Frequently Asked Questions
Conflict of Interest
At Inspira, we take conflict of interest seriously. Any of our advisors with a current affiliation with a school cannot work on specific materials (i.e. supplemental essays, interview training, etc.) directly related to the institution. They are the following:
– Shu Yi: Yale University
– Xavi: Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
– Lydia: Stanford University
Why Inspira?
At Inspira’s inception, our goal was to redefine the college consulting process. Our curriculum blends research-driven student development theory with innovative design thinking to provide holistic support throughout the entire application process. Our advisors have extensive experience and knowledge in educational consulting, and the admissions space in the realm of higher education. Additionally, our founding team is diverse, including first-generation, low-income, immigrant, rural, urban, suburban, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and People of Color (PoC) identifying individuals. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for effectively serving students from all backgrounds.
At Inspira, we aim to craft a human-centered application that highlights your unique qualities to your ideal colleges. We are dedicated not only to your academic success but also to your emotional and mental well-being, incorporating these aspects into personalized advising plans.
Moreover, our 3:1 ratio of paid to pro bono work reflects our commitment to social responsibility. By supporting economically disadvantaged students free of charge, we work to address educational inequality.
With Inspira, you receive exceptional, experienced college advising while also contributing to a cause that helps other economically disadvantaged students gain access to the same quality support.
Who are the Inspira advisors, and what makes them so great?
The Inspira team consists entirely of Ivy League-educated advisors who are well-versed in the college application process. They bring valuable experience from college recruitment, application review, and admissions offices at highly selective universities. All of our advisors are actively involved in developing our curriculum and methodologies to maintain our high standards. Our curriculum integrates academic research with cutting-edge design thinking, including student development theory from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and design thinking principles from Stanford University.
Having extensive experience in supporting students to navigate the college application process and are currently researching, working, and/or studying at universities themselves, our advisors are adept at discussing student life and the unique aspects of various colleges. Inspira equips each advisor to approach the college application process with empathy and a student-centered perspective, focusing on understanding each student as a whole person. We recognize that the college application journey can be confusing, and we are dedicated to making it clearer and more manageable.
Read more about our advisors here.
Is this just for applying to Ivy League colleges?
Absolutely not! Inspira’s mission is to help you find your best-fit school. We don’t limit our focus to just Ivy League colleges, nor do we guarantee admission to any specific school. In fact, the Higher Education Consulting Association advises against any consulting service that promises admissions to particular schools.
At Inspira, one of our core principles is creating a tailored college list. Together with your advisor, you’ll first discuss what makes a college ideal for you, and then identify those where you’re likely to thrive. Our goal is to guide you in applying to a broad range of colleges that align with your unique identities and meet your academic and personal needs, helping you excel in your new environment.
Fun fact, the Ivy League is actually a sports division in the Northeast, not necessarily an indicator of academic quality!
Does Inspira offer scholarships?
A core tenet of Inspira’s business model is our 3:1 paid-to-pro bono student ratio: for every three paid students, Inspira offers the exact same services to an economically disadvantaged student at not cost to the student or their family. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply for scholarships here!
Inspira will have a college resource page linking to free college application resources available online. Inspira’s blog will also be full of useful first-hand advice from our advisors as well.
I’m interested in getting on Inspira’s scholarship waitlist. What do I need to do?
Go to Inspira’s scholarships page. Read our eligibility criteria to determine eligibility for the pro bono services. If eligible, fill out a short form sharing your information with us. An Inspira representative will contact you shortly thereafter.