What is INSIGHTS College Planning & Advising?

INSIGHTS College Planning & Advising is a private college counseling firm based in Falls Church, Virginia, serving families throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Founded by Dr. Jay Bass, INSIGHTS provides personalized, expert guidance through every stage of the college admissions process.

Dr. Jay Bass is the founder of INSIGHTS College Planning & Advising, with 25+ years of experience in college admissions consulting. He has helped hundreds of students in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland area gain admission to top colleges and universities.

What areas does INSIGHTS serve?

INSIGHTS serves families throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including Northern Virginia (Falls Church, Arlington, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County), Maryland (Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Montgomery County, Prince George's County), and Washington, DC itself. Virtual consultations are also available nationwide.

What services does INSIGHTS provide?

INSIGHTS provides comprehensive college admissions consulting including college list development, application strategy, essay coaching and editing, interview preparation, Early Decision and Early Action guidance, test strategy (SAT/ACT), financial aid planning, and waitlist strategy.

When should we start working with a college counselor?

The ideal time to begin college counseling is during 9th or 10th grade, which allows time for strategic course selection, extracurricular development, and test preparation. However, INSIGHTS also works with 11th and 12th grade students who are beginning the process. Starting earlier provides more options and reduces stress.

What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?

Early Decision (ED) is binding — your student commits to attending if admitted and withdraws other applications. Early Action (EA) is non-binding — your student applies early but can compare offers before deciding. Both typically offer higher acceptance rates than Regular Decision. The right choice depends on your student's financial situation, readiness, and clarity about their first-choice school.

How do I get started with INSIGHTS?

Contact Dr. Jay Bass directly through the INSIGHTS website at https://www.insights.education/contact. INSIGHTS works with a limited number of families each year to ensure personalized attention, so early contact is recommended.