I’ve rarely seen equaled. Not only does the university offer an exceptional academic experience and incredible employment opportunities, but it’s also walking distance to the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, Boston Common, the South End, Newbury Street, and more.    In other […]

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Reasons Why Summer Study Can Be A Great Thing Posted On: June 3, 2019 Posted In: High School, Written by: Jenny Bloom

I know most of you are probably looking forward to those days off just lounging around and relaxing all summer long, so someone like me who is telling you to study and prep for a test is a real party pooper.   However, there are some big advantages of studying for the SAT or ACT […]

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Summer Plans for High School Graduates Posted On: May 24, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

This is it! You are finally graduating high school and getting ready for that next step of your life, whatever that may be.   You have made it through high school, hopefully unscathed and excited for the future. For those of you that will be heading off to college in the Fall, you have the […]

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An Insight to Saint Mary’s College Posted On: May 16, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

I was lucky enough to be able to recently tour Saint Mary’s College, a welcoming gem of a school tucked away just an hour and a half from the South Bay area.    Saint Mary’s College has been in Moraga for over 100 years, yet few have heard of this small Catholic college located between Berkeley and Walnut Creek.    For California students hoping to stay local, Saint Mary’s […]

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Help! I Got A D – Can I Still Go To A UC? Posted On: May 11, 2019 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

We have been asked the question “If I get a D grade in Freshman year, does that mean I can’t go to a UC?”    Here’s the good news: YOU CAN STILL GO TO A UC!! So exhale, take your hand off the panic button and let that sink in.   (Prefer a video instead? […]

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An Insight to The University of Massachusetts Amherst Posted On: May 10, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

Recently I had the good fortune to visit UMass Amherst for a campus tour. The public research university, located in Western Massachusetts, is the commonwealth’s flagship campus.  UMass has approximately 22,700 undergraduate students and another 6,500 graduate students. It is also a member of the Pioneer Valley’s five college consortium along with liberal arts colleges […]

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Happy College Signing Day, Insight Class of 2019! Posted On: May 1, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Success Stories, Written by: Insight Education

Today, May 1st, 2019, we celebrate our amazing Class of 2019!    It has been our privilege as a team to work with the students and families that entrusted us during this process. We are so proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by our Class of 2019.    Below is a snapshot […]

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World Book Day: Team Insight’s Favorite Reads! Posted On: April 22, 2019 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Insight Education

Team Insight is excited to be celebrating World Book Day this April 23, 2019!  Below is a selection of our favorite books to read and recommend.    Sarah’s Pick: “Everything That Remains: A Memoir by The Minimalists” I don’t think minimalism is for everyone (or is it? 😉), but I related deeply to questioning the subconscious motivations rooted […]

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When Should You Start Thinking About College Counseling? Posted On: April 16, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, High School, Written by: Jenny Bloom

One question I’m asked all the time when I tell people what I do is “when should my child start thinking about college and college admissions counseling?”    (Ps – prefer to watch rather than read? View our video on this topic: Click HERE!)    Because I have a background in early childhood education, I […]

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Do You Want To Take A Gap Year? Here’s Why That’s A-OK! Posted On: April 10, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

“A gap year?” – Puzzled Parents   No, a gap year does not mean you spend the majority of your time hanging out shopping at The Gap in the mall closest to your home. Rather, a gap year most commonly refers to taking a year off from school in between high school graduation and the […]

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Explaining “SIR” – Statement of Intent to Register Posted On: April 5, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jenny Bloom

Now that many of you have heard back from most of your schools, you will start hearing people talk about completing their SIR, asking if you’ve completed yours, and asking where your “SIR-ing” too?    And you may be asking yourself, what does SIR even mean??    PS- more of a visual learner? Check out […]

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How To Build Your College List Posted On: March 26, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Zach Pava

A question that we hear a lot from students and families during their first meeting with us is how to think about building a college list, and what they should consider in this process.   There is a combination of factors that result in not only a strong college list but more importantly, a well-rounded […]

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Should You Consider An Appeal? Posted On: March 21, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

The short answer is… probably not. We get a lot of requests to help with appeals for students who just can’t understand why they received the decision that they did. As tough as it can be to hear, often times the decision from a college is going to be the final decision and launching an […]

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Insight’s Response to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal Posted On: March 14, 2019 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Purvi Mody

Many people reached out to us at Insight because of our work in the admissions industry, particularly admissions consulting, to ask us our thoughts on the recent college admissions cheating scandal.    First, let me start by saying that not all consultants follow unethical and/or illegal practices. Most actually care about impacting the lives of […]

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Ways to be Productive on a Snow Day! Posted On: March 4, 2019 Posted In: High School, Written by: Zach Pava

Our Massachusetts friends are snowed in!    With a full day on your hands and the weather encouraging you to stay warm inside, here are our suggestions for how to be productive (in-between quick snowball fights and snowman making competitions, of course!)    1. Study more for your exam that was supposed to be today  2. Complete your long […]

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How Many AP Classes Should You Take? Posted On: February 27, 2019 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

This is such a common question! And, unfortunately, it’s one of those questions that is best answered “it depends” because the right number really depends on YOU, your academic strengths and weaknesses and your long-term goals.   However, here are a few things you can think about as you make this decision:    I like to […]

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8 Unique Silicon Valley Teen Volunteering Opportunities Posted On: February 19, 2019 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

You’ve no doubt heard about the importance of volunteering, and how much colleges truly value service and community engagement. But what are good local South Bay Area volunteering opportunities?   The best kind of community service activities for college are those that actively engage or challenge you. So while sitting behind a help desk or […]

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Balancing Your High School Course Load Posted On: February 12, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, High School, Written by: Zach Pava

As we get deeper into February, many students are thinking about their class selections for next year. These are important decisions that deserve careful consideration as you look ahead, and plan for success.   Some students feel that the best approach is to accumulate as many AP courses at one time as possible. After all, […]

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How To Make The Most Of Your College Visits Posted On: February 1, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Sarah de Sousa

Whether you are just beginning to think about college or a #classof2020 student suddenly realizing just how close you are to the finish line, it’s important to understand how to make the most of your college visits. Having worked with hundreds of families for the past six years, I have seen a few repeated mistakes […]

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Insight Alma Mater: Trinity College Posted On: January 21, 2019 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Zach Pava

We return to our Insight blog series “Insight Alma Mater” with counselor Zach Pava. Zach attended Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut and is our Newton-based counselor! Set up a meeting with Zach by emailing us at info@insight-education.net    I didn’t know my first choice college the summer before my senior year of high school. Come to […]

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2019 – 2020 Common Application Essay Prompts Posted On: January 15, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

You know what they say – third time’s a charm!     The Common Application has announced that the 2019-2020 application essay prompts will remain the same as they have been for the last two years.    From Common App: “Based on extensive counselor feedback, the existing essay prompts provide great flexibility for applicants to tell their […]

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How To Focus Forward After An Initial Rejection Posted On: January 8, 2019 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

With results from the early round of applications widely available, I have noticed many behaviors and perceptions regarding admissions getting altered. I have found some families to be unreasonable with their expectations, and others to be overwhelmingly grateful. Certainly, those attitudes correlate heavily with the decisions received. With many more decisions to get released over […]

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2018 – What A Year! Posted On: December 23, 2018 Posted In: Success Stories, Team Insight, Written by: Insight Education

The holiday season is a great time to pause and reflect on the year that has been. 2018 has been a wonderful, busy year for Team Insight and our students! Below are some of the highlights and success of our students in the college admissions process:    “Zach, I can’t thank you enough for your […]

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Insight Alma Mater: The University of Texas at Austin Posted On: December 10, 2018 Posted In: Team Insight, Written by: Jenny Bloom

Welcome back to the Insight Alma Mater blog series! Insight College Admissions Counselor Jenny Bloom attended The University of Texas at Austin.     My time at The University of Texas at Austin – I loved my experience there.   I remember even getting to UT was work. I grew up in Texas and there were two perfectly […]

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Personal Fulfillment Counts as Much as Academic Success Posted On: November 29, 2018 Posted In: Life Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

The holidays are always a great time to reflect on the past year and look forward to a fresh start. With my students, we talk about the past year, revisit goals that had been set and create resolutions for the upcoming year. These are some resolutions that I believe every teen should incorporate into their […]

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That First Acceptance Letter is a Big Deal! Posted On: November 7, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

While it may seem too early to receive college acceptance letters, many students who applied to schools with rolling admissions have started to receive some decisions. In the past two weeks, I have gotten several emails from students notifying me that they got into X or Y colleges, but then quickly following up with something […]

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Get Past Essay “Brain Fog” Posted On: October 12, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Jenny Bloom

You’re deep in college essay writing, and the worst happens – you’re struck with writer’s block!   The dreaded “brain fog” can be hard to get through, especially if you’re on a tight deadline. Here are a few things you can do to help break out of the funk   Brainstorming   Jot down some […]

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What To Do About Mistakes in College Applications Posted On: October 2, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

Question: My son submitted his college applications early, but accidentally sent three before they were ready. Some answers are wrong and some don’t present him in the best light. What do you recommend we do to fix the situation? I’m concerned that calling the colleges will start him off with them on a bad note. […]

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Using Demonstrated Interest in College Admissions Posted On: September 25, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

Demonstrated Interest – what is it, and how do you use it!    In short, Demonstrated interest is something colleges use to see if you are genuinely interested in enrolling in and attending their university. Consider how many colleges you yourself are applying to. Then, consider if everyone in your class at school is applying […]

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3 Ways to Stand Out on your College Application Posted On: September 10, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

What are the most important things you should think about when writing your college applications?   It may be a little intimidating to hear, but some schools these days are spending as few as 8 minutes on each application. That’s 8 minutes to convey all the hard work and energy you’ve put into the last […]

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Overcoming Writers Block Posted On: August 30, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

Q: So many of my friends have started their college essays, but I seem to have a block and don’t know where to begin. Help! A: Ah — the elusive college essay. It can cause even the most confident student to feel doubt.   The intent of the essay is not to induce undue stress […]

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Tips for Incoming College Freshmen Posted On: August 10, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

A new academic year is upon us. Soon-to-be college students around the country, and the world are packing, ready to embark on new adventures. And while this is an exciting time in their lives, they can certainly benefit from the advice of people who have been there and done that. Over the past weeks, I […]

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Insight Answers Your Top College Admissions Questions! Posted On: July 27, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Written by: Insight Education

This past weekend, Insight hosted two community seminars in Fremont and Cupertino respectively. During those seminars, families wrote down their top college admissions questions.    We’ve collated those questions and our team of College Admissions Counselors has put together the answers!  Below, a snapshot of some of the questions!    Q: Everyone in my school […]

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The Gift of Service: Why and How Students Should Volunteer Posted On: July 10, 2018 Posted In: High School, Written by: Insight Education

“Trust in your desire to give, remember how good it feels, and be open to opportunities to do so, especially when they are just at the edge of your courage.” – Charles Eisenstein   I’ve been conducting an experiment in my own life lately. It goes like this: a thought comes up, “I’d like to […]

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Insight Alma Mater: San Jose State Posted On: June 20, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Team Insight, Written by: Christina Shumaker

We return to our Insight Alma Mater series with our wonderful Office Manager Christina and her story of studying at San Jose State University.    What I knew about college, I learned from television.   I am the first generation in my family to have been born in the United States and would be the […]

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For High School Grads, the Rocky Road to Success Begins Now Posted On: June 5, 2018 Posted In: College Prep, Life Prep, Written by: Purvi Mody

This time of year inspires much hope, and graduations play a big role in that. Students are leaving a huge part of their lives behind, ready and equipped for that next step. And while messages of “conquering the world” or “doing anything you put your mind to” are heartwarming and empowering, they don’t fully relay […]

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