The ThinkSTEP Difference

UCLA Trained and Certified

ThinkSTEP offers expert knowledge from both the student and university perspectives of the admissions process

Deep Understanding of Admissions Requirements: Each university has its own culture and ideal student; ThinkSTEP knows how to integrate that knowledge into students' applications.
Essay Reader Experience: Our experience grading scholarship essays for UCLA helps us understand what universities look for.
Emotional Support: We guide students through tough and challenging times to help them achieve their goals.
Constant Availability: With our limited number of students, we provide focused attention and immediate response.

Develop an Ivy League Mindset

Harvard-Inspired Learning Process

Our curriculum and pedagogical approach is inspired by Michael's Harvard experience.

Write at every stage: From brainstorm to final proofread, students become expert writers.
Write at every level: Practice writing at sentence, paragraph, and essay levels to master the art of crafting prose.
Become unafraid of mistakes: Learn from mistakes that are always part of the learning process (and life!).
Analyze diverse topics: Sharpen your skills by writing about multiple subjects.
Speak publicly with confidence: Verbal communication skills are just as important as written.
Conduct original research: Learn how to find the best facts that will support your thesis.
Master the art of asking questions: Asking good questions is how you learn most effectively.
Identify trustworthy sources: Differentiating between respected and unreliable sources is fundamental to critical thinking abilities.

ThinkSTEP is always online

No matter where you are, learning never stops. Our online classroom ensures that you always have access to the information, tools and resources that you need to ELEVATE your education.

“My child has been able to keep up to date with all his ThinkSTEP coursework during the COVID pandemic, and been able to communicate whenever he wants with Michael.”

- Satisfied parent and ThinkSTEP Advocate

Online assignments, progress reports, and assessments

Students are able to manage, complete and submit their assignments online, save their progress, and automatically get notified when feedback is ready to review.

Synchronized calendar

Never miss a deadline! The synchronized calendar tool allows students to see the whole semester’s schedule ahead of time, keep track of their lesson and assignment schedule, and receive reminder notifications via the email and the mobile app.

Direct messaging via APP with instructor and classmates

Students can collaborate their fellow ThinkSTEP classmates, and directly with their teacher via our platform’s built-in instant messaging – accessible online or via the mobile app.

Synchronized online file storage

Students are able to track and manage all of their assignments, files, and documents in one place, ensuring that information is synchronized across all devices, helping them stay organized and productive.

Parent access

Parents can be given access to view their child’s performance, progress, and assignments directly via a special parent login, to save time improve communication between parents, teachers and students.

Flexible, customizable dashboard

Every student’s online dashboard can be customized to meet their preferences and help keep their calendar, files, assignments, and courses organized and easily accessible from one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Our personalized care. Our two goals for each student are admissions success AND personal growth. ThinkSTEP’s Founder Michael aims to guide each student and be available for them at any time.
: In order to maximize personalized attention, Michael works with a maximum of 10 students per grade level.
: We recommend as early as 9th grade, when universities begin to look at your grades and accomplishments. ThinkSTEP fills up quite quickly, so we suggest signing up before 11th grade begins at the latest.
: Our simple methodology, inspired by Michael's Harvard education, is RAC: Read, Analyze, and Communicate. Students learn tools to read more efficiently, identify key points, and write clearly to maximize their grades.
: ThinkSTEP works with parents who share an open mindset for allowing their children to explore their passions and discover their future for themselves. As such, we maintain our niche by only accepting students referred by our current clients.