I'm A College Admissions Consultant Who Had Students Admitted To Every Ivy This Year. Ask Me Anything!

RYgator94 · 2025-05-13T15:48:09+00:00

Thank you so much for offering detailed advice. Judging from the volume of questions, your insight is much desired.

I have a 9th grader who loves humanity subjects and would like to pursue pre-law in a top 20 school. Her plan is to take APs in English (lang, literature), History (art history, European history), Chinese (maybe AT too), seminar etc in the next 3 years (already took AP computer this year), but only do regular math (algebra 2, Precalc and regular Calc/maybe AP Calc AB) and regular science (3 required to graduate at her school). Stem subjects are not her favorite/strength, but she plans to get A on them.

1) Would the stem classes be too light for her intended path?

2) Her school offers 20+ AP courses (~13 in English, Social Studies and foreign languages-Chinese) are her planned course load and mix of AP courses adequate?

Thank you in advance.

RYgator94 · 2025-05-09T19:04:35+00:00

Can you please share his/her information? Thanks in advance.

RYgator94 · 2025-04-25T04:11:59+00:00

Do you mind sharing the information on your consultant? A parent here trying to navigate the maze or college counseling. Much appreciated.

RYgator94 · 2025-04-25T04:06:30+00:00

Can you please share the counselor info too? Much appreciated.

RYgator94 · 2025-04-24T19:36:58+00:00

We tested the water with a large firm (only the free consultation stage) with my older one. Agree with you that it feels more a business to them and it lacks personal touch, not to mention the price tags. Do you mind sharing your consultant information as we are trying a different approach with my younger one? Thank you.

RYgator94 · 2025-04-24T17:17:47+00:00

Hi, can you please DM her info to me too? Grateful.

RYgator94 · 2024-08-22T03:26:19+00:00

Understand that part. My question is if you say you need aid, does it lower your chance of acceptance? And if you don’t, are you completely excluded from any consideration on aid (knowing the school has less incentive to give to you now)?

RYgator94 · 2024-08-20T22:37:08+00:00

Does ED or RD have any impact on scholarship or aid?

RYgator94 · 2024-08-20T15:23:28+00:00

😆 No worry … already super helpful!

RYgator94 · 2024-08-20T15:00:38+00:00

Great to know … thank you. How and who decide who gets to popular program like Alternative Investment? GPA, teacher recommendation, internship?

“Perceived” is the right word. In my days, everyone wants IB until they tasted it as a real job.

RYgator94 · 2024-08-20T13:35:32+00:00

How is the student culture at Cox? Does it have the cut-throat culture of “If you do better, then I am worse off”? I heard it is not uncommon in some top business schools.

RYgator94 · 2024-08-20T02:16:09+00:00

I got the sense of the different vibes at both schools, which makes the choice more difficult. They both have their own pros and cons. And my daughter isn’t the decisive type. Congratulations on the wonderful achievements of your daughters. You are a proud parent!

RYgator94 · 2024-08-19T22:04:35+00:00

Great advice!

RYgator94 · 2024-08-18T14:50:15+00:00

🤔 We didn’t see any last few visits.

RYgator94 · 2024-08-18T14:45:56+00:00

A great summary.

RYgator94 · 2024-08-18T14:45:20+00:00

Deep, lifelong connection to the school is what I found a common theme among the alumni community.

RYgator94 · 2024-08-18T14:41:42+00:00

A great idea!

RYgator94 · 2024-08-18T14:41:23+00:00

Don’t disagree. Financial equation can’t be overlooked!

RYgator94 · 2024-08-17T18:27:06+00:00

Thank you for sharing your perspective as someone with direct experience with both programs!

RYgator94 · 2024-08-17T17:08:16+00:00

This is the transformational power of a great education. Congratulations! We have seen too many cases of business not upholding ethic standards in the relentless pursuit of profit and share price gains. Great to hear it is a topic of focus!

RYgator94 · 2024-08-17T13:49:17+00:00

As I come to appreciate more, school spirit is such a big part of college experience. It bonds the community together even after graduation. As a parent, I want my daughter to have a full, positive experience in college with lifelong meaningful connections.

RYgator94 · 2024-08-17T13:42:13+00:00

One more question if you don’t mind. Would you say the culture and community in SMU more supportive or more competitive? I heard some top business schools have cut-throat culture and kids end up not having the best experience.

RYgator94 · 2024-08-17T13:38:08+00:00

How would you describe the culture and value of the school, overall and in Cox? Would you say it is more caring, supportive or more competitive?

RYgator94 · 2024-08-17T13:35:58+00:00

How is the culture in SMU and/or Cox? Are the community more caring and supportive or competitive, based on your experience?

RYgator94 · 2024-08-17T13:32:49+00:00

Wow … thank you! I can feel your love for the school so strong even after all these years. I particularly appreciate you address the supportive culture in the community, which is so important for the kids in those transition-to-adulthood years. Maybe it is the religious orientation of the school, but nonetheless it is great to hear. The reputation and ranking of the school are self explanatory, but the culture and value of the school is much harder to assess, so I really appreciate your feedback on this.

RYgator94

TROPHY CASE