ILSS

1. Parents and students believe that a high SAT score, high grades, and expensive college admissions counseling will get the students into the most elite colleges and prepared for the course work.

1. We believe that parents and students who focus only on scores, grades, or entrance into an elite college are aiming too low. So instead, we focus on developing students to their fullest potential and helping them learn how to think critically and lead effectively with their heads and hearts.

2. Parents and students spend a large amount of money and time for tutoring that is focused on one subject area.

2. We teach students how to manage their own critical learning process and how to effectively utilize the vast resources around them (e.g., their peers and teachers). We're confident that students will never waste time or money again for another tutor once ILSS skills have been mastered!

3. Only about 50% of students who enter four-year colleges graduate after 5-6 years for reasons that include academic underpreparedness.* Nearly 35% of all 1st year college students are academically unprepared for college and must take a remedial class in reading, writing, or math before they enter college-level courses.**

3. Through the institute, students learn how to adapt and personalize critical thinking skills so they can successfully and independently manage their own learning process throughout college and years afterwards. Students who can do this are more confident in their abilities and are able to successfully maneuver through difficult learning obstacles. They're also motivated to continue learning and more likely to excel in their course work and in their lives outside of school. 

4. Many students learn things they believe are not important or  are irrelevant to their lives outside of school.

4. We help students find meaning and purpose in their own growth and development. Being able to connect what one learns with how one applies this to create meaning in life is empowering.

5. Many college students find it difficult to balance a full course load, work, and extarcurricular activities.

5. We'll teach students how to manage and enjoy the delicate balance of college life using tips from super learners and our expertise in critical education theory.

6. Managing a student organization in college can be much more challenging than leading a student group in high school.

6. We teach students how to take ownership of their leadership development by providing high quality student leadership training. Students are confident when they're able to manage their own leadership development. They build highly effective student organizations and, in the process, motivate others to excel.