Essay

Ivy Gate believes that the core of the college application lies within a well written essay. Accordingly, the bulk of our value addition to students is in the essay writing process. Consultants will help students with brainstorming essay topics, conducting research and writing essay plans. In addition, Consultants will make content, structural and stylistic edits until the essay is completely ready for submission.

Interview

Consultants will provide students with mock interviews and guidance on how to improve presentation skills. Depending on availability, Ivy Gate will make every attempt to arrange for students to speak with current students at the target schools. For example, an Ivy Gate student applying to Northwestern may request to speak with an Ivy Gate staff member currently studying at Northwestern University to ensure strong interview preparation.

Activities

Consultants will analyze the existing collection of extra-curricular activities (ECAs) and identify strengths and weaknesses with the existing portfolio. Ivy Gate believes that students should focus on both breadth and depth in ECAs, demonstrating that the student is well-rounded. Consultants will make recommendations on activities that could be added both inside and outside the high school.

Recommendation

Most colleges require at least two teacher recommendations for submission with a college application. A common mistake students make is to simply submit recommendations from their strongest subjects. In reality, the decision is much more complex, and Consultants will discuss the strategy carefully with each student.

Academics

While a student is mostly responsible for his or her own scores in SAT I/II, public exams and high school courses, Ivy Gate will provide advice on how a student may highlight strengths and diminish weaknesses in academics. Consultants will help students choose courses and build an exam schedule, taking workload into account. Suggestions for tutors, books and other sources of academic help will be provided. Students are also welcome to join our SAT Workshops held during summer months.