"What do schools look for in an applicant?"

I’ve been asked this question thousands of times throughout my 15+ years guiding families through the admissions process.

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I'm Lelaine Paik, college counselor, educational consultant, and founder of The College Lane. Over the years, I’ve developed a keen ability to recognize the unique strengths in each student and help them shine—on paper, in interviews, and throughout the admissions process.

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As a former Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, I understand how schools thin-slice among a sea of accomplished, admissible applicants. My time as a recruiter added another layer of expertise: resume writing, interview coaching, and guiding students to present themselves with clarity and confidence.
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I live near Chicago in Winnetka, Illinois with my husband, who was my high school sweetheart. I enjoy watching deer from my office window, reading multiple genres at once, and discovering new interests. My students, who have so many talents, from coding to singing to playing sports, inspire me to stay curious and keep growing.

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When raising my own sons, I vowed to not be a Tiger Mom, since high school was already demanding enough. At the same time, I maintained high standards and helped them establish their own. This balance—between holding high expectations and offering unwavering support—is the guiding principle of our educational consulting practice, The College Lane.
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We have now guided hundreds of college, transfer, and law school applicants across the U.S. and internationally.