Love Notes
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!”
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.”
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..”
Mirue Kang - Brandies University Class of 2026
When you are at the office, you call me ‘director.’
This was one of the first things she told me when I initially attended what AG Admissions once was IEDU Counseling. “She” being Mrs. Genii Ahn: director at work, mother at home. Yup. She is my mom.
From the very beginning, my mom was clear about drawing a line between her professional work and life at home. I have always found the differences in dynamics to be incredibly interesting, yet never really understood how hard it was to differentiate such spaces. Even as her daughter, I still don’t know.
You might think, Wow. Genii Ahn is her college counselor? She must be getting all the benefits and the itty bitty information because she is her child. Let me tell you, although it may be hard to grapple with, it is the opposite. Honestly, I genuinely thought and expected that I was even going to receive that special treatment because I was her daughter, but I fooled myself. My mother is just as strict and just as caring and just as providing to any other student she has. If anyone says that she gives people “special treatment,” they’re wrong. It’s like Clash of Clans: you have to build your own fort from the ground up given the resources that have been provided. The playing ground is flat. The extra time and effort spent along with adding features come from the student’s passion, will, responsibility, and the potential they have in themselves to grow. Genii only gives you the resources to produce and create your finest tower. That student is not me. I’m passionate and bored and irresponsible and privileged, and I am still learning new things every day about myself, academia, and the reality of society.
Nevertheless, I’m proud of how far I’ve come throughout my seven-year journey. The relationships I’ve cultivated along the way, the variety of subjects I’ve discovered, the passions I’ve grown in and out of—the options are truly endless. AG Admissions (not just Mrs. Ahn) knows no bounds.
That’s why I believe Genii Ahn is the best college counselor out there. I’ve seen her change and grow as well, and she is absolutely progressive, confident, and knows what she’s doing. There’s not a single doubt. This comes from me as her student, not as her child. And as her daughter, I couldn’t have been any more blessed to have a mother like mine own.
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.”