Why do I need a college admission consultant? +

Colleges admissions post Covid are more competitive than ever. Harvard's admission rate in 2023 was 4.5%, Stanford was 4.34.

Since it's getting more difficult to stand out, passion projects and essays are crucial

As a journalist, Alice's specialty essay coaching and passion project advising. Since she's worked with many top applicants, she knows the types projects elite candidates undertake, and how they got there.

What's your student admission rate to top-tier schools?+

Two-thirds of our students who apply are admitted to Ivy League - level schools and top-tier UCs (Berkeley and LA).

This is remarkable given that the admission rate at top-tier schools is roughly 4%.

The vast majority of our students are Asian-American, non-legacy / non-donor / non-athlete / non-faculty children and many of our students pursue STEM fields, which is hypercompetitive.

The admission rate for a non-specially recruited category, especially Asian Americans, is far lower than the generally published admission rate.

What additional value do you bring? +

We teach students priceless life skills through the vehicle of the college admissions process. If you can master these skills, you can rise to the top of your industry.

Entrepreneurial Mindset
Leadership
Self Advocacy
Communication
Confidence
Sell Oneself
Creativity
Self Care

How exactly can you help? +

If you choose us, you'll maximize your chances of getting into your top school possible.

As a veteran journalist, Alice is uniquely adept at identifying your unique hook and helping you craft essays that will stand out.

Ex. 1) Alice helped a student whose elite private school guidance counselor said she had "no chance" of getting into Stanford or an Ivy League.

The student wanted to write her main personal statement on her scientific research, but Alice discovered the student's parent had a serious illness. Alice advised the student to write about the illness because it was more personal.

The student got into Stanford.

Later, Alice consulted a former Stanford admissions reader who agreed an essay on research probably would not have gotten the student in.

Ex. 2) Private school administrators hired Alice to train their guidance counselor on essay coaching. No student at the private school had gotten into an Ivy-level university in the school's 22-year history.

The student Alice coached wanted to write about his experiences as a student body tri-president. The essay seemed flat to Alice, so she dug into the student's experiences and discovered he worked as a dishwasher at Cracker Barrel.

Alice encouraged her student to write about Cracker Barrel because it was unique. Most students applying to MIT would probably write about leadership, research, community service, etc. The student set himself apart with a humorous yet earnest essay about what he learned from a humble, minimum wage job.

Alice's student got into MIT.

What sets your company apart? +

Top 1% Expertise

Alice is a Stanford graduate who's worked full-time in the highly competitive fields of TV and print journalism. Very few people -- if ever -- are hired for full-time jobs as on-air reporters and anchors. And print journalism is also a highly competitive field - only the top candidates in the country are hired and published at large papers. As a professional journalist, Alice uses her interviewing, analytical and editing skills to coach her students.

You'll work directly with Alice. She does not outsource editing to college students, graduate students or recent college graduates.

Highly personalized

Alice accepts only a handful of students in order to provide the best possible outcomes. Alice will know every aspect of your profile and help you come up passion projects that align with your life goals, an outstanding hook and a personalized application strategy.

What's the financial investment for a package? +

How much is it worth for your teen to maximize her potential, have a strong relationship with you, and be happy?

Working with Alice is an investment in your teen's future. Four years at a private university like Stanford can cost $328,000. And skills to build a fulfilling career and life are invaluable.

BrightStory offers custom packages for families. Email alice.c.chen [AT] stanfordalumni.org for a package quote.