top of page

Guaranteed.

Help your child get into an
Ivy League University

How is this possible? Keep reading.

And what's the next step?

to learn all the details and make sure we are a great fit!

"Danny really encouraged me to go for it. He helped so much with my essays, and no one thought I would ever get into Harvard!"
- Nicholas Hutchison, student at Harvard

“Danny gave outstanding advice and was patient and kind with my daughter. If you’re looking to help your child, Danny would be your first choice.”

- Dylan McDermott, parent

Here's just a few of the hundreds of students I've helped get into Ivy and Ivy-plus universities:

So how do you help 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students get accepted? 

My Guaranteed Ivy Program consists of the following:

Live, bi-weekly student group Zoom calls

Weekly assignments & check-ins from me

A full SAT prep course

A week-long Application and Essay Boot Camp in the summer before 12th grade

1-1 Essay Editing Sessions

Live, monthly parent group Zoom calls

But to better understand the true scope of why and how my system works, let's look at what I actually do with students over the course of high school:

What if one opportunity
could unlock your child's potential & allow them to thrive in the world's best colleges?

Hi, I'm Danny Ruderman. For 20 years, I've helped hundreds of students worldwide get into Ivy and Ivy-Plus universities (Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, Rice, Wash U, Cal Tech, & MIT).  I love my work because it's more than just college admissions. Yes, it's amazing to see students get into great schools, but what really brings me joy is helping them discover their passions, conquer anxiety, and learn how to succeed.

 

My program is called Guaranteed Ivy because after helping with thousands of applications, I know what it takes to get accepted. I'm so confident in my methods that I offer a guarantee that some might find hard to believe. But the reason I do this isn't just about college admissions—it's about inspiring students to achieve things they never thought possible.  In other words, below you will see that in order to get the guarantee, students must commit to a path of action that will truly allow them to become the best versions of themselves.

 

If this sounds like the kind of approach your family believes in, I invite you to join my program. Let me prove that high school and the college admissions process can be one where your child feels empowered, motivated, and inspired while also keeping balanced and actually enjoying themselves.

Step 2: Master School and Tests

Essentials

5. Rock school by learning how to get top grades in less time and creating great relationships with teachers.

6. Master the SAT or ACT in order to score in the top 1%.

When researcher Cal Newport interviewed top students who got into Ivy League schools, he found almost all of them had developed the ability to maximize their time in high school.

 

That's something I've taught my students for 20 years. It's not about taking the most AP classes—it's about taking the right ones, developing relationships with teachers, prioritizing the most important activities, learning how to time block a schedule, and making sure to get enough sleep.

 

One of my favorite things to do is teach students how to rock high school because, honestly, schools don't teach things like how to study, stay organized, or actually become a good student. 

 

Also, students don't get taught strategies for how to take tests, especially those like the SAT and ACT. 

 

In my Guaranteed Ivy program, I not only teach these skills to students, but I also include a full ACT prep course that has helped thousands of kids dramatically increase their scores. 

"Danny's strategies on how to maximize my time and keep balanced allowed me to write my children's book while still getting As in all my AP classes."
- Brynn Hochman, student at Stanford

"Not only did I get a 35 on the ACT, but Danny gave me both the skills and confidence to make the most of school and create opportunities based on my real interests."
- Slade Jindal, student at Princeton

Is there really some big secret to getting accepted? 

No, there isn't.

But most people get bad advice and learn many misconceptions.  

What has helped hundreds of my past students get into the most selective schools in the world comes down to these things:

9 Essentials of the Guaranteed Ivy System:
 

  1. Start early.

  2. Figure out authentic interests.

  3. Create a very detailed plan for accomplishing big goals.

  4. Take advantage of holiday breaks.

  5. Rock school by learning how to get top grades in less time and creating great relationships with teachers.

  6. Master the SAT or ACT in order to score in the top 1%.

  7. Make connections with professors and admissions officers over time.

  8. Research colleges to find true matches between a student's interests and a school's unique offerings.

  9. Write standout applications, including essays that showcase a student's voice and personality.

And the best news is that for the right student, all of this can be taught. 

When my best students have gone through all these steps, they have gotten into the colleges of their dreams. This is why I am confident in offering a

If your child is the right fit for the program, completes all the required assignments, and does not get accepted into an Ivy or Ivy-Plus University, I refund all the money for the program.

My student Zach

Just accepted to class of 2029 to Harvard, Stanford, Yale

My student Audrey 

Just accepted to class of 2029 to Stanford, Penn, Columbia, Brown

Step 3: Standout in Admissions

Essentials

7. Make connections with professors and admissions officers over time.

8. Research colleges to find true matches between a student's interests and a school's unique offerings.

9. Write standout applications, including essays that showcase a student's voice and personality.

Applying to college doesn't have to be super hard, but that doesn't mean it's easy for high school students. A lot of stress comes from students not knowing what to do. Sometimes, parents who aren't familiar with college admissions can add to the confusion, especially when their child is becoming more independent.

 

However, there are steps that have been proven to reduce stress and increase acceptances. These steps not only help students impress college admissions officers but also help them figure out which colleges are the best fit for their interests and personality.

 

I help students find their own unique voice. This means they can show their personality, including their quirks and their vulnerabilities. Many top applicants end up looking and sounding alike, so the key isn't to try to be the most accomplished applicant. It's about showing a real person that others can relate to. And this can be done through telling stories that only your child can tell.

But is my child the right fit?

Yes, if they meet these conditions:

  • Students must be 9th, 10th, or 11th graders who want to attend one of the following schools: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth, Columbia, Brown Cornell, Penn, Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, Rice, Wash U, Cal Tech, and MIT.  
     

  • Students must be willing to put in the work and develop discipline to do what 95% of other teenagers aren't willing to do (it just can't come from the parents). In other words, one of the main reasons I provide a guarantee is so students will also commit to becoming the best versions of themselves. 
     

  • For families who want the guarantee, they must also meet the following requirements (those who don't can still take part in the program but will not get the guarantee):
     

  1. Students must start in 9th or 10th grade. (11th graders can go through the entire program but will not get the guarantee due to the time remaining in high school.)

  2. Students must have all As in 9th (and 10th grade) grade ( 1-2 A-'s are acceptable each year).

  3. Students must commit to spending 5 hours/week minimum on assignments, which include pursuing authentic interests (this is in addition to their existing commitments to sports, theater, etc.).

  4. Students must commit to joining me each month live (or at least watching the replays) and submitting weekly updates (via video, audio, or writing) to me about the progress they are making.

  5. Students must complete assignments each month and be able to show proof they have done everything.

  6. Students must maintain good grades throughout the rest of high school grade, with no more than 1 B per year or no more than 2 A-'s per year]

  7. Parents must commit to joining monthly parent Zooms (or at least watching the replays) and submitting questionnaires and updates each quarter.

  8. Students must apply to at least four Ivy League or Ivy-Plus Universities, at least two of which must be schools other than Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, MIT, and Cal Tech. 

  9. Students must attend the week-long application boot camp in August before senior year and commit to working with their certified coach for the five 1-1 sessions. 

Thank you for being who you are! Your unique gift is being able to understand young people and help parents like us better understand our children.

Dori and Rob Kenneally

Danny totally had my back and helped me express who I really was–no easy task in such a high-growth phase of life. I am forever grateful for Danny’s guidance.

Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snapchat & Stanford Grad

It's wonderful people like you who keep the integrity and build the character of future generations. Thank you for giving us direction that has helped both of our kids.

Dr. Ivan Brooks

What does it cost?

My fees slide based on what year a student is starting and what a family can afford (given that my family could never have afforded a tutor, let alone a college counselor). Once we chat, and I better understand what your family needs, I will send you a full proposal with the guarantee as a contract everyone signs.

Thus, while families can expect to pay between $7,500-$12,500 for the program, I encourage you to sign up for a Zoom or a call with me, so I can learn more about your family's needs and describe the different options. 

I also offer scholarships and can provide that application as appropriate. This is why I offer my 1+1 program.

When a family enrolls for the standard fee, they will be empowering a family in need to enroll at no cost.  

Additionally, I have found over the years that my ability to connect with and motivate teenagers, as well as my ability to creatively come up with big ways for them to pursue their passions separates me from other counselors.

My positive approach and dumb sarcasm allow my students to tell me how much they actually enjoy the college admissions process, instead of hating it. I also believe that no amount of money can buy the benefits that come from when parents see their child thriving, AND they can maintain a positive relationship with them through high school.

  • What is the Guaranteed Ivy Program exactly?
    The Guaranteed Ivy Program is a one-of-kind college counseling program that helps students get accepted into the most selective American universities. By following my proven system that has resulted in hundreds getting acceptances, students will be taught how to discover and develop authentic passions and become the top students in their high schools. From learning organizational and study skills designed to free up time to mastering communications with adults, students will continually be motivated to become the best versions of themselves while discovering who they really are. I will also walk students through the entire application process, including teaching them how to rock the ACT, write genuine stand-out essays, and communicate with admissions officers. Getting into an Ivy may seem impossible, but I assure you it is not—all a top student needs is the right guidance and inspiration.
  • What if my child doesn't want to go to an Ivy or Ivy Plus School - can they still take part?
    Yes, although the program is designed to push top students to go above and beyond what most teenagers will do on their own (or even consider possible). Consequently, it’s important that any student meets the initial conditions listed above these FAQs on the website.
  • What if my child doesn't make all the requirements—can they still stay in the program?
    Yes, they can! However, the money-back guarantee will no longer apply. While I realize that not every student will be able to get all As or be able to do all that I suggest, I cannot guarantee a student will get accepted into Ivies or Ivy-plus institutions unless they accomplish what I lay out. (Although past students have still gotten accepted into great schools!)
  • Why is the program a group class with 1-1 at the end and not 1-1 all the way through?
    After doing 1-1 work with students for 12 years, I began coaching kids in groups and discovered that they were getting the same results as those who worked with me 1-1. In fact, I found that the students in the group were more diligent and efficient because I required them to take more responsibility. Consequently, after seeing students in my group classes consistently get accepted over the last eight years, I know exactly how to support a group and when to provide 1-1 help to make the process as simple and easy as possible. This is why I pair up students with my certified essay coaches after I walk them through the entire process because it is the one time when students can benefit from specific editing and suggestions. I can assure all those reading this, however, that I wouldn't be offering a guarantee if I didn't know exactly what works.
  • Why does the program cost?
    My fees slide based on what year a student is starting and what a family can afford (given that my family could never have afforded a tutor, let alone a college counselor). Once we chat, and I better understand what your family needs, I will send you a full proposal with the guarantee as a contract everyone signs. I also offer scholarships and can provide that application as appropriate. ​ Thus, while families can expect to pay between $7,500-$12,500 for the program, I encourage you to sign up for a Zoom or a call with me, so I can learn more about your family's needs and describe the different options. ​ Additionally, I have found over the years that my ability to connect with and motivate teenagers, as well as my ability to creatively come up with big ways for them to pursue their passions separates me from other counselors. ​ My positive approach and dumb sarcasm allow my students to tell me how much they actually enjoy the college admissions process, instead of hating it. I also believe that no amount of money can buy the benefits that come from when parents see their child thriving, AND they can maintain a positive relationship with them through high school.
  • How much access to you will our family have? What if we have questions?
    1. You and your child can email me anytime with questions as we go through the process. 2. You will both be able to ask me questions in each of the live meetings. 3. Both of you will also be getting reminders and messages of support from me throughout the year so nothing is missed. 4. I will also be creating an "Answer Library" where I answer the most commonly asked questions from families throughout the year, so you can get immediate answers to any questions that come up.
  • Are there others involved or do you personally do everything with my child?
    I do everything myself, including reading every student's essays on which I make comments for my personally-trained and certified writing coaches. The only thing I don't do is conduct the five 1-1 essay consultations that take place after the weeklong boot camp right before senior year. In order to provide the best service, my coaches spend more time helping your child further hone and edit their essays.
  • What does your guarantee cover?
    Providing that both a parent and a student meet my conditions and complete all my requirements, I will guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League or Ivy-plus university, or I will refund the entire fee paid. If a parent or student does not meet all the criteria, they can still stay in the program, but the guarantee will not apply. Please just know that my goal is to get the very best out of every one of my students, and after so many years, I firmly believe that I can help them see greater success both in high school and beyond, regardless of whether they meet every requirement.

Thanks to Danny's encouragement, I was able to get my novel Dear Killer published by Harper Collins when I was a senior in high school!"

- Katherine Ewell, author of Dear Killer

"Without Danny getting me to think big in high school, I would have never gotten the internship with Benny Blanco, which helped me get to where I am today."

- Blake Slatkin, recent winner of 3 Grammys

Step 1: Think Big and Go For It

Essentials

1. Start early. 

2. Figure out authentic interests. 

3. Create a very detailed plan for accomplishing big goals.

4. Take advantage of holiday breaks.

Think about this: Stanford University gets 65,000 applications every year but only accepts around 3.5 % of them. How can a student stand out when there are so many others with great grades, test scores, and plentiful extracurriculars?

 

The answer?

Be authentic and go big. 

 

After helping students discover and develop passions for years, I've seen how teenagers have an underdeveloped SUPERPOWER—adults want to support them and see them succeed. Once students understand this, they can reach out to mentors, launch their own organizations, conduct research with professors, and get opportunities that no adult can

 

It's all about helping students realize they simply have to ask for help and then guiding them to come up with projects they are truly excited about. In our Zoom calls and through assignments, I help high-achieving students do just that. This allows them to not only stand out but also learn incredible life lessons. 

Without Danny's advice, I wouldn’t be at my dream school, simple as that! Because of what I learned from him, I was able to find a program that revolves around my passion. Most importantly, my mental health and stress were much better than that of most of my friends.

Anna Sophia-Lotman, graduate of the University of Pennsylvania

Stanford .jpg

Let's give your child an 
incredible future.

"Danny is awesome. Not only does he know what he is doing, but he is hilarious, which really helped me connect and trust him."
- Colin Browne, student at Penn

"Danny helped me refine my voice in my essays and encouraged me to fully be myself. I know this made a huge difference in my applications."
- Caroline Sasso, student at Stanford

"We got to know our son better, and he got to know himself better. Thank you doesn’t come close to what Danny did for our family!"
- Amie Steir, parent

Why should we trust you?

I feel fortunate to be nationally recognized as one of America’s premier college counselors. After being the first in my family to attend college and the third student to be accepted into Stanford University from my public high school, my mission is to help as many young people think BIG and realize their abilities.

I have helped thousands of students around the world get into top colleges and currently have students at every Ivy and Ivy-Plus School in America. 

I have also been blessed to have helped the children of celebrities and CEOs and have created coaching programs used by nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies. 

I'm the author of The Ultimate College Acceptance System (St. Martin’s Press) and How to Get Accepted to America's Top Colleges.

"Going to an elite boarding school was often incredibly stressful. Danny at least made the admissions process easy."

- Erin Li, student at Penn

"Danny's help with my company allowed me to create something I was proud of and was able to discuss in my applications."

- Richter Brzeski, student at MIT

"Danny's advice about cutting out some of my activities made all the difference. Being able to focus on what I enjoyed helped me stand out."
- Rachel Carlson, student at Brown

"Danny's the best. He totally got who I am and helped me to go big when others told me to play it safe. I owe him so much."
- Eitan Prins-Trachenberg, student at Dartmouth

"I recommend Danny to everyone! He not only made the application process easier, but he also taught me how to be a better student."

- Georgia Young, student at Columbia

"I honestly had no idea where I wanted to go or how to present myself. Danny helped me believe in myself and figure out my strengths."
- Devon Meenaghan, student at Cornell

bottom of page