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FOR PARENTS WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
FOR PARENTS CONCERNED ABOUT THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
brand new BOOK
expert admissions consultant
Dr. Agnia Grigas reveals
Dear Parent,
If you’re here, on this page is because you're part of a very select group.
You're part of the small percentage of parents who are dedicated to their child's success and happiness.
This commitment sets your parenting journey apart.
That’s because for parents like you — with the determination and willingness to get their children to the top...
You’ve know that your child is capable of reaching the stars if they put their mind to it.
That's why you've been their biggest supporter, fueling their aspirations and talents.
And the next step on their journey?
College.
But not just any college – their dream college.
A college where they can thrive, develop their talents, and reach their full potential.
A college where they can unlock doors to unlimited opportunities.
But having these big dreams and aspirations comes with a price.
You worry.
There's so much you can't control.
It makes you wonder...
You see the news...
There's ALWAYS changes in the college admissions landscape.
You hear the stories of overqualified students with incredible resumes getting rejected...
Everywhere.
And if you're like most parents, these headlines and stories amplify that worry.
It makes you question your child's future.
And the truth is, you're now a key player.
What's on the line is your child's future.
The prize at stake isn't a trophy; it's your child's future.
A future shaped by the opportunities they'll seize, the network they'll build, and the education they'll receive.
But there are a few things that make this game uniquely challenging:
It's only you and your child against other parents and students just as desperate for a win.
Colleges keep their rules secret from you, leaving you to guess the playbook.
Some players have been strategizing for years, while others don't even realize they're playing the game until it's too late and they've lost.
To win a game, any game, you need strategy.
A clear game plan.
Detailed steps on how to outsmart the competition.
And let's be clear—the college admissions game is no exception.
Imagine trying to win a chess match without knowing HOW the pieces move → That's what you're up against.
If you have questions like:
How do I select the right courses?
What's the best way to build an extracurricular profile?
How do I even start to build a college list?
—Albert Einstein
Until now, you've been playing the game making your best guess with every move.
But what if you had a manual—an expert designed blueprint that outlines this complex journey step-by-step?
What if you could play this game with the skill and precision of a seasoned pro?
Dr. Agnia Grigas
Author & Admissions Consultant
Founder of College Admissions Secrets
Hi, this is Dr. Agnia Grigas.
With nearly two decades of experience in college admissions consulting, I've had the privilege of guiding families through this high-stakes game, securing them spots at some of the most prestigious institutions.
And I will be straightforward with you today...
Hi, this is Dr. Agnia Grigas.
With nearly two decades of experience in college admissions consulting, I've had the privilege of guiding families through the competitive College Admissions Game, helping them win and secure their seat at some of the most prestigious universities.
And I will be straightforward with you today.
The strategies most people employ today are outdated or plain wrong.
The strategies most students employ today are outdated or plain wrong.
Overly grooming students?
Obsessing over decimal points?
Banking on legacy or connections?
Or relying on LUCK to win this game?
Overly grooming students?
Obsessing over decimal points?
Relying on legacy or "connections"?
Or leaving things to good old LUCK to win this game?
That's old-school and completely unreliable.
I wrote this book because I want to help you win the game.
But the only way that will be possible is by following...
An approach that does NOT FORCE your child to become someone they're not for the application...
An approach that does NOT HARM their mental health trying to keep up with an overpacked schedule.
An approach where you're NOT in a constant state of stress...
I want you to use the application process as a transformative journey of self-discovery.
So You and Your Child Can Enjoy the Journey!
Inside of my book, you will find a tried-and-true process.
The strategies I've laid down within those pages work for any student regardless of their age.
I know because every year my students use these same strategies...
This book offers the indispensable edge needed to succeed without compromising what's most important to us. Our children.
I wrote this book to give practical, actionable advice that you can use today without losing sight of the big picture.
This book is a new tool in your parenting arsenal so you can stop feeling your child's future is left to chance.
I welcome you to the new era of college admissions. I'm delighted to be your guide.
Dr. Agnia Grigas is an author, college admissions consultant, and education expert.
She graduated from Columbia University with her BA in Economics and Political Science, then received her Master's and Doctorate degrees in International Relations from the University of Oxford in England.
She’s the founder of College Admissions Secrets, a leading admissions consultancy based in Los Angeles that helps students gain admission to highly competitive and selective colleges in the United States.
As a college admissions consultant, Dr. Grigas has a mission of helping ambitious students get into their dream colleges.
Her students have gotten into all of the leading U.S. universities, including the Ivy League — and have gained as much as a million dollars in scholarships granted to their name.
A frequent media contributor, she has appeared in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, FT, Bloomberg, Reuters, CNN, BBC, and others.
As a speaker, she is represented by the Harry Walker Agency in the United States and HiCue Speakers internationally.
A student with top science accolades fails to gain college admission. What crucial error did he make? Find out on page 11.
Today's college admissions landscape is unrecognizable to most parents. Why is the traditional approach failing? Insights on page 12.
In a sea of outstanding applicants, what makes your child SHINE? Discover the key on page 12.
A simple technique that aligns academics, extracurriculars, and passions, making applications irresistible to admissions officers. See page 17.
A detailed breakdown on how I leveraged a student's strengths to WIN the admissions game. Story on page 21.
Is the admissions process truly "holistic"? The truth is on page 23.
A very simple way to make your child's college application stronger (time sensitive.) Check page 24.
When to start college prep? The answer to this question will surprise you. Don't overlook page 25.
Is striving to be valedictorian a good college admissions strategy? Page 26 will challenge your perspective.
My best kept strategy to avoid the “generic strong” applicant label. You will find it on page 26.
The four types of skills, that will help your child excel and stand out in college and life. Discover these skills on page 38.
The biggest complaint college professors have. (Colleges are now filtering students based on this.) Learn more on page 39.
A simple trick from a best seller book that will transform your child's approach to "goals" forever. Find this easy-to-use trick on page 40.
Three questions, that if answered correctly, give colleges absolute confidence on your child's leadership abilities. Find these on page 43.
For parents of shy kids: There's one big mistake that can affect your child's college odds. Learn what is it and how to avoid it on page 48.
Giants like Amazon, Lululemon, and Google use this technique to rise above the competition and become leaders in their field. (Use it to rise above perfect academic applicants.) Find this technique on page 56
Does your child have a 3-page-long resume? Think twice about submitting the whole thing — it may cost your child their admission. Find why on page 55.
How to leverage your child's younger years to leverage their passion (Einstein attributes his discoveries to this approach!) Flip to page 57 to learn more.
A simple question to save your child hours of wasted effort, and strengthen their application. You'll find it on page 59.
Your child's extracurriculars can transcend college and shape their future career. Page 62 will show you how to use this in your child's favor.
Most students follow the "fake achievement" approach to projects. Discover how to avoid it on page 65.
Ever heard of the formula "talent + hard work = impressive"? It's not enough, and missing a variable. Find the FULL formula on page 66.
The “blue ocean” versus “red ocean” approach to high school projects. (Developing apps, research with professors, and research papers are red oceans.) Learn this strategy on page 70.
If you wouldn't buy an athletic clothing line from Starbucks — then don't let your child make the mistake I show on page 73.
The four building blocks to creating breakthrough achievements. They are waiting for you on page 75.
The #1 mistake students make when choosing a major is ... on page 80.
College is getting more expensive every year. My investment approach to college on page 83.
A simple way to narrow down a major, even if your child doesn't know what they want to study. Find it on page 84.
How a six-letter Japanese word can help your child find their passion, mission, vocation, and profession. All the details on page 86
You may not have a crystal ball, but I'll show you an easy way to peek into your child's future starting on page 88.
The trending social media trick that misleads students when writing their essays. Page 92 tells you what to avoid at all cost.
Don't Do This — What NOT to talk about in the college essay starts on page 94.
The secret "brand positioning" method to writing successful college essays. Flip NOW to page 96.
Two simple essay structures ANY student can use to prevent writer's block. Details on page 98.
A deadly mistake students make on their supplemental essays (it can reduce the effectiveness of the main essay!) Learn to avoid it on page 103
How to set your child up for happiness regardless of the school they get into. Find this nifty little secret on page 108.
When grades do and do not affect admissions to a "dream college." Check out the story on page 109.
Your child's "safety" might be a "reach." The hidden truth behind admissions rates is on page 110.
The secret of teens who get into an Ivy League school but choose to go to another college. What do they know that you don't? The insight on page 111.
The "reach-target-safety" approach to college list building is FLAWED. Discover why on page 114.
Burnt out for application season. How your child can avoid this starts on page 119.
The only five questions your child should ask themselves before asking for recommendation letters. Find them outlined on page 123.
50 characters, 100 characters, 150 characters. Character limitations go beyond the essay. Find what these limitations cover on page 124
EA, ED, RD, and how to strategically approach application dates for best admissions results. Details start on page 127.
The first and most important thing you must do right after finishing this book. Take action right after reading page 132.
We've made the digital and audio versions available for instant access.
Click the yellow button below and follow the instructions to complete your order.
That's all you need to do to equip yourself with two decades of insights and strategies that will help your child get into their dream college.
See you on the other side? : )
These strategies were designed for top-tier college admissions. This means any college-bound student, no matter where they apply, can see their admissions chances enhanced by following the advice in the book.
This book includes case studies of successful students who have leveraged my proprietary admissions strategies I can hear you strategies to gain admission to their dream colleges.
Yes, you will find action items at the end of each chapter so you know exactly what to do.
Dr. Agnia Grigas is an author, college admissions consultant, and education expert.
She graduated from Columbia University with her BA in Economics and Political Science, then received her Master's and Doctorate degrees in International Relations from the University of Oxford in England.
She’s the founder of College Admissions Secrets, a leading admissions consultancy based in Los Angeles that helps students gain admission to highly competitive and selective colleges in the United States.
As a college admissions consultant, Dr. Grigas has helped students get into their dream colleges for almost 20 years. Her students have gotten into all of the leading U.S. universities, including the Ivy League — and have gained more than a million dollars in scholarships granted to their name.
In her career as an academic and researcher, she has authored three books published by Harvard University Press, Yale University Press, and Routledge, and she has guest lectured at leading universities such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, NYU, LSE, University of Oxford, UPenn, etc. She serves on the advisory board of the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs at Occidental College in Los Angeles and is a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington DC.
A frequent media contributor, she appeared in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, FT, Bloomberg, Reuters, CNN, BBC, and others. As a speaker, she is represented by the Harry Walker Agency in the United States and HiCue Speakers internationally.
No, the book provides a holistic approach. It covers everything your child needs to succeed, including class selection, extracurricular activities, personal branding, crafting compelling essays, and more.
Primarily designed for parents of high schoolers, it's equally resourceful for middle school parents to get an early start in building their child's academic trajectory.
Yes! On the checkout page you will find an option to purchase both the digital and audio version of the book.
Need help? Email: hello@collegeadmissionssecrets.com
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