Love Notes
Sungjoon Kang - Johns Hopkins University Class of 2028
Reflecting on my academic journey, I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support I received from my college counselor, Genii. Genii equipped me with opportunities that I would not have discovered without her; from interning at Riken and Cedars Cinai to publishing research papers to well-known journals. Genii's insightful advice, personalized to my interests and aspirations, helped me identify and seize opportunities that were a perfect fit for me. Her encouragement and belief in my potential to succeed empowered me to pursue my goals with confidence. I cannot thank her enough for her unwavering support, patience, and genuine care throughout this crucial phase of my life. Again thank you!
Lily Zhai - UC Berkeley Class of 2028
I would like to express my gratitude to Admission AG for unwavering support over the past three years. AG’s assistance has been invaluable to me. Whenever I've reached out , whether it be to schedule a meeting or seek guidance on various tasks, AG has consistently responded promptly. Not once has turned down my requests; even if AG couldn't provide an immediate answer, they made every effort to alleviate any concerns or anxieties I had. I am truly thankful for the proactive approach AG takes in supporting my activities. From reminding me of scheduled appointments to ensuring I'm well-prepared for interviews, AG’s attention to detail has been remarkable. Moreover, AG encouragement during moments of self-doubt has been a source of strength for me. Knowing that AG is always there to offer support has brought me great comfort and reassurance. AG’s unwavering dedication and kindness have made a significant impact on my professional journey, and I am deeply grateful for AG’s ongoing support.
John Woo - Princeton University Class of 2027
“Genii was more than just a mentor. She was a driving force that helped me realize my passions, develop my maturity, and discover ways to improve myself. When I was lost or feeling uncertain, Genii gave me direction and advice. When I wasn’t trying my hardest or realizing my full potential, she always made sure to let me know. Both academically and socially, I was able to grow under Genii’s guidance and become the best version of myself. Her mentorship didn’t end outside of her office. She was someone that I was able to seek guidance from at any time of the day and any time of the week. At Princeton, I’ll continue to be persistent, ambitious, and diligent—the three core values that I learned from Genii.”
Ashley Chan - University of Southern California Class of 2027
“Genii equipped me with opportunities that I would not have discovered without her; from interning at Chapman University and UCI to working on start-ups, Genii afforded me chances to not only build my portfolio but to allow me to dabble in a myriad of interests. Genii was strict yet understanding when it came to my academics, and always reminded me to put my best foot forward. Thank you Genii!”
Julia Zhang - Northwestern University Class of 2023
“I didn’t have confidence in my path before I met Genii. I did not know where to go, so I decided to work to get hands-on experiences instead. Throughout the years working with Genii, she introduced me to several potential paths that match my goal and personality. Furthermore, she guided me to decide my way as well as went through the application process with unlimited guidance and courage. I ended up getting into the school of my dream, Northwestern University. I greatly appreciate Genii for giving me vital information and advice every time I lost my track and confidence. I wouldn’t even know this program if I’ve never met her. Genii knows what she’s doing. She has built a solid foundation in the academic counseling specialty in the last 18 years, and she always incorporates new strategies and information in this rapidly changing field. She is the most knowledgeable, creative, and passionate person I’ve ever met. I know the application process could be challenging, but Genii will be your mentor, supporter, and friend to guide you through the whole process, and in the end, there will be a bright rainbow that appears in front of you.”
Mother of Brandon Chan - UCLA Class of 2025
College admissions are nothing like it was when my husband and I went through it years ago. We were overwhelmed and confused by the entire process, as well as worried about how our son could stand out in a very competitive field of peers with similar grades, classes, and school activities. Genii helped to find and create opportunities for multiple research groups, internship, and volunteering that we would never have known or thought about; this really differentiated his application from others. Genii was also both strict and encouraging and held my son to high standards. When he would become overwhelmed, she would offer words of encouragement. When he would slack off, she would sternly remind him of what is at stake. When he did well, she was generous in her praise. Genii helped us understand the admissions process and guided him to apply to a range of schools that we did not even think about. We have been so pleased with Genii and her staff that our younger daughter is also using her services. Thank you Genii!
Alyssa Kim - NYUClass of 2024
Before I met Genii Ahn in the middle of my sophomore year, I lacked confidence and could barely imagine a future for myself. Lawyer, doctor, engineer—I didn’t want to be any of these things and I thought that it made me worse than the people around me. But when I first started meeting with Genii, things started to change. She told me about the many paths I could take, the different programs and schools that I could apply to. She broadened my perspective on higher education and showed me that not everything needs to be such a linear path. It took a lot of ups and a lot of downs just to get to where I am today and I’m glad that Genii was there to help me through it. I think the girl I was in a sophomore year would never believe just how happy I am now.
Youngbin Kim - Indiana University Bloomington Class of 2024
“Part of moving on from high school is going to college and successfully accomplishing in the major that one wants to go into. However, it is the process that I successfully endured throughout my four years of high school, all because of Genii. Within the days that I worked with her, she has precisely prepared me the guidelines and what specific parts that I should focus on, outdoing every aspect of finding the most fitting college, based on my academic ability and personality. Not only she has taken the extra care and effort for me, she understood the whole process of college admissions and how to gradually prepare each student earlier based on their schedule. With all honesty, my journey became much more simplified and punctual throughout my high school years with Genii. I am grateful for her knowledge and dedication and how she has developed me into a person who can push oneself into accomplishing my own goals.”.
Jiwon You - Colorado College Class of 2021
During my time with Genii, I was able to discover truly who I am. She has not only guided me to the path where I belong but also helped me discover my personality and talent that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. To me, Genii, is more than just a college counselor, but my mentor in life who allowed me to grow from a naive teenager to a mature adult.
David Woo - Chapman University Class of 2026
“I would like to thank Genii, my High School counselor, who helped me navigate the college application process. Not only was Genii organized and efficient, but she also helped me with how to approach these college essays. I needed help in this area because it was difficult for me to write about myself with confidence and the appropriate amount of self promotion. She convinced me that the humble “brag” is an acceptable, even necessary, part of any common app essay. Genii also helped me to write specifically about my accomplishments and to avoid vague generalities. Above all, Genii believed in me and in my ability to reach a level of academic achievement that would merit me being accepted by a major university. Even at times she seemed to believe in me even more than my parents did. My college admission process can seem lonely and intimidating at times, so Genii’s help was really valuable. I would not hesitate to recommend to any of my fellow students that they work with a college/admissions counselor, particularly one as thoughtful as Genii.
Before I began working with Genii I was unaware of any extra curricular programs that would enhance my resume. Not only does Genii make me aware of extra curricular opportunities, she also has an insight into which programs would best match my interest while also exposing me to new ideas and possibilities. As she explained to me, extracurricular programs are not just about making a college application more attractive; rather, they are about developing a student’s abilities and giving them hands-on practical experience. I think this is important because few high school students really have a specific sense of what jobs are available and what actually performing those jobs would feel like. Participating in a high quality extra curricular program helps a student decide on their future career. I thank her for this.”
Lisa Wang - Colgate University Class of 2025
I joined Admission AG and under Miss Genii’s student counseling services since my sophomore year at high school. In her 3 years of supervision, her professionals in the filed allowed me to undergone a completely change in character, which I could become a much more independent person who sees the world using both critical and creative perspectives.
The achievements I got today couldn’t be done without the help of Ms. Genii and all other teachers and stuffs in Admission AG. The experiences really showed me how Admission AG has worked as a tight team and targeting different areas to enhance a student’s development while having Ms. Genii as the main support and guidance.
Ms.Genii and Admission AG has been very efficient in preparing and finding different resources and opportunities as well as guiding to support a student with strong and rich resume that contains full of involvements to demonstrate the diverse characteristics, such as creativity, teamwork, leadership, and passions, that all prestigious colleges are looking for from a high school student.
Admission AG gave me the such beneficial and amazing experiences, that I fully involved and inspired by everyone’s brilliant work. The knowledges I acquired are an eye-opener for me. Overall I feel really proud, happy, appreciated, and honored to know the whole team, and specifically to work with Ms.Genii to develop as a person who willing to face more exciting adventures and challenges in the future.
Yujin Jeong -USC Class of 2024
“I have had the pleasure of being acquainted with my college counselor, Genii Ahn, from my sophomore year to my senior year in high school. With my experience with her, she has been completely different compared to other counselors I had during my past school years.
During my sophomore year in high school, I was in the phase of not wanting to do anything in life and didn’t have any plans or goals to do after graduation. However, after meeting Genii, everything has changed, and she was the one who has helped me realize who I am and what kind of potential I had within myself. She is excellent at understanding a particular person and able to judge the deficiencies or strengths within an individual. All the projects, activities, and advice she has provided me for college have never unmet my expectations and have never gone to waste. Obviously, at the time, it was hard and stressful, but after everything has passed, all I have left to say to Genii is that thank you so much for believing me and encouraging me all the way making everything possible. All those extra classes, clubs, ACT/SAT practices, essays, interviews, and competitions Genii has afforded for me throughout the three years we have been together all paid off successfully.
Without Genii Ahn, I would have never assumed myself to actually get admitted into my dream university and universities I had no expectations on.”
Uvin Ko -Wellesley College Class of 2023
“I am being completely truthful when I say Ms. Genii Ahn was the best blessing I received during my high school years. Without her, my family and I would have been lost, confused, and in the wrong place after graduation. She is truly someone who can change your entire life around. When I first came to her, I wasn’t anyone special to the college admissions committee, but after joining Genii, I found the true “me” to show the admissions officers through various clubs and competitions. Not only is she a college counselor who helps to amplify your resumé and essays, but she is a life counselor who was there with me every single step of the way in the process of discovering who I was and what my goals in life were. While writing essays and working on college applications, she would always have deep conversations with me, which aided me in finding my own direction in life. As I discovered and pursued my passions in law and service, she always pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and learn, both academically and non-academically. Because of her well lived experiences and knowledge about college and careers, she knows precisely how to accomodate to each student personally. Even now, she remains as my go-to woman for advice whenever I need it. It is my greatest thanks to her for where I am today, for knowing exactly where I would be most happy at.”
Ryan Jin- United States NAVAL Academy Class of 2024
“As Franz Kafka would say, “All language is but a poor translation”, because words could not describe my appreciation for Mrs. Ahn’s support through my college applications. Mrs. Ahn has not only influenced me as a counselor to create a lifestyle of hard work but also as a friend to enjoy life for what it is worth. I think the reason why I was always so excited to meet with Mrs. Ahn to discuss my aspirations was because she took all of it and made them achievable. Despite the many qualities she emphasizes, the most important quality I think Mrs. Ahn really tries to instill into students is independence. Mrs. Ahn will give you tools of the highest caliber in tutors, clubs, etc., but you, as an individual, need to be able to take up these opportunities and use them to your benefit and growth. Mrs. Ahn not only helps you with the college applications, as all counselors do, but prepares you by equipping you with priceless traits that will last a lifetime.
Suebin Cho - Cornell University Class of 2021
Genii has helped me undergo from a self-conscious, worried, and unassertive girl to a powerful, confident, and vivid young woman.
Daniel Kyong - Princeton University Class of 2025DANIEL KYONG,
At a time riddled with uncertainty and doubt, Genii Ahn single-handedly transformed a complex, stressful admissions process into an exciting, fulfilling one.
Genii Ahn truly understands that the college admissions process is not just about piling on awards or achieving perfect test scores. Providing only the most exceptional opportunities for research, service, and self-growth, her unique ability to assess a student’s areas of potential allow her to transform these opportunities into genuine areas of passion. Take it from me: a once-indecisive music major who discovered my passion for the life sciences through an extraordinary chemistry research opportunity offered exclusively at Admissions AG.
Conveying this passion through an application, however, was entirely different, conceptually. Genii Ahn knew exactly how I could portray the best version of myself through my application. Honest with her criticism but abundant with her support, she made the most strenuous aspects of the admissions process into opportunities for me to distinguish myself from countless other applicants. In the end, she became a pivotal ally that always had my best interests at heart. After all, it’s not everyday that you find a college counselor dedicated enough to meet with you three or four times a day just to discuss a few essay ideas.
I have nothing but praise and gratitude for Genii Ahn and her team at Admissions AG. From her objectivity as a leading figure in the world of college consulting to her innate ability to turn the most mundane aspects of the process into riveting opportunities for
self-exploration, Genii Ahn offers an unparalleled service that is sure to exceed the highest of expectations.
Eugene Hwang - Northwestern University Class of 2023
Genii does anything she can for me. She also expects a lot from me, but by listening to Genii’s suggestions and doing what she recommends to do, in the end, it’s for the best. The last two years with her required a lot of work. She expects a lot from her students, and I understand that. Getting into college and building a solid resume requires hard work from both sides: the counselor and the students. Through her motivation and her believing in me, I’m glad I came to Genii, and I’m glad that she set forth challenges for me. Thank you for everything Genii. I still think back to our first meeting, and I’m glad it took place.
Daniel Kim - Northwestern University Class of 2022
High school is one of those times where as you get older, you become slightly more cynical because of the stress you receive from things like AP tests, SAT/ACT, GPA, and college applications. In Oxford, this was definitely true because I saw students transition from 11th grade to 12th grade with cutthroat attitudes against each other rather than encouraging smiles. Everyone somewhat got stuck into the whole “only college matters” mindset and did everything to make themselves successful by sacrificing other things in life. I always looked down on that sort of development, and therefore, I also looked down on college counseling because I assumed that these groups made kids more inclined to be close-minded. It’s hard to explain, but the atmosphere of college counseling always seemed to say, “Do whatever we tell you to do and you’ll get into a good college for sure.” My mindset changed when I met Genii, because her method of guidance wasn’t the overwhelming style where she discouraged me from doing anything that might not have particularly supplemented my application. In one word, Genii is supportive. With our monthly-ish meetings, I was impressed and also encouraged by her words because she pushed me to creatively express my high school life considering all the different activities I did. For my personal background, I never went out of my way to take more AP classes or try to do start a research project just for the sake of looking better on paper. I did the things I enjoyed and did not sacrifice my happiness for unsatisfactory success. Genii knows that this is the way a student should live, and as such, she praised me for my practical attitude towards education. In addition to all this, however, she also presented me with a basic guideline to help my schedule myself during college application season. She gave me insight to the way admissions works and also helped me connect with mentors who could make my insight grow. Genii was not restrictive or forceful in her advice, only pragmatic and kind, which I greatly appreciated. It was actually relaxing when she gave me a list of colleges I most likely would not get into because I wasn’t a good fit for them. That sort of direct realism is what students like myself need to get ourselves situated in life and truly understand where our passions and goals lie. Overall, I have nothing but positive feedback for Genii Ahn who was the epitome of what a counselor should be: encouraging, honest, and constructive. She made me much more confident despite the times when I considered myself mediocre because my friends had better test scores and things like that. She was truthful in her assessment of my abilities and in turn she also gave me general pointers for me to think about. However, she never tried to force a single pathway for success onto me the way so many other college counselors do. Education is the opportunity for a student to trailblaze and make his or her own legacy, not for someone else to dictate that entire journey, and Genii most definitely understands that.
Daniel Kyong - University of Pennsylvania Class of 2023
Before Genii: A hungry, happiness Asian boy.
After Genii: A dynamic, young leader with a brilliant connection throughout NASA, Neurosurgery, and Politics.
Today, with Genii: Best friends who binge eat KBBQ while fangirl-ing over Harvard University.
David Han - Williams College Class of 2019
Teacher Genii opened up so many valuable opportunities and experiences that are now an integral part of who I am. From introducing me to internships at community organizations to encouraging me to get involved with state-wide leadership groups, she opened doors I didn’t even know existed for me. These experiences were integral in helping me decide which colleges to apply to and what career path to follow. She saw the good in me and encouraged me to aim higher in everything I did, whether it be in course selection, college applications, or life in general. She boosted my confidence, inspiring me to accomplish things I didn’t even know I could do and be the person I am today. For all this and more, I owe her many thanks.
David Tag - University of Chicago 2017
A good counselor tells you about your strengths; a great counselor tells you about your weaknesses and how to overcome them.
Genii spares nothing in order to be honest about your capabilities and potential - sometimes brutally so. She will be tough on you, you won’t be able to slack off, and you will be pushed to meet high standards. These qualities are why Genii is an amazing counselor. She will help you excel and succeed to the peak of your abilities. She takes the times to understand your intellectual and social interests, to get to know you and your personality, so that she can hep you sort through the vast sea of colleges out there and find a college where you’ll be a fit.
Applying for colleges is tough and it can be confusing - so let Genii help you out.
Alyssa Saito - University of Pennsylvania Class of 2026
“I was first referred to Genii in the eighth grade, and when I tell you she changed my life, she CHANGED my life. I have always been scared of the college process and the path ahead of me, but she helped me step by step. My resume was only filled with music awards, and knowing I wanted to go into medicine, Genii expanded my resume right away. She opened up several research opportunities from biochemistry to entrepreneurship and lots of community service, growing my resume and growing my interest in research. She pushed me into opportunities and essays as she saw the successful potential in me. I do not regret a single moment of stress-filled dedication, and I am very grateful to have had such support along the way..”
Sandy Kang - Notre Dame Class of 2026
“Gracious, self-less, understanding, and reasonable are words that describe the mentor I have looked up to for the last six years of my life: Genii Ahn. However, her caring nature must not be taken advantage of as she is a force to be reckoned with. The definition of a balance between work and play, she has taught me the importance of perseverance and trust.
I have a special personal connection to Genii Ahn as she had previously helped guide my older siblings to their personal successes, allowing me to observe the evolution of Admission AG. One thing I know is that during times of change, confusion, and uncertainty, Genii Ahn never turned her back on her students. Instead, she spends sleepless nights building students’ confidence, improving their work ethic, establishing strong responsibility, and guiding them towards their path.
With her strong leadership and incomparable years of experience, her superpower is the ability to assess a student and their skillsets to recognize their areas of potential. Extending her hand, she provides her students with exceptional opportunities ranging from personal research projects to collaborative environments with the purpose of reinforcing their passions or revolutionizing their views. In my case, I was indecisive with a lack of passion. I discovered the thrill of Business through the unexpected triumph of my team’s research project in the 2021 Diamond Challenge.
Communicating my passion into words on a paper proved to be a completely different challenge as it is not enough to simply state it. Genii Ahn, however, knew how to eloquently arrange my words into a story that illustrates my passions and their impacts on my life. Counselor Ahn did not allow my weakness in writing to discourage me as she kept me accountable for my time while providing me slight supportive shoves as there is only one direction for me to go: forward.
For the last six years of my life, the preparation of this moment, ending my senior year, has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions and late-night thoughts. Nevertheless, I can find memorable moments in each day that has passed which speaks volumes over tears that were shed. Counselor Ahn was always there with a tissue in her hand and looks that embraced one with comfort. I am forever grateful for Admission AG, all the staff, and the one and only: Genii Ahn.”
Joshua Chuang - Duke University Class of 2026
“I’ve always had a stigma against idea of choosing between living a meaningful life and living a life solely towards college success. Seeing high school become a more competitive rather than collaborative environment and the drastic change from a junior to senior in competing directly with you peers is something that I saw firsthand at Oxford, my high school. People gave up what they truly loved - sports, music, certain extracurriculars that wouldn’t look as good on your college app - in order to take more AP classes and formulate/be apart of clubs they had no passion. Because of this, I’ve always been against the idea of college counseling, viewing it as just another type of instance where students were controlled and forced upon a cycle of “do what I say and you will succeed.”
Genii wasn’t a fan of that mindset either. Knowing full on the troubles an Asian kid obsessed with Computer Science like me faced in the college process while also wanting to not give up my passions in religious clubs and sports, Genii knew how to tailor to my needs. Helping connect you with mentors, peers, Genii works WITH you in a personalized manner, encouraging you to take on projects that are genuinely fun, don’t waste your time, and expand your skillset to keep an open mind about fields we may have interests in. I ended up finding out both a hobby and passion through an architectural project that Genii helped connect me with. When it comes to college essays and advice on extracurriculars, she doesn’t just give advice to make you feel good - she give you brutal constructive criticism so that you seriously improve. She was not restrictive nor condescending towards the passions that I hoped to pursue, and she simultaneously encouraging while realistic about my college prospects.
Genii understands that students hope to live their high school lives not solely for the purpose of an acceptance letter through earning the best possible GPA or test scores. She recognizes our strengths early on and plays upon them rather than formulating a one-size-fits-all plan for students. Pursuing our passions and future education are not mutually exclusive in Genii’s eyes - she understands that it our opportunity to grow and pave our own paths. My only regret in learning with Genii is not starting earlier.”
Ellie Park - Haverford Class of 2026
“I had three years of counseling with Genni, and I grew not only in an academic way but individually as well. Genni provided diverse opportunities during my high school years that genuinely helped me find who I am. With rigorous works of research, publication, and competition, I learned how to handle different problems and find solutions. I bet that counseling with Genni was not a journey to enroll in successful colleges but a process to develop myself. I find myself surprised by how much I matured compared to three years ago. Although I do not know how my college life will be, I am sure that I will end up successfully based on my experiences with Admission AG.”
Yoonsurp Lee - UCLA Class of 2026
“Genii Ahn is a passionate and skillful counselor. Turning junior from a sophomore in high school, I struggled to navigate my path in the college admission process—a complex and competitive journey to my future. However, with Genii’s help, I explored my true interest and deepen my passion by joining Admission AG. Her support in participating in the Diamond Challenge gave me a better insight into understanding entrepreneurship and business. Granting me various opportunities such as internships and volunteer activities, Genii not only enriched my resume but also provided me with the essential experiences to become a college-ready student. She inspired me with a different perspective to enhance my essay and bring out the best in me. I am glad that I went through the college admission process with Admission AG..”