What's our philosophy?

Every year, millions of students stumble through the high school and college application process without a clear idea of what admissions officers really care about or how to meet those unknown standards. After spending dozens--in some cases, hundreds--of hours putting together their applications, they may be thrown into the reject pile after only a couple minutes of review.

We think you deserve better.

That's why Dr. Iain Lampert developed the C.R.A.S.H. model of admissions counseling. It's a system that helps students develop the important skills they'll need to succeed in ways highly selective institutions will recognize.

C stands for COMPETITIONS.

Colleges want to see evidence that students can demonstrate ingenuity, strategy, resilience, and dedication in a competitive environment. Think about contests like the iGEM Competition, the Academic Decathlon, the National Science Bowl, the International Olympiads, the National Speech and Debate Association National Championship, the National Ethics Bowl, and the Mock Trial National Championship. We help students determine the right contests to enter and the right training plans to excel.

R stands for RESEARCH.

Colleges want to make sure their students show a rigorous devotion to intellectual pursuits. We support students to identify year-round research opportunities for them to deeply understand, study, and, ideally, produce public-facing research to demonstrate their college-readiness.

A stands for ACADEMICS.

Colleges want to see an impressive transcript that demonstrates a students' multidisciplinary abilities to succeed with challenging coursework. We supply course suggestions, extracurricular learning opportunities, and up-to-date recommendations regarding the quickly-changing field of standardized testing.

S stands for SERVICE.

Colleges want their students to take ownership of their community's problems and tangibly contribute to solutions. We assist students with identifying where the needs in their community lie, determining how they can help, and managing projects that create substantial change. ModernBrain is an approved provider of the President's Volunteer Service Award.

H stands for HOBBIES.

Colleges want students who show genuine joy, passion, and commitment to interests that fall beyond the normal scope of school. Whether it's a senior who turned her love of baking and experience as a peer counselor into a social media movement, a junior who wrote, produced, and directed musicals with local middle schoolers, or a sophomore who's been updating their blog about game shows and interviewing famous producers, we're here to help you accelerate your activities.

What services do we offer?

First, we offer high school admissions counseling.

We know students sometimes struggle to get into selective private high schools. We specialize in helping improve applications by:

• Suggesting and training students in select extracurriculars
• Offering guidance on course selection
• Developing strong interviewing skills
• Preparing audition materials for specific programs (we do not currently offer ISEE or SSAT prep)

Second, we offer application reviews.

Students will:

• Submit a simulated version of the Common Application to ModernBrain, including their educational history (such as courses and grades), honors and awards, future plans, test scores, activities, writing samples, and additional information
• Receive a written report on their simulated application detailing their strengths, areas of improvement, and suggested action steps to achieve improvement goals. This report will be distributed within one week of the submission
• Schedule a one-on-one hour-long meeting to discuss the written report with their counselor--no strings attached.

Third, we offer college counseling.

We help students:

• Understand the basics of applications
• Provide self-assessments to determine the right college fit
• Develop a narrative through extracurricular activities and essays
• Decide on college prep classes and selective summer camps
• Create a college list and create educated opinions on schools
• Make good decisions regarding testing (though we don't currently offer comprehensive test prep, especially in light of the growing test-optional movement)
• Stand out with demonstrated interest
• Succeed in interviews (including the use of accredited third-party services like InitialView and Vericant)
• Assess financial aid options

Many college counseling companies will recommend external companies for extracurricular tutoring. We're confident in our ability to serve as an all-in-one service where we can determine the best activities to bolster your application and provide the top coaches to help you become your best self as an oral and written communicator.

Fourth, we offer Application Advantage seminars.

• This option is only available to students who are current members of one of our middle or high school ModernBrain Nationals Teams—speech, debate, mock trial, or MUN. Most college counselors, experienced as they are, are not aware of the most persuasive and accurate ways to craft an application focused on public speaking competitions. Our system clarifies how to showcase your application’s unique value and voice.
• These seminars will take place over Zoom twice per week (the same content in each session). In each hour-long meeting, open to parents and students, we will 1) go over the five most important college-related developments of the week, 2) detail the strategy behind the application of a speech/debate-focused student who got into a highly selective school, and 3) open up the discussion for detailed Q and A with our counseling experts. Don’t miss out on the chance to push your public speaking application across the finish line.
• This seminar series is free for students who have already signed up for our individualized college counseling program.

While we're dedicated towards helping our highly ambitious students get admitted into their top-20 schools, we know not every student thrives in those sort of environments. That's why we'll help families develop realistic goals that help meet everyone where they are. We want you to find your right college fit.

Fifth, we offer transfer counseling.

Some students may currently be dissatisfied with their community college or four-year experience and want to find a better match. We'll provide advice on developing transfer college lists, writing compelling personal statements, and doing the requisite activities to make a standout application.