Unlimited Hours

Our unlimited package has no hourly limit and is our most popular 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 to 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, position 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.     

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 feels more comfortable in his/her actual interviews and often makes 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. However, 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 that our first session is 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, position held and honors, if any, earned) and a preliminary list of schools that are being considered.