Our Story

My name is Megan Young, and I am the Founder and CEO of Young Exceptional Scholars, LLC. 

The inception of YES began on the first of many nights I found myself awake until three in the morning, overwhelmed by an avalanche of college admissions and scholarship research for our eleventh grade son. We had been preparing for this moment since he entered second grade, when we enrolled him in a Mandarin program to help him stand out among his peers. 

Even with years of intentional planning, I was stunned to discover how dramatically the admissions landscape had shifted. What began as a simple effort to ease our son’s burden during a demanding academic year quickly became my personal commitment to ensure that nothing essential was overlooked. Much of what I thought was true needed to be reexamined.

WHAT I DISCOVERED

I soon realized that many families face the same challenge and lack access to individualized support throughout the college admissions and career preparation process. Even the most dedicated high school guidance counselors are often stretched too thin, responsible for hundreds of students while working within limited office hours. As a result, motivated students are frequently left navigating an increasingly competitive environment largely on their own, while balancing rigorous coursework, test preparation, campus tours, and extracurricular commitments.

OUR TEAM

Over the years, I have also been blessed with trusted mentors who introduced our family to transformative opportunities for exceptional students. These experiences have shaped the futures of many young adults, including our own three children. 

My incredible husband, Kirk Young, has also joined the YES team, contributing more than 15 years of wisdom and experience in scrutinizing resumes and interviewing candidates. His expertise in preparing scholars for interviews and providing thoughtful feedback after mock interviews is invaluable. 

Since 2018, Kirk and I have had the privilege of leading and mentoring a large group of middle and high school students within our church community, many of whom have become extended family. Watching these young people grow in confidence, character, and purpose has continually affirmed what I already knew: guiding teens toward meaningful futures is both my passion and my calling! 

OUR PHILOSOPHY 

At Young Exceptional Scholars, we advise every scholar as though they are applying to Ivy League institutions. Our philosophy is simple. If a student can distinguish themselves among the most competitive applicants in the country, they are more likely to stand out at any institution they choose to pursue. This philosophy ensures that every scholar receives the highest level of strategic guidance, regardless of their goals.

HOW WE SERVE SCHOLARS

YES intentionally works with a limited number of families each year to ensure every scholar receives thoughtful, highly individualized guidance. After gaining a deep understanding of each scholar’s strengths, interests, and goals, our team provides families with a clear and customized path forward. This may include services such as:

• Career alignment and thoughtful college matching

• Leadership and character development

• Strategic scholarship research and positioning

• Intentional extracurricular alignment

• Passion Project strategy and support 

• Essay strategy and refinement

• Résumé development and interview preparation

• Common Application support

• FAFSA guidance, financial aid analysis, and appeals

I understand the responsibility parents feel to steward their child’s future wisely. This process does not need to be driven by fear or uncertainty. With the right strategy and trusted guidance, it can be a confident and clarifying experience.

Together, we can design a college and career pathway that is not only successful, but truly exceptional!