Admitium

reviews

Admissions Masterclass

“I want you to know that your work might have changed the course of my life. I’m eternally grateful to you for taking the time and brainpower to deeply think about college admissions, organize those thoughts into actionable steps for students, and succinctly communicate ideas as well. If even for one student, you have democratized college admissions. I always felt like I was capable, but so many people are also capable, if not more.”

“Your class has given me the opportunity to put in the work, apply myself, get a little bit lucky, and get into my dream school. I read Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell yesterday, and you have given me one of the random lucky advantages that contributes to my future ‘success.’ Your work is so meaningful, especially to me.”

Rachel
Stanford 2025

“I first saw your clips on TikTok. I didn’t think much of them, but they kept popping up on my for you page—and eventually, I caved into buying the masterclass. So much detail. So much nuance. I’d never looked through a resource that was as honest and clearcut about the process as your class . . . You’ve helped a second-gen dream, and, in the future, wield an impossibly strong education . . . I won’t take it for granted.”

G.
Harvard 2027

“I don’t think I could put into words how helpful this course was. It is like nothing online or any video that standard college counseling services have said. I’m a pretty resourceful person so I think I have read almost every possible college post, video, advice, that I have access to. And everything I learned in this course was new, unique, and completely shifted the way I wrote my entire application. I watched the Masterclasses in August when I started compiling my applications and am about to send my first applications. Regardless of my decisions, I truly feel content sending in my application and I didn’t think I would ever feel like that. If you’re debating getting Masterclass- GET IT! It’s going to change your life.”

S.
Stanford 2027

“I did not have crazy international awards, research experience, or nationally recognized leadership, yet somehow I was admitted to Duke with a full merit scholarship, alongwith 3 Ivy Leagues, 5 other ‘T20’ colleges, and the top 3 ranked liberal arts colleges. I attribute 90% of my success to this course because it helped me discover my unique story. Admitium reshaped my understanding of selective college admissions and led me to explore extracurricular activities that I haven’t thought of before. It debunked a lot of misunderstandings that I held towards the college admissions process and guided me through every single step of the college application process.”

K.D.
Duke 2026

“I would like to thank you for your course and the service you are providing. I got into 5/8 ivies and Stanford, and honestly, I’m 95% sure it was in part due to this course! I cannot thank you enough for it, and I can’t wait to be part of the Stanford class of 2027 :)”

T.
Stanford 2027

“Thank you so much for the platform you’ve made to help students, like myself, get into their dream schools. As a low-income and first-generation student, I never would’ve thought that I’d go out of state for college, let alone get into Yale. Your videos smoothly guided me to my academic interests, showed me how to write compelling essays, and inspired me to have fun with the process. I had a blast writing my Yale supplements because of you, and I can’t thank you enough for your help.”

Koosha
Yale 2026

“Admitium’s masterclass is like science—straight to the point, easily replicable, and most importantly, no BS. Every piece of advice I received from Masterclass stems from genuine scholarship—and you feel like you’re taking part in it as you fill out your apps.” “Frankly, there were times that I was skeptical, thinking: ‘Really Mike?’ Whenever those thoughts popped up, however, the masterclass always magically resolved my doubts . . . Hence, I could apply Mike’s insights with boldness. I think there is a lot of confusion in the college admissions sector today that comes from the abundance of unverifiable information. Masterclass clears all of them up.”

Sam
Berkeley 2025

“I just got into Princeton and UPenn. No way this could’ve happened without your masterclass. I used those videos thoroughly, and regularly implemented the moves throughout my essays. I think it was most advantageous in teaching me what pieces of information are helpful for AOs and what pieces of info aren’t. Once again, thank you!!”

A.
Princeton 2027

“I got a full-ride to UT Austin . . . I’ve used the masterclass to grow as a person, from doing activities that relate to what field I want to study, to making a genuine impact on our world at a young age, for reasons of not college but reasons for authentically wanting to make our world better. That’s the power of Mr. Short’s masterclass — giving me purpose in life itself.” “Months ago, I was riddled with unhappiness upon hearing back from Stanford; however, after getting masterclass, I improved myself, grew and lived. I did all the things that Mr. Short suggested . . . I now have an elicit purpose and vision for my life that may very well change, but that’s okay. I’ve got a working vision that I will make Herculean efforts to follow. I’m not sure where life will take me. But I know that Mr. Short filled it with energy, curiosity, and joy. Fact.”

Ashwin R.
UT Austin

“Your course was so incredibly helpful I can’t even express how much I enjoyed it . . . Your masterclass helped me become a much more mature writer—and student: Your course genuinely made me love learning more than I ever have before, and it made me fall in love (figuratively) with reading and ideas . . . I wanted to reach out and thank you for all your help. Your course changed my life.”

L.
Vanderbilt 2027

“I wanted to send a quick note to thank you for your Masterclass course. Before taking it, I wasn’t sure what sorts of activities related to my field of interest were most effective; some of the things you mentioned in your course hadn’t even occurred to me. I’m grateful I stumbled across the course early in my junior year, however, as it gave me ample time to strengthen my activities and writing; I was accepted to Caltech in the Early Action round!”

Sean
Caltech 2027

“Best activities, essay, and overall college resource I’ve ever found. Not only did I drastically improve my college application, but I learned a lot about research, literature, and ideas I cared about along the way. This course got me into college, all the while building me into a deeper thinking scholar.”

Armin
Claremont McKenna College

“Got into Penn, Cornell, Dartmouth!!! Can’t believe this. I’m beyond happy and extremely grateful. The Admitium course was amazing! And I’ve been posting reviews because I genuinely hope Admitium reaches more low-income students. Thank you once again for your course and help!”

P.B.
Penn 2025

“Masterclass provided me with valuable insight into the admissions process from how to strategically craft my application to what happens once the admissions office reviews my application. The detailed and specific content was incredibly helpful in guiding me throughout every single aspect of my college applications.”

Scott
Stanford 2025

“Masterclass intellectualized my approach to the college admissions process. Admitium delivered both excellent college advice and life advice; I only wish I had found it sooner. Thank you!”

Max
Duke 2026

“I absolutely loved the masterclass . . . In spite of the less glamorous story, I want to share that the course has brought a greater value to my own thinking and respect of intellectualism. I’m far more confident in my ability”

Luke
Texas

“Even if it ultimately has not made a difference for my application (though I most certainly believe it has), this course has stirred up in me a desire to write well and set down a guideline for how to do so.”

(Privacy Requested)
Stanford 2027

“I also used your course to gain admission to grad schools at Columbia, Dartmouth and Berkeley. Can’t thank you enough!”

R.E.
Columbia Business School 2025

“Very specific and gives good examples of action that can be taken right now. Makes me feel as if it’s not too late to improve my chances!”

Jordyn
Harvard 2025

“I haven’t found anything remotely close to what they have offered. My mindset to tackle admissions has completely changed. I give it 5 stars, and I recommend any rising senior to take the Masterclass.”

Kevin
Cornell 2025

“I bought your MasterClass last summer and just wanted to thank you for your valuable insight (especially on how to more intellectual/academic topics in the essays). I just got into Harvard, Stanford, and Yale and your masterclass was my foundation for approaching this process.”

A.
Harvard 2027

“With the course, I got a full ride to Washu! I also got into Swarthmore, Tufts, and UVA.”

B.
WashU 2027

“I haven’t found anything remotely close to what they have offered. My mindset to tackle admissions has completely changed. I give it 5 stars, and I recommend any rising senior to take the Masterclass.”

Kevin
Cornell 2025

“I bought your MasterClass last summer and just wanted to thank you for your valuable insight (especially on how to more intellectual/academic topics in the essays). I just got into Harvard, Stanford, and Yale and your masterclass was my foundation for approaching this process.”

A.
Harvard 2027

“I applied to UPenn THREE total times. I almost did not try this last time around, as I was losing hope in convincing the admissions team that I belonged at their school. So, I turned to your Master Class as a last resort, and I got in (finally as a transfer student)! My issues remained in the fact that I was unable to properly communicate my potential, but your class cleared the fog necessary to articulate myself more clearly.”

“As much as I loved my admissions counselor as a person, she was not a very good admissions counselor. She did not give me in depth advice, and retrospectively, the advice she gave me directly countered that of which I received through Admitium. Of the two times that I applied and did not get in, I followed hers. The final time that I applied and did get in, I followed Admitium’s advice. I think that says a lot on its own.”

Alexandria
Penn

“I cannot compare this course to [anything], but it’s nice to know that someone out there cares about your future and dreams. It’s shocking how sometimes strangers support you more than the people you thought will support you through thick and thin.”

Patricia, Romania
University of Groningen

“The masterclass helped me frame my alter ego not only through my writing, but through the small things like ‘Future Plans’ and the Activities section. I’ve framed my application taking into consideration the point of view of an admission’s officer through invaluable guidance on my personal statement and my supplemental essays. Thank you!”

Cesar B.
Mexico City

“I thought I already knew most everything there was to know about college admissions. This class totally proved me wrong. The classes were packed with exceptionally specific advice and insights you can’t find elsewhere. Looking back, I doubt this is stuff that any Admissions Officer can just spit out after working in the office. The strategies shared come off as the work of deep reflection, and that makes each tip so unique and helpful.”

Ishan
Class of 2026

“I got ur masterclass and received a likely from Barnard!”

A.
Barnard 2027

“Other college admissions counseling gives you generic advice . . . not only does Mike hit the spot on what colleges exactly want, but he tells us how to do so and gives us clear, easy to use methods to ace our college applications.”

Grace
High School Senior, Texas

“I’ve purchased 2 Brazilian mentorships covering the application process. None of them covered writing in this much detail. Admitium provided me with tangible guides on how to enhance my application, from activities to compelling writing. I reached scholars, and now one Ph.D. student from Harvard is teaching me about research in astrophysics.”

Cauã Rodrigues, Gap Year
Brazil

“Nobody’s advice comes close to Admitium. The advice you can find for free online is vague and general. ‘Be yourself!’ ‘Try to stand out!’ ‘Don’t spam your resume!’ Admitium dove into the specifics. Admitium showed me how to be myself, moves I could pull off to stand out from the pack, and unique ways to express my creativity and intellect.”

Akul Saxena, High School Senior
Texas

“Very substantial college admissions advice given with strong examples and without the savior’s rhetoric of other college consulting firms, who especially prey on international students.”

Kai Yu. Gap Year
Singapore

“It was the only course that gave tangible advice and was extremely helpful.”

Syed Shaheer Asim
Pakistan

“Almost the entire course contained information that I found new and relevant, something I hadn’t picked up elsewhere. I learnt a lot, especially the activity descriptions and essay writing sections, which were very interesting and easily applicable. The introduction to concepts like IV, Points of Excellence and Texture and the examples of extra-curriculars to do was exceptionally beneficial. One of the best parts was the examples provided for each concept taught, that cleared up a lot of queries, and gave a lot of ideas. The absolute best part I loved was the resources provided (like SSRN), and the book recommendations given at the end of each class. I learnt about many famous personalities and theories and concepts (philosophers, scientists, etc), and I would definitely reflect that in my writing.”

Akanksha, High School Senior
India

“I’ve done extensive research into many resources on helping students get a better chance at getting into a top school. But the advice from Admitium goes into deep detail and shows examples of each advice it gives. Overall it is more in depth than any other resource online for the same price.”

Charles Z., High School Junior
Canada

“Very smart, different way of thinking about the application (focus on being scholar) and you provided very specific tangible tips/resources to do research and make your application stand out. Have listened to many counselors and met with several who I have found to be regurgitating unhelpful, unspecific information and essay samples never sounded sophisticated or smart.”

High School Junior
New York

“Michael gives the advise that is very logical yet no other course/article on the Internet ever mentioned it. He talks about exactly what college admission officers WANT to see and what they don’t care about at all. Unfortunately, from what I’ve noticed, college application advise books somehow recommend to cover topics that fall into the second category. That was extremely useful to find out exactly what you need to put emphasis on to stand out. His recommendations on the right formatting of the Activities Section and other non-writing sections of the application were very uncommon. I also strongly recommend the Admissions masterclass for sophomores and juniors because the advice on picking the right activities is invaluable. Admitium really teaches you to work smart, not hard. I would’ve really appreciated this course earlier in my high school years. It’s really a breath of fresh air after reading so many blog posts with the same contents.”

Maria, High School Senior
Russia

“I am a first generation immigrant, so I didn’t know much to start with. I researched a lot of stuff about college apps for a while, but I couldn’t find any of the information you provided online. It was great information that makes sense, and really helps change the way one thinks and approaches the admissions process.” “This was definitely the most insight I’ve ever been given. I learned how the admissions process works, and how to use it to my advantage. I have never seen or even heard of most of this information before, so it was definitely my best resource. On the other hand, my counselor told me to just ‘fill it out.’ Your advice was 100x better.”

Wash
High School Senior

“The Masterclass was, without a doubt, the best college admissions advice I’ve heard before. You often hear “take these classes,” “write about this,” etc., but rarely does a class teach you how a college admissions officer thinks, what stands out to them, and how you can make yourself the most compelling applicant possible. The Masterclass lays out exactly what you need to do to make yourself the most compelling applicant you can, while also providing tangible action steps that you can take even if you only have a few months to go before applications are due. It’s worth is invaluable.”

“As you know, applying as a transfer is very competitive, and yet, after taking your course (twice), I feel very satisfied with the applications and essays I submitted. While the course was helpful for my college admissions process, it was also transformative for me as a learner.

Your passion for great literature, music, and ideas has opened me up to an entirely new world. I’m now reading Tolstoy two-at-a-time, Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, books, papers, and theses in economics (my field of interest), taking a class on Aristotle, and listening to Debsusy and Mozart.

In addition, this course led me to make connections with Harvard and Columbia economists that I’ve read about in my textbooks, as well as one of the most famous living Oxford economics professors who has offered me a potential research position next year.

Moreover, it has given me the courage to brush off the self doubt of being a low-income student destined for the same rural life I’ve seen people around me fall into. It mustered up my strength to go and retake the SAT, as a college freshman, taking 25 or so practice tests and scoring well despite thinking I was incapable of doing so just last year.

I now have a few months to wait until college decisions come out, but I want you to know that you haven’t just helped me apply to college, but helped me change my life course. Your course was immensely helpful, and I am very grateful for what you have helped me achieve so far.”

Gabe
Transfer

“I’ve spent more time researching baseless websites “claiming to help” in the college admissions process than I spent on this masterclass. And I’m proud to say that this was a gem; way above and beyond any advice that exists out there. I didn’t expect the masterclass to be so engaging. And I’m spellbound. Nobody should sleep on Class 6 though.”

Saumya
Class of 2025

“I am so fortunate to take this course at the beginning of Junior year. Masterclass pivoted my activities, writing, and letters of recommendation to suit points of excellence, intellectual vitality, and my personal favorite, texture. I found the final capstone helpful to review all concepts core to Masterclass.”

Antonio
Class of 2025

“The Masterclass informed me about everything I needed to know about the college application.”

Chloe
Class of 2025

“This is the only resource that has taught me something new! It is rare to see advice from former admissions officers on the internet. Most resources I have found are from college students, parents, and admissions couselors who have never been. introduced to an admissions officers thought process.” “I found the self-initiated activity strategies to be very helpful! I also never thought about injecting texture into my activities. Texture is never stressed in other college admissions resources. I’m a lot more excited to write in a way that showcases my humor. I also really enjoyed the use of quotes and references to notable figures/literature!”

Saloni Nayak
Class of 2025

“This class provides tips and advice that I would not have been able to hear about elsewhere.”

Gabby
Class of 2025

Writing Workshop

“I’ve researched a lot of blog posts, videos, books, you name it… about college essays and found the same trend of generic advice over and over again. I was struggling to come up with essay ideas that were unique to my identity, and I didn’t know how to effectively execute the themes that I was envisioning. This writing workshop is the BEST that I’ve ever watched because it provides specific advice that helped me in every step of the process – understanding the essay’s purpose, researching, brainstorming, actually sitting down and writing, and polishing. Even outside of college essay writing, I took away so much about learning, literature, and interesting academic ideas in general from Admitium. This writing workshop is a MUST watch for any student, regardless of whether or not they are applying to top colleges.”

K.D.
Duke 2026

“Most helpful [[advice]] I’ve found.”

Sarah
MIT

“I was extremely confused coming into the college process, and didn’t realize how writing a college essay is drastically different compared to a class essay . . . . I watched the videos and took notes on successful essays and tips to make my own essays stronger before applying . . . and my results prove Admitium works.”

Maame
Harvard 2025

“Very excellent information, unparalleled by any other source of essay writing help that I could find. You went in depth in just about everything. There was so much that I literally couldn’t do it all.” “I know that by taking it I was able to improve my essay’s tremendously! I can’t say exactly how much that may have influenced my admission decision, but I think it definitely helped.”

Benjamin Boone
Caltech

“This isn’t just college-application advice it’s writing advice, and definitely the best I’ve ever had.”

Patrick
Oxford 2024

“It has renovated my writing abilities. My writing has become more concise, punchy, and creative. I can now feel the passion for writing I was losing.”

Orlando, Brazil
University of Amsterdam

“Best activities, essay, and overall college resource I’ve ever found. Not only did I drastically improve my college application, but I learned a lot about research, literature, and ideas I cared about along the way. This course got me into college, all the while building me into a deeper thinking scholar.”

Armin
Claremont McKenna College

“I’m able to think deeply, and your writing workshop allowed me to express those thoughts in a nuanced and clever way. The juxtaposition and intersection of subjects is what Mr. Short teaches here, how we can write in a way that demonstrates IV, how we can write intelligently and deeply in a way that elucidates that we have a command of the subject, proving to a skeptical admissions reader that it’s all for real, and that we genuinely love our subject.”

Ashwin Ram
UT Austin

“The writing workshop was great. It introduced ideas and concepts—circling, eytomology, and the syntopicon (which is probably going to be my favorite thing to look up ideas from) to name a few—that I never knew about or fully grasped while reading writing from outstanding authors like Twain. And now—because this workshop familiarized me with them, I will be sure to apply the range of them in my own time while putting pen to paper.” “Overall an outstanding educational investment.”

Ahmed, Saudi Arabia
ASU (Full-Ride)

“Clear concise and stirred great ideas.”

Bridgette Caroline
High School Senior, Texas

“I loathed writing because I felt dumb until [[I took]] the course.”

Mark Mwangi
High School Senior, Washington

“In countries like China and Singapore, at least, we devote a significant level of effort of college admissions advice on the “personal qualities” side of us to make ourselves “sound more interesting”. I was compelled to do this for the last admissions cycle. Out of 9 schools applied to, I got 9 rejections. I’m applying to a smaller number of schools this year, and I’ve felt that by applying just that little twist in my writing, I’ve managed to become much more engaging.”

Kai Yu
Gap Year, Singapore

“I used the three key concepts throughout my personal statement and supplemental essays. The ten moves, tips, and research helped me craft a compelling set of essays packed with intellectual vitality — something I never encountered in any guide on the internet.” “Masterclass 6 completely changed my preconceived notion of the personal statement. After watching the video on “Essay Topics,” it made sense writing about academic ideas and all, but I was still somewhat hesitant on how my personal experience/story would fit in. What made everything click; what made all your advice on Researching on SSRN, Journals, or The Greats, fit into place was your simple analogy of the Petri dish (on “writing about ideas you care about is writing about yourself”).”

Cesar B.
Mexico City

“Everything in Masterclass VII was a gift. The 10 ways to sound compelling radically transformed my application. Analyzing Ornithopter and Scoop Coop gave me millions of ideas for my essays.”

Akul Saxena
High School Senior, Texas

“Michael’s level of detail, lessons with care, and standout advice made the writing workshop phenomenal.”

Sai
High School Senior, Kansas

“It was a very comprehensive workshop, and it covered all bases. The tips and tactics provided, along with the appropriate examples, were extremely valuable and to the point. The resources cited and ideas discussed were beyond amazing. My writing skills have definitely been improved by a great extent, and I have added a lot of new and interesting books to my reading list.”

Akanksha
High School Senior, India

“The class gives concrete techniques to hell deliver your most compelling narrative.”

Rushil

“For an international student, no matter how fluent they are in English, it’s always considerably more difficult to come up with the brilliant writing that can impress the most prestigious American institutions. The writing masterclass is something different, really. I’ve gone through so many videos and articles and books on college writing, and none were were nearly as useful as the three lectures on writing from the Admitium. The lectures get you into the right mindset for college writing, which is much more than this common advice “Just be yourself, that’s what Harvard wants.” After following Michael’s advice, I started to write essays which were very genuine, yet you could literally “smell intelligence” from them. “Sexy” would be the word to describe the writing that the Admitium teaches.”

Maria
High School Senior, Russia

“The Writing Workshop was easily the most helpful advice I’ve received for creating writing that’s enticing, creative, and most importantly, compelling. Mike not only lays out the appropriate structures, but also provides you with great literature as well as college essay examples to help you understand what it means to be a compelling writer for college admissions.”

Gabriel
Transfer

“I had most of my supplements knocked down, even my Personal Statement. Even so, [[Writing Workshop]] was able to add that little bit of magic—or texture—required to make my writing stand out. I am so glad to have found this course. It really allowed ‘me’ to shine through, and even if I do get rejected, I can sleep like a baby knowing that I was able to put my best self forward, which was my biggest concern come app season. My biggest worry was: ‘What if I can’t advocate myself as the great person I am?’ Well, masterclass has removed that worry altogether. I advocated a strong case for myself fiercely and cleverly, using all the tips and tricks up Mike’s sleeve.”

Sam
Berkeley 2025

“Truly one of the best writing workshops out there. It was crisp, heartfelt, and honest. I felt the waxing and waning of my mind, the motion ejected the dead neurons. It’s like an intellectual therapy for the mind.” “The User-Interface is amazing. Mike’s conduct, humility, presentation, and hard work shines throughout the course. It’s inspiring and truly motivates the individual to write smarter. It’s an angular approach to the admissions system. This course needs to be widely accessible, people need to know about it. Maybe try considering putting your courses on Coursera or edX? Try emailing Khan Academy and these large customer bases for opportunities. I really think this course will grow exponentially, it’s a ticking time bomb of intellectual freshness. The world needs it!”

Shrey
High School Senior, India

“I would’ve written a 200 word praise for the workshop. But having taking the workshop, I know this – ‘I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one.’ This is THE BEST writing workshop.”

Prithvi
Penn 2025