US and Ivy League Admissions
Overview
We have extensive experience mentoring for personal essay writing and SAT preparation, and would love to help you explore opportunities across the pond! U2’s mentors supervise each component of the process to ensure that every application is successfully aligned to each college’s institutional priorities and the student’s strengths.
Our Mentors
Our Ivy League mentors support students through college choice, SAT/ ACT preparation and personal/ supplementary essays. We have high-performing mentors who achieved places at Brown, Duke, Stanford, Columbia, Yale and Harvard, majoring in a range of subjects from Computer Science & Neuroscience to Applied Maths and Government.
Our US Programmes
Typically, each student will begin with a preliminary consultation, to gauge what stage of preparation he/ she is at with regards to extracurriculars, crafting personal statements and written essays. We then curate a bespoke programme. Each student is paired with a mentor with specific experience in supporting applications to their chosen schools.
U2’s US application programmes typically include all of the following elements, customised to your particular needs. We recommend students begin thinking about the process 12-18 months prior to application.
STEP 1
Build an extracurricular profile
US/ Ivy League schools place a large emphasis on “personal narrative”. Our mentors work on background enhancement, assimilating subject-specific interests and extracurricular activities to demonstrate personal strengths. In particular, we help with:
Building on academic interests through masterclasses, work experience opportunities & research projects, available through our extracurricular platform, Minds Underground™
Reading & writing plans: Expanding breadth of reading, improving critical thinking skills, writing ability and overall knowledge
STEP 2
Decide on the right college and course
There are more than 3000 colleges and universities in the US so choosing the right ones can be a mammoth task. U2’s mentors can provide close insight into specific institutions they attended, particularly for Ivy League schools. They will advise on:
College: size, life, location - are these suited to your interests and qualities?
Specific degree programmes offered - determining the application major
Differences in application processes
STEP 3
Prepare for SAT, ACT and Subject Tests
Standardized Tests are used by US Universities to gauge academic standard. Subject Tests are used to decipher which course levels would be appropriate for the student to take. Ivy League schools generally require a SAT/ ACT score and 2 SAT subject tests.
As part of our Ivy League Programme, U2 assigns specialist subject mentors for each test section. Our mentors will work on academic performance enhancement, as well as building critical thinking and analysis skills for the logical element of the tests.
We tailor Standardized Test sessions to students based on their timeline to the test and current performance level. This can include creating a preparation action plan, unlimited hours of test-specific training, tailored mock tests, and detailed feedback sessions/ reporting.
STEP 4
Personal statements & additional essays
Are you inquisitive? Are you a "leader"? What changes will you make, who inspires you, what are your personal, aspirational "big plans", where are you in the world? Now you have built your extracurricular profile, it’s time to show it off. This step involves:
Honing essay writing skills to demonstrate academic ability
Preliminary planning and content brainstorming, ensuring interests are unique and geared towards the character of each individual application
Structuring your personal essays to highlight personal strengths
Polishing, reviewing and proof-reading
For support with additional essays, book a free consultation with us to discuss your needs.
Step 5
Interview practice with Ivy League tutors
Most Ivy League schools have interviews, though check with your college of choice. Most of these are mid-January, so you’ll need to be incredibly organised if you have mock exams for A Levels. Once again, the interview is designed for the college to learn more about you: What are your academic strengths? What career might you have in mind? Why pick this college?
Substantial mock interview practice
Teaching vital techniques & strategies to answer commonly asked interview questions
Personalised tips and access to comprehensive feedback from senior experts
We encourage signing up to our online mock interview prep course. Here, you will receive a communication skills workshop, and four mock interviews, held by US college / Ivy League Oxbridge experts / graduates.
US and Ivy League Preparation Materials
Frequently Asked Questions for US and Ivy League Applications
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We provide an array of tutoring services designed to enhance your prospects of gaining admission to top US and Ivy League institutions. Our mentors offer expert guidance on crafting impactful application essays, curating a standout CV, selecting relevant extracurricular activities, and preparing for interviews. Our approach is personalised to effectively showcase your strengths. We are well-versed in preparing students outside the US to make successful and strong applications to top US universities including Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Columbia, Princeton, and MIT.
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The majority of our US admissions tutors are Ivy League alumni who possess a strong understanding of the admissions process and a genuine commitment to guiding students. With their first-hand experience, they offer valuable insights into the expectations of these esteemed universities. Our mentors' diverse backgrounds ensure comprehensive support across various fields of study and can tailor the mentoring to suit each students’ individual needs.
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Certainly! U2 Tuition warmly welcomes international students pursuing top US and Ivy League applications. Our mentors have experience working with international applicants and can provide tailored guidance to address unique circumstances.
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Getting a top US admissions tutor with U2 Tuition is a straightforward and personalised process designed to match your child's unique needs and goals.
Step 1: US Admissions Consultation or Email Inquiry:
To begin, clients have two options. You can book a 20-minute consultation through our Contact Us page, where we'll discuss your child's requirements, goals, and any specific areas of focus. Alternatively, you can email us with the student’s details and specific needs.
Step 2: Tutor Suggestion and CV:
Based on the information provided during the consultation or email inquiry, our experienced team will carefully select a tutor who aligns with your child's requirements. We will then send you the tutor's comprehensive CV, detailing their academic background, teaching experience, and expertise in US admissions.
Step 3: First Session - Diagnostic and Planning:
Should you choose to move forward, the initial session with your selected tutor typically functions as a diagnostic session. The tutor evaluates the student’s existing strengths, and areas requiring enhancement. This preliminary assessment aids the tutor in devising a customised plan to address the student’s distinct requirements and adequately ready them for the US admissions process.
Step 4: Confirming a Good Fit:
We prioritise finding the right tutor fit for each student. Following the diagnostic session, we ensure that the tutor's teaching style, approach, and rapport align with the student’s learning preferences.
Step 5: Structured US Preparation Plan:
With the tutor-parent-student fit established, the tutor will work closely with the student to structure a comprehensive and effective preparation plan. This plan is tailored to the student’s individual goals and areas of improvement.
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Our services are designed to cater to the unique needs of UK students, as well as those we support internationally. We offer expert advice on crafting impactful personal statements, understanding the SAT/ ACT requirements, selecting relevant A-levels or IB courses, and preparing for other elements of the admissions process. e.g. interviews.
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It's recommended to begin the process in Year 11 (or earlier) to allow ample time for preparation. Early engagement enables us to guide you in selecting the right courses, honing your extracurricular involvement, and developing a well-rounded application.
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The US admissions process differs significantly from the UCAS system. U2 Tuition helps you navigate the Common App, showcase your holistic profile, and understand the importance of recommendation letters and demonstrated interest—key aspects for US applications.