College Prep Program

Tiffany's expertise and support through the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program made the college application process much easier for me to navigate. As a first-gen student from an immigrant household, I was always intimidated by the abundance of checkpoints that I needed to fulfill. However, Tiffany's encouragement and advice provided me with a clear sense of direction and, simultaneously, helped me understand my own identity in the process. Whether it was the weekly meetings or last-minute emails, she consistently offered thoughtful support whenever I had concerns. I am and will forever be grateful for the tremendous opportunities that Tiffany and the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program have helped me unlock. 

John, Columbia University, QuestBridge Match

 

As a first-generation student navigating the Common App, I came in feeling overwhelmed and honestly a little intimidated. Early on, I was flooded with "advice" from college admissions influencers, and the process quickly began to feel scripted. I found myself wondering whether there was any space to tell my story in a way that felt true to me.

 

What made this experience different was how Tiffany helped me find and refine my voice. Instead of trying to "perfect" my story, she encouraged me to slow down and reflect on the small moments, the in-between thoughts, the things I normally only wrote about in my journal. Through thoughtful questions and honest conversations, Tiffany helped me realize that my voice didn't need to be louder, but just more honest and distinct.

 

By the end of the process, I felt proud of my essays, and how I showed up in them. Tiffany and the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program helped me build confidence in my own voice, which is something I'll carry far beyond just college applications.

Jolie, Johns Hopkins University

 

When I started junior year, I couldn't imagine that I would even apply for an Ivy, let alone be offered admission to one of the most prestigious business programs in the world. Tiffany and the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program opened that door for me, and I could not be more grateful for their support throughout my entire college application process. Tiffany pushed me to be diligent during the summer, and she offered invaluable, personalized feedback throughout the way. Tiffany always made time for [me], and I am truly thankful to have her as my mentor through the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program.

Cathy, University of Pennsylvania - The Wharton School

 

College applications were always something I expected to complete alone, but having the opportunity to work with Tiffany through the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program allowed me to view my [application] through a different perspective. Tiffany not only provided unique insight into the college application process that I would've otherwise never considered, but her support helped me strive to revise my essays as best as they could be and become a better writer through the process. Definitely couldn't have done it without her and the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program!

Rebecca, Duke University

 

Tiffany was the organized, insightful, and reassuring older sister I needed whenever I felt overwhelmed. With her help through the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program, I applied to my dream art school - to give it one last chance - and was accepted. It was incredibly difficult for me to step away from the academically rigorous STEM-focused lifestyle I'm used to, but Tiffany gave me the push I needed to pursue my true passions. I know it may be less conventional for students under Tiffany's guidance to end up pursuing the arts, but it's undeniable that her support through the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program was a vital resource that brought me success from the college application process.

Marcus, RISD

 

Working with Tiffany through the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program gave me an ease of mind during such a tough time. Knowing I had someone who I could reach out to and immediately get a response from when I was confused and stressed allowed me to persevere through the college application process. She provided many helpful insights and walked me through the whole entire journey. Thanks to her and the Chinese Dollars for Scholars College Prep Program, I was able to get into one of my top colleges and on a scholarship!

Sophia, University of Michigan

About the College Prep Program

In 2024, we launched our FREE VIRTUAL College Prep Program for rising high school seniors. Students participate in monthly workshops, working sessions, and office hours from June through December.

The curriculum is led by a DFS alumna with admissions experience at the University of California system, Cornell, and NYU. She also served as a long-time interviewer for Penn and holds degrees from Wharton and Penn GSE.

Program mentors include students and alumni from Columbia, MIT, Stanford, Yale, and more. Applications are open to low-income students and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply Now for the 2027 College Prep Program