3 Things to Look for in an International College Consultant

Applying to a college or university in the U.S., Canada or the U.K.  as an international student is a daunting proposition. Matters are complicated even further for high-achieving students seeking admission to top-tier universities, including schools in the Ivy League. Without the right guidance, the odds of gaining admission to an Ivy League school as an international student may be slim. Even if you’re admitted, becoming acclimated to your new surroundings is crucial, and it can be much more difficult to do so without the right assistance and preparation. Without question, the best way to clear these and other hurdles is by hiring a skilled international college consultant.

Deciding to hire an international college consultant is one thing; finding the right one is another. By keeping the following three things in mind, you will be able to find a consultant who helps you achieve your goals:

1. Experience with International Students

   Incredibly, many who bill themselves as international college consultants have little or no actual experience working directly with international students. It’s important to hire a consultant with proven experience in this regard. Michael Goran, the director of IvySelect, has solid, proven credentials. For instance, he was one of only around 20 members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) possessing a College Specialty Designation to be awarded the International Specialty Designation, when the international specialty was first awarded. This honor was bestowed on him precisely for his experience in working with international students.

2. Understanding of the Non-Educational Hurdles Faced By International Students

   There is more to being admitted to a top-tier school than having the right educational background and merits. International students face considerable cultural and social hurdles as well. Becoming acclimated to an entirely new country and its customs is difficult under even the best circumstances, but it’s even trickier when starting out as a new student at a highly competitive school. IvySelect understands the unique challenges faced by international students, and the insights resulting from experience can make a world of difference.

3. Specializing in Ivy League Admissions

   Finally, international college consultants who specialize in top-tier, Ivy League schools are few and far between. Don’t bother hiring a consultant who lacks experience in this area. Generalist counselors must focus on a range of schools, including many that are less competitive, so they lack the specialization of a firm like IvySelect, which focuses exclusively on top schools. The fact of the matter is that top-tier schools have unique admissions processes. Their expectations differ drastically because they are so highly selective. The right consultant will have direct knowledge of the admissions standards and processes of leading universities and colleges, and this knowledge will dramatically increase your odds of being admitted to the school of your choice.

Now that you know the most important characteristics to look for in an international college consultant, you may be a little worried. Where are you supposed to find a consultant who has all of these traits? Well, you’re in luck. IvySelect, which is directed by Mr. Goran and staffed by a team of highly experienced and talented consultants, offers all of these characteristics and more. When it comes to applying to top-tier colleges or universities in the U.S., U.K. or Canada as an international student, you will be in expert, highly knowledgeable hands.