Category Mentoring

Sophia Appel, current student at Wesleyan University and Brentwood School alumni

"I feel so grateful to have been able to work with both Cindy and Rachel during my college process. Throughout high school, I dreaded applying to college. Cindy and Rachel not only helped me get into my first choice university, Wesleyan, through ED, but they also helped me enjoy the process. Alongside them, I explored my identity as a writer, creator, networker, and person. They taught me that finding a college is in part about finding yourself. Cindy and Rachel are both such talented, detail-oriented, passionate, kind, and caring people. Ultimately, with both of them on my team, I discovered that finding a college that is right for you is as stressful or as rewarding as you make it to be. And thanks to their constant support, for me, it was the latter." - Sophia Appel, current student at Wesleyan University and Brentwood School alumni

Jade Schweitzer, current student at Washington University in St. Louis (ED acceptance) and Brentwood School alumni

“I am thrilled to share that I got into my dream school, Washington University in St. Louis, and feel I could not have done it without the personal, empowering, and brilliant support from Cindy, Rachel, and the Rainbow EDU family every step of the way. During the college process, I grew and learned more about myself because of Cindy and Rachel’s immense support. Alongside being there every step of the way during the time of college research and applications, Cindy encouraged me to dive deeper into my multiple interests and always had new ideas for innovative projects I could start, which helped highlight and add richness to my unique qualities. When Rachel and I worked on supplemental essays, she was committed to helping me find my voice through my writing and made the process enjoyable by giving me the freedom to experiment with “out of the box” ideas. Additionally, Rainbow Edu provided me with amazing tutors. Not only did I master content in rigorous classes, but I also learned beyond the classroom material, gaining a new and interesting perspective on ordinary subjects.” - Jade Schweitzer, current student at Washington University in St. Louis (ED acceptance) and Brentwood School alumni

Francesca DeCurtis, University of Pennsylvania student and alumni of LaGuardia High School (Drama Major)

“Cindy and Rachel’s command of the college application process gave me great confidence in my own abilities. They helped me focus and encouraged my natural vibrancy to shine through. They provided me with skills that have lasted well beyond the application process. At the beginning I was unclear about my own direction, but with their help I ended up gaining an early decision acceptance to what turned out to be my dream school. Their belief in me made me believe in myself.” - Francesca DeCurtis, University of Pennsylvania student and alumni of LaGuardia High School (Drama Major)

Finn Blackburn, University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts Student

“My time with Crystal was one of creative freedom and practical advancement. She was instrumental in helping me write my first script. Leaving helpful suggestions without infringing on the originality of my project. I could not have asked for a better mentor, producer, and friend!” - Finn Blackburn, University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts Student

Tayler Park, Harvard-Westlake Parent: Daughter admitted to Harvard, Yale BA/MM

“Twelve schools, twelve sets of expectations and deadlines. Not one bead of sweat. Rainbow EDU has taken all the weight off of our family’s shoulders. As a parent, I’m not the tiniest bit worried about the process. Cindy and Rachel (a dream team!) have been creative in approach, meticulous with details, and way ahead of the game."

Tayler Park, Harvard-Westlake Parent: Daughter admitted to Harvard, Yale BA/MM

Jennifer Baldacchino, Parent to Gabriella Baldacchino, USC Student/Actor

“Rachel and Sascha mentored our daughter through applications, her personal narrative, and portfolio. Their rigorous guidance and structured approach kept her on course. Meanwhile, Cindy was super helpful on the creative front, helping her find her path and story. Cindy helped her break down what to focus on. She encouraged our daughter to speak from the heart, express who she really is, and speak from her life experience. It was a very touching and personal experience.

She was GREAT at getting our student grounded, and got so involved in the self-discovery process and personal. Her connections allowed conversations between our high school student and future potential mentors which wouldn’t have otherwise happened. Beyond Cindy, the entire Rainbow team is so attentive, always finding the time, always having someone there to get it done. Even at 11:59 on a midnight deadline!" - Jennifer Baldacchino, Parent to Gabriella Baldacchino, USC Student/Actor

Wendy Hammers, Santa Monica High School Parent

“I know this is a big statement, but my son’s participation in the Paving The Way To the College of Your Dreams workshop has been a life altering, and a much needed anchor for him, as he prepares for college and beyond. The Rainbow educators present the types of questions that desperately need to be asked at this crucial, and sometimes challenging, point in a teenager’s life. Just as importantly, the environment in which these questions are posed is a fun, safe one, where he has been open and willing to explore in a way he would not with his own parents. Our family will be forever grateful to the Paving Program and the Rainbow team!”


Wendy Hammers, Santa Monica High School Parent

Jessica Burgess, Graham High School in Texas Graduate and USC School of Dramatic Arts Student

“Cindy is an absolute visionary. I am a senior in high school, and I met Cindy a few months before I began this school year. My strengths academically are mainly in reading, writing, social studies, and philosophy, but Cindy has enhanced my knowledge and appreciation for mathematics, science, and my capabilities in problem solving as a whole. When I first met Cindy, I was in desperate need of a math tutor, but what I received was more than I could have ever imagined. Aside from her outstanding mathematical capabilities, Cindy has served as my mentor, ultimate problem solver, entrepreneurial guru, and ultimate inspiration throughout my college prep and application process.

As a fellow performer, and actress, Cindy also has helped me explore my passion for theatre, and expand it to become a flourishing intrigue with anthropology, psychology, and motivational speaking. She is literally the reason that I am now travelling as a motivational speaker/ Body Positive facilitator to youth, ranging from middle school to high school. In offering her invaluable time, ambitious mindset, and incredibly compassionate demeanor, she has allowed me to find my true passions, and encourage others to do the same.

Furthermore, Cindy is beyond this world amazing. Whether to call her an angel, an oracle, a goddess, a reincarnated Albert Einstein, or any other form of awe, I am not worthy to concretely say. However, I can attest that Cindy has absolutely changed my vision for myself and the world around me, my societal views and aspirations, as well as having enhanced my mathematical and test taking capabilities.

Truly, Cindy is the most wonderful, kind, creative, talented, and intelligent essence, one could ever hope to meet or aspire to become.” - Jessica Burgess, Graham High School in Texas Graduate and USC School of Dramatic Arts Student

Corinne Kentor, Columbia Teacher’s College, Yale and New Jewish Community High School Graduate

“Cindy helped me to recognize my own unique spirit and potential, turning the college application process from a daunting and fearsome task into a true journey of self-discovery. With her guidance and inspiration, I was able to articulate the inner workings of my personality and put together a distinctive application that fully encapsulated who I am as a student and person. Thanks to her guidance, all of my efforts were recognized by top tier institutions, including Yale, Stanford, and Wesleyan, which were my top three choices. I am delighted to call Cindy both a mentor and friend; she has inspired me beyond words and helped me embrace my individuality. I can now say that I am heading off for college with a secure sense of self and confidence and that I am fully prepared to share my talents with the larger university community. Cindy not only help me raise my SAT score to a previously unfathomable 2300, but also helped me hone my study skills and writing techniques to fit my learning style. She is a genuine spirit whose unabashed love for learning shines through in her tutoring methods. Her personalized efforts make her an invaluable resource for students of all backgrounds and academic profiles, and her vibrant personality makes her a true friend and inspiration. I cannot thank her enough.”

Corinne Kentor, Columbia Teacher's College, Yale and New Jewish Community High School Graduate

Mackenzie Carlson, Brown University and Brentwood School Graduate

“Cindy has changed my life in many ways, not only with the help of her brilliant tutoring, but she has also been a mentor and a friend to me, someone I feel like I can talk to about anything. She has been especially supportive in my interest in women’s issues and continues to inspire me every time I have a session with her. She puts so much effort into all her students and is very passionate about her work. She enriches the life of every single person she comes into contact with. She is one of the most amazing women that I know.” - Mackenzie Carlson, Brown University and Brentwood School Graduate