Introducing ILUMIN Education’s New Consultant: Spencer Horstman

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Spencer Horstman to our team!

Spencer brings an impressive background to our organization:

1. Over six years of experience as a college admissions consultant.

2. Developed personalized college admission strategies tailored to individual student strengths through his experience with several major college admissions consulting agencies.

3. Experience working with every type of student, from art students to engineers. 

4. Conducted mock interviews and provided detailed feedback to improve student performance

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Spencer is a musician and the proud owner of two cats! You can read more about his background HERE.

It's not every day that we encounter someone with Spencer’s qualifications. He is a remarkable advisor and mentor, and we are thrilled to have him as part of our team!

Q & A

1. What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?

   I find great satisfaction in helping students craft and perfect their persona across the different aspects of the application, from program and major selection to application essays. Witnessing their growth and confidence develop as they find their voice is rewarding. I recently worked with Michael, a student looking to express his love for history to admissions committees. By guiding him to a professor at a local college, he found a worthy mentor to help him express his passion through a deep personal research project and gained a deeper belief in his abilities.

   College essays, in particular, offer a profound journey of self-reflection. For instance, Rachel wrote about her experience growing up with a sibling with mental health struggles, which profoundly influenced her perspective on empathy. Her heartfelt essay led to acceptance at NYU, highlighting the power of authentic storytelling.

2. What key lesson have you learned from evaluating admissions applications?

   One key lesson I've learned from evaluating admissions applications is the significance of holistic evaluation. Admissions committees look beyond just grades and test scores. They want to understand an applicant's full story, which means assessing personal qualities such as resilience, leadership, and overcoming challenges.

   Admissions committees value students who show growth, character, and a willingness to take initiative in adversity. It's a reminder that every part of the application, from essays to extracurricular activities, should tell a compelling, authentic story about the student. Students and parents often worry that one bad grade or test score will negatively impact their college aspirations. However, admissions committees examine the applicant's overall journey and how they've handled setbacks.

3. What advice do you have for students?

   My advice for students is to embrace authenticity and exploration throughout their high school journey. Pursue activities that genuinely interest you, whether in the arts, sciences, sports, or initiatives outside of school, like community service. When writing your essays, be genuine and share your true experiences, rooting your story in concrete values. Authenticity resonates, and highlighting how you've grown makes your story compelling.

   Additionally, build strong relationships with mentors for guidance and meaningful recommendations. Maintain a balance between academics and extracurriculars to show colleges you can manage your time effectively. If you have a specific interest, look for related internships, clubs, or volunteer work. Don't hesitate to try different things to see what resonates with you. Stepping out of your comfort zone will help you learn about yourself and build confidence.

4. What should parents know to best support their children?

   I advise parents to foster independence and resilience in their children. Encourage your children to make their own decisions and learn from the outcomes, even if it means experiencing failure. This approach helps them develop the critical problem-solving skills and confidence to navigate college and adulthood. Provide a supportive environment where they can safely explore their passions without fear of judgment or excessive pressure. They should develop these abilities now rather than struggling to figure it out independently during college.

   Additionally, maintain open communication and encouragement rather than control. Let your child take ownership of the admissions process, offering guidance when needed but letting them lead. This approach helps them grow into self-reliant adults and ensures that their applications genuinely reflect their experiences. Your role is to support them, helping them become the best versions of themselves as they make this journey.

5. How do you tailor your support to each student?

   My approach is first to understand their unique strengths, interests, and goals. I begin with an in-depth consultation to learn about their academics, extracurriculars, personal interests, and challenges they've faced. This holistic understanding allows me to create a personalized strategy aligning with their aspirations and circumstances. My goal is to support students' individual growth.

   I then guide them in selecting colleges to apply to, developing a compelling narrative for essays, improving study skills, and preparing for interviews. For instance, I might help a student passionate about science find research opportunities or internships that strengthen their application. Focusing on each student's unique blend of qualities and goals, I help them present their best, most authentic selves in their college applications.