Building a Culture of Success

HS2 Academy offers comprehensive programs for the college application process including customized academic planning and supportive coaching, standardized test preparation, and one-on-one tutoring in class subjects.

2024 Testimonials

A. Suen/Stanford, USC, UIUC and all UCs

“I really appreciate HS2 academy for helping me before, during, and after the college application process. They also motivated me to pursue my interests inside and outside my classroom, helping me find summer programs to apply to and other activities. During the application process, William and team would always provide professional answers and quick responses to every question I have. They also helped me navigate the process of college application essays and would always help me develop original ideas whenever I would get stuck. William also had great essay editing suggestions and the essay workshops really helped me stay accountable and on track with my essays. They also helped me select colleges based on my academic history so I can get the best results possible.”

W. Li- Northeastern, Purdue, SCU, US Military Academy, Coast Guard Academy, US Air Force Academy, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, UPitt, ASU, U North Dakota, UCB, UCSCGuard Academy, US Air Force Academy, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, UPitt, ASU, U North Dakota, UCB, UCSC

“I can confidently say that HS2 and college counseling has played a beneficial role in the outcomes of my college decisions. Even prior to the admissions process, my counselor had recommended a plethora of activities and summer programs that sparked the interests of the colleges I’ve applied to and the extracurriculars I’m still pursuing. Since I didn’t necessarily know the career field I wanted in the future, it was a great stepping stone towards narrowing down to my major. The college research and guidance provided by my counselor was something I would not have done on my own; I later found it extremely easy to write the “Why us?” application essays simply by referring back to the prior research. Furthermore, the essay editing workshops provided by HS2 kept me extremely organized and timely when submitting apps. The 1-on-1 feedback helped shape my essays into something that I was eventually satisfied with. Overall, my experience at HS2 made the college application process feel almost stressless, and I never felt rushed or unsatisfied when meeting deadlines.”

J. He- Emory, U Pittsburgh

“HS2 provided invaluable support throughout my college application journey. In essay writing, I especially liked the schedule that HS2 prepared for myself, helping me plan each college essay on time. I also would like to appreciate William for his prompt and meticulous essay revisions whenever I needed assistance. Without William's monthly counseling meetings arranged by HS2, alongside with the handy dandy notes he took for each meeting, I wouldn't have had thoughts about expanding my horizons beyond school curriculum such as blogs, projects, internships, and more. Moreover, I would like to thank HS2 for their precise and helpful responses to all my inquiries which guided me in making informed decisions. Thank you, HS2, for your unwavering support!”

H. Chang- SCU, Syracuse, IU Bloomington, Michigan State

“Thumbs up! They pushed me to be better and helped me discover opportunities that I would not have found myself”

A

“HS2 was extremely helpful, not only during college app season, but also my overall high school experience. During a time where I felt unsure of my future, HS2 helped me look into various opportunities and provided personal insights into college/work experiences which ultimately helped me make an education decision about my intended major. As for college apps, I appreciated HS2’s essay editing services the most. Since I wouldn’t consider myself a good writer, HS2’s editors caught a lot of mistakes I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Additionally, they are experienced with the college application process since they have connections with ex-admission officers who gave really helpful insights into what admission officers are looking for in applications, essays, and interviews. The essay workshops are also incredibly useful. All of HS2’s editors are skilled and understanding even when I personally disagreed with their edits. Oftentimes, a question or comment that one student has would spark some change in perspective I had about my own writing. Overall, working with HS2 throughout my high school career was extremely beneficial for my academic endeavors.”

D. Dai- Purdue, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Stevens Tech, Michigan State

“HS2 Academy has greatly benefited my college application process, and without them, I would very likely be in a very worse-off position. I owe my thanks to Avina Ramnani, who kept pushing me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to discover what I could really do. HS2 extends far beyond the application process. I joined HS2 when I was in my second semester of Sophomore year. Covid-19 did numbers on my responsibility and time management skills, and made me care less about school overall. Freshman year was a difficult time for me. I kept skipping assignments and engaging in bad habits. I had a hard time recovering when I went into sophomore year. HS2 helped me pull myself out of my bad habits and shape myself into a better person. I struggled keeping up with HS2’s requirements at first, but I began following deadlines more often and began studying harder. My grades saw a considerably positive trend, and I became increasingly satisfied with my academic performance. HS2 didn’t just focus on my school’s academics. In the spring of 2022 and 2023, I worked with Avina to sign up for several summer camps. I was able to not just build up a good resume for my college applications, but I was able to experience something completely new and meet new friends and people. It allowed me to discover more about myself and what I was truly passionate about. The college application process was a lot of work, but HS2 led me through every step ahead of time. At first, it felt too early to start applications, but looking back to the research I did and the time I spent filling out my applications, I am very glad HS2 got me to work on my applications ahead of time. I had the time to discover which college I liked and which ones were realistic for me.
I can’t stress enough how much HS2 has helped me. They didn’t just help me with college applications. They improved me as a person and I am looking forward to the future life HS2 helped me pave.”

V. Tan- USC, UWisc, UW, UGeorgia, OSU Honors, UPitt, Penn State, UCSC

“I am incredibly grateful to receive so much support regarding my college application process with HS2, especially with my counselor, Avina Ramnani.
Working with Avina has been an absolute joy! She goes into every meeting with the sweetest smile and most welcoming energy. She has given me a plethora of advice and resources to help me achieve my goals. For example, when I was looking at writing a research paper aimed to address one of my great passions, natural environments in uplifting people’s well-being, Avina suggested I partake in my research process with Polygence. Through this platform, I was able to collaborate with a Ph.D. student and publish my paper in the Journal of Student Research. Avina also exposed me to a great number of volunteer opportunities with non-profit organizations, summer programs directed toward my interests, and college scholarship opportunities.
Although the college process could get overwhelming, I would not have persevered if it were not for Avina’s help. In our monthly meetings, she has never diminished my efforts, in fact, she helps me find confidence in my achievements and reminds me of my hard work. She gives great constructive feedback on my college essays to make sure I am addressing the prompts and demonstrating my passions. Not only did Avina give college advice but also advice on life including being motivated and feeling belonged. While Avina is incredibly patient and understanding, she also holds me accountable. Avina never forgets to give me a gentle reminder of tasks that need to be accomplished, including finishing up essays, applying for summer programs, attending essay workshops, etc. I am overjoyed to have met and worked with such a dedicated, caring, and supportive counselor!
With the guidance of HS2 and Avina, I felt a lot more assured in the college application process and I’m incredibly grateful for the invaluable experience I had with the organization and faculty. I’m proud to say that I will be attending the University of Southern California in the Fall of 2024! Fight on!”

V. Chang’s Parent

“Working with Avina over the past three years has been an absolute delight! Guiding Vivian through her college application journey has been a joyous experience, culminating in Vivian’s acceptance to her dream school: USC! Avina's expertise, especially through the HS2 program, has played an essential role in this achievement. The college application process can be quite stressful, but Avina has been the source of encouragement and support for both Vivian and us parents. Her wealth of resources, including insights into competitions, summer programs, and volunteer opportunities, has been invaluable. Each time after our sessions with Avina, usually late on a Friday afternoon, we found ourselves feeling lighter and less anxious about the college application process. Avina's encouraging (and beautiful) smile, reassuring words, and prompt responses to our questions have been incredibly reassuring. Even when Vivian hasn't completed everything on her to-do list, Avina remains patient and gently nudges her to stay on track. We wholeheartedly recommend HS2, and we feel fortunate to have Avina by our side, boosting our confidence as we navigate this journey together!”

J. Wang- SCU, U Pittsburgh, Chapman

“From the beginning upon entering the HS2 program, I was really intimidated by the whole process. Social anxiety is a big issue of mine, so I appreciated how Ms. Avina had me start off with virtual volunteering to build up that confidence, then clubs, and so on. She also helped me a lot in terms of finding out what is considered a "good college" which I learned is more than its sheer reputation and overall ranking. Instead, a good college is a college that fits most of my needs in terms of class size, major, etc. which is why everyone has their own view on what is considered their good college.
Another is how I appreciate how Ms. Avina didn't push me so hard that I feel extremely overwhelmed or stressed, but pushed me to an extent where I at least try it out. The reason I say this is because I've heard instances of other people feeling so stressed from their own counselor that they outright refuse to do their meetings or cry. That incident could have happened to me with another company before coming to HS2. But I will be honest, there were a few moments during the program (and school) where I felt stressed to the point where I began to have physical pain. Despite that, I did enjoy the essay workshops. While my classmates were scrambling to finish their essays, the workshops allowed me to make significant progress every week so I wouldn't be falling behind. Although receiving feedback is often terrifying, I didn't find any of the counselors' feedback terrifying at all!
I will say, coming out of HS2, I feel my overall writing has improved a lot from the essay workshops. I am able to put these experiences into my Story & Style class. My social anxiety and confidence did improve a lot where I am able to volunteer a few times in-person and do our own passion project. I also feel more aware of how the college process works to an extent where I am able to discuss the topic amongst the juniors and seniors.”

J. Zheng

“My counselor at HS2 really helped me a lot through out the application process. I started out confused towards my future major but under her guidance I built up my self confidence. She listened to all my problems and concerns both academically and personally. Unlike other counselors my friends had utilized, I really felt like she cared about me. I really recommend my counselor to anyone in seek of guidance.”

Y. Liu

“I've been with HS2 for two years, and they've provided me immense support. During college application season, my counselor stayed up late into the night to help me edit, offered me countless pieces of advice and helped me brainstorm essays. Prior to applying to schools, they helped me edit my resumes, find internship opportunities, and help select school classes, which was such crucial guidance. Could not have made it to a T10 school without HS2's help.”

Q. Wu

“I am immensely appreciative of the help I received from HS2 counseling. Throughout my 4 years of high school, my counselor provided advice on course selection, extracurricular involvement, testing strategies, essay writing, and more. They helped me excel academically and also encouraged me to explore beyond my comfort zone. When it came time to apply to colleges, I was confident and well-prepared, thanks to the meticulous support from HS2. I'm extremely happy with my results, and I would definitely recommend this to any high schoolers/families looking for guidance!”

- Q. Wu

Y. Yao

“I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional support and guidance I received from HS2 Academy throughout my high school journey. The tutors were knowledgeable and dedicated, helping me excel in my academics and build a strong foundation for my future studies. My counselor was instrumental in helping me navigate the complex college application process, providing personalized advice and strategies that were crucial in my acceptance to U Mass Amherst. Even throughout my undergraduate studies, my counselor provided guidance and support to assist me in transferring to Cornell where I will be graduating this upcoming Fall! I highly recommend their services to any student aiming for success in high school and beyond. She was truly great and I recommend my counselor to all future students!”

A. Hse

“Mihir is a great counselor. He's very knowledgeable and great at communicating relatively complex ideas in very simple terms that my parents, who are non-native English speakers, can understand clearly. He's also very patient and kind, never getting mad at me whenever I fell behind pace a little. He always kept pushing me and encouraging me to do better. I wouldn't have gotten into Northwestern if not for his guidance and help!”

E. Shim

“I am incredibly grateful for my time at HS2, and I believe that they were a key part of my college admissions. Without HS2, I believe that my college application process would not have been nearly as smooth and I also wouldn't have known where to start with my college applications. My counselor was incredibly kind, flexible, and knowledgeable about the application process, and the advice and answers to my questions that they provided to guide m(e) through the UC application was crucial in my acceptance to UC Berkeley. I would highly recommend HS2 to other students who are looking for help with their college applications!”

J. Zheng

“My counselor at HS2 really helped me a lot th(r)ough out the application process. I started out confused towards my future major but under her guidance I built up my self confidence. She listened to all my problems and concerns both academically and personally. Unlike other counselors my friends had utilized, I really felt like she cared about me. I really recommend my counselor to anyone one in seek o(f) guidance.”

Z. Yi

“HS2 is just like a light house in the dark that guided me all 3 years in high school . I admit I ask lots of good and bad questions where my counselor will always answer for me patiently . They give me lots of advice in AP class selection, club selection , summer program opportunities as well as college selection all based on my personality and capabilities. I will never g(et) into UC Berkeley and USC without HS2 ‘s help !”

J. Wu

“For first-year college applicants, knowing what college looks for and what to participate in high school is a huge research project all on their own. HS2 and their counselors ease this worry by advising from the early starting point of how to pursue your high school career. Without my counselor, I would have not been able to attend as many internships, clubs, and summer programs as I did to build up my experience. In addition to counseling, there are numerous classes and resources offered to help with AP, SAT, and ACT testing, and classes in general. And most of all, HS2 has been a great help during App Season. My counselor not only provided expert revisions, but because I've had her for all 4 years, she knew about my experiences and spent time to make sure everything I've accomplished was properly concisely conve(y)ed to admission officers. HS2 has been a great factor in my excellent college admissions.”

E. Tung

“HS2 has guided me throughout my journey in high school and heavily helped me during my college application season. They aided me in many scenarios, such as helping me choose which schools to apply, giving me insight on colleges and reviewing my essays. I sincerely appreciate my HS2 counselor as I feel like they made my application process less stressful and helped get to where I am now. HS2 also motivated me to start my applications early, which allowed me to feel a lot less rushed and anxious than my other peers who started later. I am also able to feel confident about my choices and decisions throughout high school thanks to them. Therefore, I strongly believe that HS2 is a big part of helping shape my future and opening new possibilities to me.”

X. Cui

“I believe that HS2 is a(n) academy that not only supports but also connects with its students, helping them to thrive and succeed in several environments. The counselors inside of HS2 helped me to find courses that I otherwise wouldn't have found and brought me to the forefront of experiences that I would've never had. These definitely helped me to get ready for life in the future and to prep me for college. I wouldn't have tried as hard in school or as hard in other courses but the counselors at HS2 definitely helped me out. During high school, I tried my best not to think about the future and what school I was going to apply to as it stressed me out and I was unsure about what I really wanted to do. I really think that HS2 set me on the right path and really cleared up several obstacles that I had along the way to do what was necessary for the future. I would definitely recommend HS2 to anyone if they are struggling and are unsure on what they want to do or how they want to get to where they want to get to.”

J. Zhang

“HS2 is really helpful in my application process. They helped me with everything from college research to essay writing. My counselor was super helpful and nice, and she gave me a ton of helpful tips. I ended up getting into my dream school and I would say it definitely wouldn’t have been possible without HS2’s help. Overall I would definitely recommend it!”

2023 Testimonials

A. Xie

“HS2 Academy was instrumental in college counseling. My HS2 counselor was dedicated to giving me every opportunity to suit my personal interests that coincided with academic success. Even during the COVID lockdown, she made sure we met frequently to not lose progress on applications and gave me ample resources for remote extracurriculars.
HS2 made sure to always account for my shortcomings and turn them into strengths, making room for my passions and turning them into the beginnings of a career. Their encouragement and guidance led me to get into my dream school”

D. Kao

“HS2 gave me a lot of valuable insight about college admissions and about how to tie my interests into a compelling application. Above all, I definitely appreciate my HS2 counselor for providing resources and advice about all aspects of college admissions, and even beyond with life advice in a time when I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.
When I was burnt out from school, she also encouraged me to take a step back and we worked together to revise an application timeline. Every service is designed to help students in some way. The access to practice exams (AP, SAT, ACT, etc) was great for me, and it helped me refine my knowledge outside the classroom. Looking back, the 4 years of high school was definitely a very personally stressful time, and HS2 helped push me past my limits and broadened my worldviews by introducing new opportunities, such as summer programs I could apply to.
In the end, how useful HS2 services are really depends on the student, the goals you set, and how much time you’re willing to spend to work towards them. Navigating college admissions can be a tough process. If you’re a motivated student with well defined goals, then a HS2 counselor can help you create an effective roadmap to where you want to go. If you’re still lost on colleges and college degree paths, HS2 will encourage you to discover options you may not have heard before.
All in all, I appreciate HS2 for helping me in my college admissions journey, which helped me get into many top selective schools”

A. T.

“My experience with HS2 Academy has been extremely helpful for college prep and high school counseling. Since joining the program in freshman year, I have been able to improve my grades significantly to all A's in senior year with guidance from my HS2 counselor. After attending many seminars and counselor meetings, I have learned about how to apply for college, write effective essays, plan for future careers, and have a glimpse at what college life will look like.
When I have any questions, my HS2 counselor is super informative and gives me advice on how I should approach a certain decision. My counselor also provides many resources for me to study for tests, sign up for summer programs, and discover my interests for potential college majors. Overall, I have had a great experience with HS2 that has benefited not only myself as an individual, but my future”

X. Tian

“HS2 really made a significant impact to my college application experience. I joined this program quite late at the start of my senior year, but the amount of effort and support my counselor and the HS2 staff have put into ensuring my success is phenomenal during this short time period. It is shocking how much of a difference it makes to have guidance throughout such a stressful process.
The essay workshops and many counseling meetings not only assisted me during my writing blocks by providing valuable inspiration and editing, it also kept me on track given my tendencies to procrastinate. I only regret not finding out about HS2 sooner than I had and is so very grateful to my counselor for helping me fulfill my college dreams”

N. Chen

“I signed up for HS2's counseling in my freshman year of HS not really knowing what to expect, but over the 4 years being with my counselor, I feel like I learned a lot about trying to work with others who care deeply about helping students succeed especially when it came time to put together all of the overwhelming apps. I felt it was super helpful for me to have someone (both counselor and support staff at the Arcadia office) to be able to lean on when I had even little questions about direction. I really enjoyed keeping up with my counselor even though I lived a bit far away and often had to Skype them each month.
The other services offered in addition to counseling, like SAT prep, were also helpful to have all in one place. Overall, would 10/10 recommend HS2 for if you're looking for detailed college app help & some guidance for exploring your interests in high school + (especially) beyond”

D. Rui

“I signed up for the 4-year HS2 program in 8th grade, not knowing how helpful it would be to me back then. I remember struggling through ACT and SAT practice tests, trying to decide which one to take, sitting through essay and summer workshops, and talking about my future plans with my counselor once a month. As I grew older and approached my senior year, my counselor was a huge help towards planning my college list and editing my college essays.
Overall, HS2 was really helpful with their expert guidance, personalized approach, comprehensive support, and access to networks. Really recommend any high schoolers to try it out”

H. Yin

“This is a formal student from HS2. This year I requested the college application counseling with the company and I was so thankful and blessed to have my counselor going through it with me. I can’t imagine that I can get into UC Berkeley with an un-weighted GPA 3.69, being here you’ll have no doubt that what colleges are ready sat up for you from the counselors, and if I have a second chance, I’ll still choose this best counseling program in LA”

R. Qu

“Quite frankly, I would not be where I am today without the help of my HS2 counselor. College admissions is a complex and confusing game, and HS2--along with every one of its counselors--knows the strategies, understands the codes, and are equipped with the experience to crack every level. I personally started counseling with HS2 during my freshman year of high school, and my counselor immediately had me hit the ground running. Whether that's preparing for the SAT or working on my extracurriculars, every hour spent with HS2 helped me get closer to crafting a great college application.
What's more, I learned many lessons through HS2 that have helped me personally, outside of college admissions. Ultimately, HS2 helped me land multiple offers from T30 institutions. Although HS2's counseling fees are far from inexpensive, I think of it as an investment that is worth every penny. I loved my HS2 experience, and I think that you will too”

K. Dai

“HS2 was influential towards helping me set up my future for college and career. The counselors were amazing during college application season when it came to reviewing essays, providing advice for the CommonApp, and helping us navigate the difficult process to optimize our final college results.
I am so grateful for the opportunities which I have been given through the mentorship of my counselor, Mihir. I can't wait to attend college in this upcoming fall, and none of this would have been possible without the help of HS2”

K. Tao

“I feel very grateful and appreciative for my parents who were willing to sign me up for HS2's counseling program. I know for sure that if I had not joined 3 years ago, my full potential would not have been properly written out in my essays. The extra materials I asked for proved helpful for my SAT prep, AP test scores, and even my usual school assignments.
My HS2 counselor was extremely supportive and a great guide. When I was at my lowest during quarantine, she didn't make me feel worse for my bad performance. She supported me throughout the experience, and I was able to recover my grades and mental health. All of my questions were answered, and many helpful suggestions were provided. She helped me explore my options, as well as what would be the best fit for me! Many opportunities were opened up to me--some were provided by HS2 directly (such as college courses over the summer, or community service programs) while others were suggested. I would have never thought of asking my neighbors who owned a beauty clinic to ask for a summer internship, or to start my own custom-painted bookmark non-profit. These were all valuable learning experiences for me, and provided the content I needed to paint my personality through my essays.
Manager Helen graciously offered to help edit my financial aid appeal to my dream school, which I was accepted into. Without the appeal, I would not have had a chance to even think of attending it due to the financial barrier. Overall, I'm very thankful to have gotten this chance to have HS2's support throughout my high school career, and I look forward to attending my dream college”

G. Li

“The HS2 Counseling Team has truly been an amazing team and they helped me tremendously in these past four years. Without their support, I would not be able to get to where I am today. Not only are they approachable and supportive of my passions, but they also push me to work harder to achieve my goals. The counseling team has always seen my potential and made sure that I saw it too. The staff at HS2 is one of a kind.
Whether you have been at HS2 for four years or a month, you will gain an amazing support system with friendly faces and caring hearts. I am proud to share that I will be attending UC Berkeley and majoring in Psychology in hopes of pursuing the medical field in the future because of HS2's guidance throughout the years”

张飞

“I appreciate HS2 for providing a clear direction for me to take throughout my high school years. I was unsure on the right career path I should be heading and was hesitant to choose classes, but HS2 counselors provided me with the pros and cons of all choices. The counselors were informative and attentive. I genuinely recommend fellow younger students who are unsure of their education and career paths to try HS2 out”

B. Liu

“Going to HS2 Academy was one of the best decisions I made in high school. Mihir, my counselor at HS2, helped me navigate and plan what I needed to do during my sophomore to senior year in order for me to get into my dream university. This included what GPA I needed to obtain, the extracurricular activities that I should have been doing, how to have prepared for standardized tests (SAT, ACT), etc.
Moreover, the counselors at HS2 coordinated many essay and interview workshops for students to optimize their chances for college admissions. Overall, without the support of HS2 and its counselors, I would have never believed that I could be where I am today”

S. Pan

“My HS2 counselor was very attentive and guided me throughout my college application process. I enjoyed updating her about my academic pursuits. She genuinely cared about my life, both professional and personal, and created such a welcoming environment. My counselor gave great advice and recommendations on certain paths I could take according to my interests. Thank you so much!”

I. Lu

“HS2 makes navigating the whole college application process so much easier and less daunting! Their 4+ year personalized plan outlines every step, and my HS2 counselor's guidance was critical to my application's success. Would not have gotten into a top 10 university without their advice on extracurriculars and planning. They offer a whole package of services and have tailored support depending on individual needs. Personally thought their test and subject prep classes were the best! The tutors move through material at an efficient and effective pace and go much more in-depth than typical high schools. 10/10 recommend”

2024 Testimonials

A. Suen/Stanford, USC, UIUC and all UCs

W. Li- Northeastern, Purdue, SCU, US Military Academy, Coast Guard Academy, US Air Force Academy, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, UPitt, ASU, U North Dakota, UCB, UCSCGuard Academy, US Air Force Academy, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, UPitt, ASU, U North Dakota, UCB, UCSC

J. He- Emory, U Pittsburgh

H. Chang- SCU, Syracuse, IU Bloomington, Michigan State

A

D. Dai- Purdue, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Stevens Tech, Michigan State

V. Tan- USC, UWisc, UW, UGeorgia, OSU Honors, UPitt, Penn State, UCSC

V. Chang’s Parent

J. Wang- SCU, U Pittsburgh, Chapman

J. Zheng

Y. Liu

Q. Wu

Y. Yao

A. Hse

E. Shim

J. Zheng

Z. Yi

J. Wu

E. Tung

X. Cui

J. Zhang

2023 Testimonials

A. Xie

D. Kao

A. T.

X. Tian

N. Chen

D. Rui

H. Yin

R. Qu

K. Dai

K. Tao

G. Li

张飞

B. Liu

S. Pan

I. Lu

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