About Our College Admissions Services

From Hourly Consulting through our Unlimited Hours package, we provide college admissions services to students seeking admission to boarding/prep schools, colleges and universities, or graduate schools.

Through face-to-face meetings, e-mail, webcam, and phone, we work with students from across the country and around the world and we are available seven days a week.

With all of our college admissions services, it is our goal that our students will maximize their chances of gaining admission to the school of their choice and ultimately be happy and successful.

Consultation / Evaluation
Stats Assessment
Application Evaluation
Admission Assurance Workshop
Hourly Consulting
10 Hours
20 Hours
Unlimited Hours
SAT / ACT Tutoring
Free 30 Minute Consultation

3 Hour Consultation / Evaluation
Our 3 Hour Consultation / Evaluation is for any student who needs a professional evaluation on one or more aspects of the admissions process. This session is appropriate for the student regardless of grade level or whether he/she intends to apply to boarding/prep school, college, graduate school, or as a transfer student.

Highlights:

• Providing a thorough explanation of how admissions committees from schools with different levels of competitiveness would view the student’s credentials (transcript, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvements, talents, skills, interests, etc.).
• Enhancing the student’s academic and extracurricular strengths.
• Addressing special situations or weaknesses, making recommendations and formulating a plan.
• Encouraging and motivating the student to take advantage of the most challenging yet appropriate courses offered and, if necessary, exploring outside academic options.
• Creating a strategic plan including standardized testing dates, recommendations for coursework, activities, summer experiences, community service, and internships.
• Emphasizing what college admissions counselors are looking for in essays / personal statements and personal information.
• Obtaining more effective letters of recommendation from the student’s guidance / college counselor or advisor and from teachers or professors who know the student the best.
• Refining the student’s list of schools and suggesting additional appropriate choices.

This college admissions service is typically a 3 hour session that can be expanded on a pro-rated hourly basis if necessary.

In order for this college admissions session to be most efficient, the following information should be sent to us ahead of time: transcript, school profile, standardized testing results, description of activities (including years of involvement, hours per week, weeks per year, position held and honors, if any, earned) and a preliminary list of schools that are being considered.

If additional support or advice is needed, most of this fee can be applied to a 10 Hour , 20 Hour or Unlimited Hour package.

Stats Assessment

Our Stats Assessment service is for the student who wants an overall evaluation of his/her transcript (courses and grades), standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, special talents, and courses planned for the following year.

Before investing the time in writing unnecessary essays for a dozen or more colleges that may not be appropriate matches in the first place, get our professional opinion.

Learn how you will fare in the college admissions process. We will also tell you what you can do to enhance your chances and, if necessary, we will suggest some additional schools.

If additional support or advice is needed, most of this fee can be applied to a 10 Hour , 20 Hour or Unlimited Hour package.

Application Evaluation

Our application review services are intended for the high school senior, boarding/prep school applicant, or transfer or graduate school applicant who knows the schools to which he/she is applying and who has already completed an application. We look for inconsistencies, weaknesses, “Red Flags,” omissions, etc. Our advice will help to strengthen the overall application including the essays, personal statement, the activity sheet, any short answers, and the personal information. The student will receive an overall evaluation with suggestions for revisions. If further essay writing is necessary, we will work with the student on an hourly basis.

If additional support or advice is needed, most of this fee can be applied to a 10 Hour , 20 Hour or Unlimited Hour package.

The Ivy Coach Admission Assurance Workshop

The Ivy Coach Admission Assurance Workshop is a great opportunity for rising seniors to get a huge head start on their college search and application process.

These intensive two-day summer workshops offer your student expert personal guidance in college selection, essay writing, activity sheet development, interviewing skills, and insight into the admissions process.

The Ivy Coach offers four opportunities this summer for your student to participate in the Admission Assurance Workshop. All sessions will take place at our Manhattan office at 515 East 72nd Street on the following dates:

Saturday, July 9th - Sunday, July 10th, 2011

Saturday, July 16th - Sunday, July 17th, 2011

Saturday, August 6th - Sunday, August 7th, 2011

Saturday, August 27th - Sunday, August 28th, 2011 - FILLED

Highlights:

• Providing an appropriate list of colleges based on The Ivy Coach’s review of the student’s courses, grades, SATs / ACTs, and extracurricular activities, as well as factors that the student is considering in a college.
• Crafting and enhancing the student’s activity sheet including honors / awards, extracurricular involvements, summer and work experience.
• Learning the Do’s and Don'ts in writing college essays.
• Writing an essay about an activity or work experience that has been especially significant.
• Brainstorming topics and crafting a powerful personal statement.
• Completing all questions on the Common Application.
• Obtaining more effective letters of recommendation from the student’s guidance counselor and from teachers who know the student the best.
• Creating a strategic plan for future standardized testing including specific exams and dates.
• Learning interview skills, becoming familiar with the questions to expect, learning how to answer specific questions, and knowing what questions to ask the interviewer.
• Understanding how to demonstrate interest.

Our college admissions services team will assist your student in completing the Common Application (including the personal essay, the activity essay, and the activity sheet). In addition, we will develop a list of appropriate colleges and coach students on obtaining more effective letters of recommendation and on interviewing techniques.

In the last 17 years, 100% of The Ivy Coach's students were accepted to one of their top three college choices and 93% were accepted to their first college choice. This is why only the Admission Assurance Workshop offers you a money back guarantee that your student will be accepted to at least one of the colleges on the Admission Assurance list of colleges.

These two day intensive workshops will get your student motivated and energized to confidently begin his/her senior year stress-free.

So that we can make this workshop more efficient, the following information should be sent to us at least fourteen (14) days prior to its start: transcript, school profile, standardized testing results, description of activities (including years of involvement, hours per week, weeks per year, positions held, and honors, if any, earned) and a preliminary list of schools that are being considered.

Hourly Consulting

We provide an hourly rate for the student who needs support on one or more specific aspects of the admissions or application process or on an as needed basis. For an hourly consultation, we answer all of the students' / parents’ questions, address the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and make recommendations. The fee for hourly consulting can be applied to any package.

In order for this college admissions consultation to be most efficient, the following information should be sent to us ahead of time: transcript, school profile, standardized testing results, description of activities (including years of involvement, hours per week, weeks per year, positions held, and honors, if any, earned) and a preliminary list of schools that are being considered.

10 Hours

Our 10 hour package is designed for the student who has the credentials for the schools to which he/she is applying and needs assistance in presenting the most effective application possible. If you are a parent or a student looking for independent college admissions expertise and guidance on specific aspects of the admissions process, we recommend the 20 hour package.

Highlights:

• Evaluating coursework, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, interests, skills, and talents.
• Reviewing the student’s list of colleges and, if appropriate, targeting a school for early application.
• Guiding the student to assist his/her guidance/college counselor or advisor and teachers with their letters of recommendation.
• Preparing the activity sheet and modifying it to each application.
• Brainstorming and editing the personal statement and essays and tailoring them to each application.
• Preparing supplemental materials (for example, performing arts or athletic profiles, artwork, CD’s, DVD’s, research abstracts, etc.) for the talented student.
• Conducting mock interviews.
• Planning additional college visits (including tours, information sessions, overnight stays, and sitting in on classes).
• Establishing a schedule and helping the student meet deadlines, stay organized and positively focused.

In order for the first session to be more efficient, the following information should be sent to us ahead of time: transcript, school profile, standardized testing results, description of activities (including years of involvement, hours per week, weeks per year, positions held, and honors, if any, earned) and a preliminary list of schools that are being considered.

If additional support or advice is needed, most of this fee can be applied to a 10 Hour , 20 Hour or Unlimited Hour package.

20 Hours

Our 20 hour package is simply an extended version of our 10 hour package and is highly recommended for the student who needs additional time and college admissions guidance.

Highlights:

• Evaluating coursework, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, interests, skills, and talents.
• Reviewing the student’s list of colleges and, if appropriate, targeting a school for early application.
• Guiding the student to assist his/her guidance / college counselor or advisor and teachers with their letters of recommendation.
• Preparing the activity sheet and modifying it to each application.
• Brainstorming and editing the personal statement and essays and tailoring them to each application.
• Preparing supplemental materials (for example, performing arts or athletic profiles, artwork, CD’s, DVD’s, research abstracts, etc.) for the talented student.
• Conducting mock interviews.
• Planning additional college visits (including tours, information sessions, overnight stays and sitting in on classes).
• Establishing a schedule and helping the student meet deadlines, stay organized and positively focused.

In order for our first session to be more efficient, the following information should be sent to us ahead of time: transcript, school profile, standardized testing results, description of activities (including years of involvement, hours per week, weeks per year, positions held, and honors, if any, earned) and a preliminary list of schools that are being considered.

If additional support or advice is needed, most of this fee can be applied to a 10 Hour , 20 Hour or Unlimited Hour package.

Unlimited Hours

Our unlimited package has no hourly limit and is our most popular college admissions service. If the student is going to be applying to 10 or more colleges, each requiring different essays, then this service is highly recommended. By offering unlimited hours, we can provide the student with a step-by-step approach of guidance and support including every aspect of the admissions process. While many students successfully complete the process in 100 hours, it is not unusual for others to require much more time.

Highlights:

Preliminary Review
We begin by reviewing the student’s transcript (courses and grades), standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, special talents, and courses that the student is currently taking as well as the courses that he/she plans to take the following year. We also assist in planning outside activities and summer experiences while focusing on strengthening whatever weaknesses (academic and personal) the student may have.

College Selection
Based on the preliminary review and specific factors that the student is searching for in a college (selectivity, size, location, setting, strength of program, extracurricular activities, etc.), together we compile a list of appropriate colleges. This list includes about 2-3 likely, 3-4 possible, and 3-4 reach colleges.

Boarding / Prep School Selection
Based on the preliminary review and specific factors that the student is searching for in a boarding or preparatory school, (selectivity, size, location, setting, extracurricular activities, etc.), together we compile a list of appropriate schools.

Visiting Campuses
Once the student and parents have an appropriate list of schools, we encourage them to visit campuses. We make appointments for campus tours and information sessions. We make special arrangements so that the student may attend specific classes (some of which may not ordinarily be offered to prospective applicants). And we assist the student in planning overnight stays either through the admissions office or with a former student of The Ivy Coach who currently attends that school. Once these visits take place, we discuss the experiences and refine the student's choices.

Letters of Recommendation
We discuss with the student which teachers to ask for letters of recommendation and how to make those letters most effective. We also help the student in writing excerpts of his/her experiences in specific classes so that this in turn can help the student's teachers write more effective letters. Some guidance / college counselors or advisors request that their students and the student’s parents write an autobiographical statement to assist them in writing their recommendation, and we work with our clients in writing these letters as well.

Activity Sheet
The final list of activities will be one that shows a seriousness and quality of involvement. The activity sheet is often in a chart format that includes a description of activities, years of involvement, hours per week, weeks per year, positions held, and honors earned. We assist the student in preparing the activity sheet and modifying it to each application.

Supplemental Material
In the case of a talented student (musician, athlete, dancer, actor, math or science researcher, writer, artist, photographer, computer wiz, etc.), it is necessary to compile a more detailed activity sheet listing more specific involvements. We also assist the student in writing letters to college coaches, directors, and mentors. When the talented student needs to put together a CD, DVD, a portfolio, or a research paper, we seek out professionals in the specific field to review and critique the work.

Essays / Personal Statements
Depending upon the number of colleges to which the student is applying and the number of essay questions each college is requiring, this can be a daunting and often intimidating task.

We work with the student on brainstorming essay topics and developing ideas. We use our expertise to carefully scrutinize each essay for opportunities in which the student can utilize this portion of the application so that he/she will be favorably remembered by the admissions committees. We help the student strengthen his/her voice and present the best possible aspects of his/her personality. We work to enhance the student's writing style to reflect his/her charm and confidence, making certain that throughout the essays the tone is positive while ensuring that the student does not sound overconfident or egotistical. Throughout the application process, we continually work on style, tone, and format. Together, we spend many sessions and countless hours brainstorming ideas and helping the student revise essays. We continue to work on these essays until they make a powerful statement about the applicant. This segment is one of the most vital college admissions services we offer.

Mock Interviews
Interviews can often prove significant in the admissions process. In the case of a borderline candidate, an outstanding interview can translate into an acceptance. In the case of a strong applicant, a weak interview can result in a denial. It is important that the student become familiar and feel comfortable with the types of questions that are frequently asked in college interviews.

In our mock interviews, we coach the student on the art of interviewing while pointing out factors that can result in excellent or mediocre evaluations. We teach the student how to strategize and prepare answers to possible questions. The student will know what questions to expect, how to answer those questions (without sounding too shy or too bold), and to know what specific questions to ask the interviewers. Through our mock interview practice sessions, the student will feel more comfortable in his/her actual interviews and will often make positive, lasting impressions on the interviewer.

Letters of Enthusiasm
When a student is deferred or waitlisted at a particular college, we coach the student on how to be proactive and brainstorm ideas in writing a compelling letter to the admissions committee.

Interest Quotient (IQ)
We work with the student on how to continually express interest in particular colleges, especially after the application is submitted. This Interest Quotient, or IQ, can sometimes be a deciding factor in the admissions process.

Completing Final Applications
Once we have the final essays, activity charts, and any other pertinent supplemental materials, we assist the student in completing all of the applications. By reviewing the student’s online applications or by preparing paper applications, we are able to use our expertise in helping the student answer particular questions. Sometimes, it is a seemingly insignificant answer that a student writes on an application that can make the difference between an acceptance and a denial.

Continuous Support
Throughout the process, we are available and have the expertise to help the student and the parents with ALL of their many concerns. But, most importantly, we prepare our students to look their very best so that they will gain admission to the college of their choice and ultimately be happy and successful.

In order for our first session to be more efficient, the following information should be sent to us ahead of time: transcript, school profile, standardized testing results, description of activities (including years of involvement, hours per week, weeks per year, positions held, and honors, if any, earned) and a preliminary list of schools that are being considered.

The Ivy Coach works with students from across the country and around the globe. Since not all families can take advantage of face-to-face sessions, we also work with students by phone, e-mail, and webcam.

The Ivy Coach offers SAT & ACT Tutoring

In addition to our college consulting services, we also offer SAT, ACT, Subject Test and AP tutoring as well as GMAT, GRE, LSAT, SSAT and ISEE. Our experienced tutors are all graduates of highly selective colleges, experts in their field, and have been able to help our students achieve significant increases in their standardized test scores. Our tutor’s approach to test preparation is holistic, comprehensive, and targeted to boost the student’s areas of weakness.

Our tutors work with our students from across the country and around the world using cutting edge videoconferencing technology making tutoring sessions totally interactive. The student and the tutor can see each other and chat just as if they are sitting next to one another. The instructor can upload problems to a whiteboard that both the tutor and the student can write on so that problems can be solved together, in a step-by-step approach. USB tablets make scribbling out notes a breeze, whether solving an algebraic problem, or analyzing a reading passage. If a student or parent wants to review a session at a later time, all tutorials are recorded in real-time and stored so that they can be easily accessed.

For more information on how The Ivy Coach tutors can improve your test scores, contact The Ivy Coach, or complete our Free Consultation Form.