World-class college counseling & success coaching for all students.
The Acceptance Academy is a proven program that helps 9th-12th grade students discover and get accepted into great colleges!
Through live, online workshops and an application bootcamp, students learn how to succeed in high school, develop passions, and craft stand-out, authentic college applications.
In other words, the Acceptance Academy coaches students on how to become the best version of themselves.
Who's the Academy for?
Families of 9th-12th graders who want to realize the dream of going to a great college.
Earn better grades in less time by learning how to work with teachers & how to study.
Develop relationships with admissions counselors and go "beyond the application."
Discover authentic interests and develop unique activities.
Get walked through all the college applications step-by-step.
Learn how to get a job, start an organization, and develop creative summer projects.
Write standout college admissions essays that are required by almost all colleges.
And much, much more that will help students show colleges who they truly are as individuals.
”
The Acceptance Academy Program was amazing. I never knew about the opportunities I had, and the program really encouraged me to go for it. I am the first in my family to go to college, so no one thought I would ever get into Harvard!
“
—Nicholas Hutchison, Student at Harvard University
—Kirk Spahn, Founder and President at ICL Academy Online Private School
The Acceptance Academy has transformed our college guidance program. Danny and the program streamline this complex process and make it approachable , manageable and the program saves time and ads support to any program or school system.
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Master High School and the Admission Process
The Acceptance Academy consists of 2 parts:
Live monthly workshops for students, live monthly Q&A sessions for parents, and an application bootcamp.
1.
Every month, 9th-11th graders join live workshops where they are coached on topics specific to the time of year by America's Top College Counselor, Danny Ruderman.
2.
In Aug before 12th grade, students attend a 3-day live bootcamp with Danny where they actually create stand-out applications.
Here's How the Acceptance Academy Works
Acceptance Academy consists of two progressive and interconnected parts with one clear purpose: to help your child get accepted into the best college for them by removing the stress, panic, and uncertainty typically associated with the journey.
Part One: Live, Monthly Online Classes for Students
(Grades 9-11)
Every month, your student will join Danny for a LIVE online class covering one of the crucial steps in their quest to succeed in high school and get into their top college choices.
Each topic is timed to correspond to a specific period of the year.
And yes, we record all classes so your child (and you) can watch them any time and as many times as you’d like.
9th Graders
August
How to pick the best class schedule for you to have the most options
September
How to rock 9th grade + How to talk to and work with your teachers
October
How to get and stay organized
November
How to read textbooks quickly and best retain the information
December
How to study for tests
January
How to take notes in a whole new way
February
How to get a handle on anxiety + how to balance school life with extracurriculars
March
How to discover interests and figure out your big why
April
How to come up with opportunities and think BIG + how to visualize
May
How to choose summer activities
June
How to start and run a business
July
How to develop a Growth Mindset + how to purposely do what is hard and be held accountable + how to figure out future careers based on personal strengths
10th Graders
August
How to rock 10th grade + How to talk to and work with your teachers
September
How to get and stay organized
October
How to take notes in a whole new way
November
How to read textbooks quickly and best retain the information
December
How to study for tests
January
How to get a handle on anxiety + how to balance school life with extracurriculars
February
How to develop a Growth Mindset + how to purposely do what is hard and be held accountable + how to figure out future careers based on personal strengths
March
How to discover interests and figure out your big why
April
How to come up with opportunities and think BIG + how to visualize
May
How to find summer opportunities + how to get a real job
June
How to start and run a business
July
How to make an ACT/SAT study plan
11th Graders
August
How to rock 11th grade + How to talk to and work with your teachers & counselor
September
How to ensure great letters of rec.
October
How to start finding colleges
November
How to discover colleges that match
December
How to sign up for visits / How to reach out to professors and admissions officers/mailing lists
January
How to maximize college visits and what to do afterwards
February
How to get recruited in a college sport / How to create an art/drama/dance portfolio that stands out to admissions offices
March
How to create a nonprofit / How to conduct independent research
April
How to find and get productive internships / How to get a job
May
How to start and run a business
June
How to do "Why Do You Want to Attend Our College?" Research
July
How to make a standout activities list + prepare for August Bootcamp
Part Two: Application Bootcamp
(August Before Grade 12)
How incredible is it going to feel to know your child’s applications and required essays will be complete BEFORE they start their senior year?
As a parent, you know how important it is to get an early start on any process as critical as this one.
That’s why Danny hosts a 3-day application “Bootcamp” for rising seniors within the Acceptance Academy.
During the week, he helps them create standout applications and write unique admissions essays.
Students get to walk into their senior year without the pressure of looming application deadlines.
Here’s an overview of the Bootcamp:
MONDAY
Module 1:
Introduction & Completing
The Common Application with Danny
+ 30-60 min to complete on own
Module 2:
Brainstorming the Personal Statement
with Danny
+ 30-60 min to complete on own
Module 3:
Writing the Personal Statement
with Danny
+ 1-2 hours to complete on own
WEDNESDAY
Module 4:
Finishing the Activities List
with Danny
+ 30-60 min to complete on own
Module 5:
Completing In-Depth Research
Into the Colleges with Danny
+ 1-2 hours to complete on own
Module 6:
Writing the "Why Do You Want to Go to Our College Essay?" with Danny
+ 1-2 hours to complete on own
FRIDAY
Module 7:
Writing the Other Common Supplemental Essays with Danny
*Varies based on a student's colleges
Module 8:
Creating Communications to Contact the Admissions Representatives with Danny
+ 30-60 min to complete on own
Module 9:
Editing and Putting It All Together
+ Steps to Submit with Danny
*Varies based on a student's colleges
Bonuses
Personal Texts and Reminders for Parents & Students
I will send out regular parent and student reminders and support via text and email throughout the year when they need it the most. Families will always know what to do when and get inspired along the way!
Secrets to Getting Money to Pay for College
Designed for parents, I will show exactly how to find and apply for school-based merit scholarships, as well as outside scholarships. I will also cover how to apply for financial aid and discuss strategies for best filling out the FAFSA and PROFILE financial aid applications.
Just a Few of the Colleges Attended by Academy Students:
About the Creator of the Acceptance Academy
Danny Ruderman is nationally recognized as one of America’s premier college counselors. After being the first in his family to attend college and only the third student to be accepted into Stanford University from his public high school, Danny's mission is to help as many families as possible navigate the admission process. He is the author of The Ultimate College Acceptance System (St. Martin’s Press) and Top 100 Answers to Your College Admission Questions. He has also created college counseling programs used by nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies.
Watch the video!
Now YOUR child can get the SAME advice, guidance, and support once available only to high-profile families.
Danny totally had my back and helped me express who I really was–no easy task in such a high-growth phase of life. I am forever grateful for Danny’s guidance.
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—EVAN SPIEGEL, Stanford grad and CEO of Snapchat