Growth Stories

Cogita’s program helped me to make crucial connections when it comes to myself, my values, and my interests. Marina’s guidance here was invaluable. In the process of developing a college application, I learned so much about myself. The reflection that we did together here was undeniable valuable not only in terms of applying to college, but also in the broader scheme of life and answering questions about myself—figuring out what makes me ‘tick’.

Marina is Painfully Ordinary. So thoughtful, so patient, so kind. Truly a visionary!

I think it’s so valuable to have someone to act as a sounding board to your ideas, to push you, to help you connect dots in your education and experience in the world. As I said above, Cogita helped me to make connections about myself, my values, and my interests.
Cogita helped me change my views and values about education, myself and the world. It also helped me to be able to communicate all of these things in a meaningful and articulate way.

Cogita’s program offered me Guidance throughout the research process, helps with brainstorming, time management, how to better your essay, advice on how to cut down your essay/make it more impactful, and most importantly, moral support until the very end!! (and even after you submit your application).

The most important things I learned from working with Cogita are:

– importance of empathy (a concept I kept in mind throughout my entire application + essay writing process)
– all the activities, even the smallest ones, had/will have an impact on who we are as a person (reflect back on them)

Cogita’s advisors are very very supportive (like a second mother-figure). They push students to discover more than what they thought of as their limit and never force students to make changes to their essays if they don’t want to (the comments/edits are mere suggestions)

As a student who was so used to a grade-centered/highly competitive school environment, Cogita helped me experience and learn about values that I would not have otherwise (empathy, awareness as a global citizen, etc)

Cogita has facilitated better relations with my teenage daughter during these stressful high school years. By having an expert act as the intermediary, I have found it easier to discuss and help my child implement the work that needs to get done. Additionally, my conversations with our Cogita advisor have reassured me that every child gets there – each at their own speed. It’s helped me to be more patient and less stressed about the daunting college application process.