05/31/2026
In Blue Cast Episode 2 we get to hear from Magnificent Maggie as she tells us what it is like to go to school on a campus on a coastal hilltop in a redwood forest at UC Santa Cruz
Blue Cast: Meet Maggie -- UC Santa Cruz Junior
Magnificent Maggie tells us about the ten college system, her Legal Studies major, forest raves, and much more!Explore more schools @ thebluelist.comLearn mo...
03/13/2026
After interviewing over 200 counselors from over 30 countries, Lumiere Education selected our very own, Scott Simonsen, as a Finalist in the Excellence in Lifetime Counseling award. We are honored to be honored among such a strong pool of independent counselors and admissions officers (over a dozen from the Ivies.) Put simply, the Blue Train student-first ethos, along with the tools that we have created for our families, stood out to the judges. We have gratitude not only for our amazing Blue Train team, but also our amazing Blue Train families who truly make this job a joy and a privledge!
10/24/2023
For those who missed our Open House in which we go through the timeline of a healthy and successful college process!
College Prep | Open House (Class of '25)
Helpful and informative overview of the entire college process from the perspective of Blue Train, Southern California's leading voice in college prep. Creat...
04/14/2022
A nice little write up about Blue Train and our approach to the college process in South Bay Magazine's "All About Kids" issue.🙂
Blue Train College Prep - Southbay
In 2001 Scott Simonsen cofounded Blue Train College Prep to help clients manage all aspects of the college process. Today Scott and his team have guided thousands of students and their families in ACT and SAT test prep, college list-building, filling out applications and writing essays. How did you....
07/10/2021
With the shifting landscape in admissions, this town hall addresses "What Do the UC's Really Want?" Easy going, informative, empowering!
What Do the UC's Really Want?
04/24/2021
As May 1st approaches, aka College Decision Day, many families are racing the musical chair music to consider and commit to their school of choice. Watch our town hall recording to hear some tips and insights regarding this process.
College Decision Day
03/28/2021
Covid has put college admissions in a bit of a free fall. In this town hall, we help families understand the overabundance of waitlisting as well as many other things to think about before May 1st Decide By Day.
Waitlists and Appeals
12/09/2020
Looking to compare your scores on the ACT vs SAT? Need to figure out which test you're better suited for so you can make a balanced testing timeline? Join us this weekend for a free virtual diagnostic. Get on track and get happy again! :)
**Students who missed last Saturday's test will be able to make it up before the Town Hall review on Dec. 16th.**
| Blue Train College Prep
ACT vs SAT "The ACT is way too fast! I have no idea what the Science section is even asking me. But the SAT math is too hard and the reading passages are so
11/18/2020
Supplemental essays, perhaps the only thing more oppressive than a global pandemic for current high school seniors. Fear not, some of our essay specialists got together recently to discuss some quick tips on how to approach and streamline the process.
Tips for Supplemental Essays!
10/24/2020
If you missed our Open House Town Hall for the Class of '22, feel free to watch the recording and contact us with any questions at [email protected] 😊
Open House - Class of '22