At College Alchemist, our initial consultation is designed to learn about the student through an in-depth interview with student and your family. We will review the student's academic background (transcript, recent report cards), test scores, extracurricular activities and overall interests. We will identify what areas of interests the student would like to further develop and explore and then discuss how all these areas - the student's profile - are used in the college/university application and admissions process. The meeting's goal is to develop a plan that will successfully support the student in obtaining their top university choices. 

• Plan and balance academic coursework, extracurricular activities, and additional responsibilities throughout the academic year

• Identify opportunities - extracurriculars, interests, talents -  to authentically build your profile and develop your voice on who you are as individual, what you are passionate about, and the impact you make in everything you do

• Strategize approach for summer activities and programs

• Discuss standardized tests - SAT, ACT - and develop strategies and timing to plan and prepare 

• Identify approach and portfolio requirements needed for athletes, art, music, and theater majors

• Plan and balance academic coursework, extracurricular activities, and additional responsibilities throughout the academic year

• Develop, review and revise college list based on personal needs, desires of student and family

• Review considerations and opportunities for merit scholarships and need-based financial aid

• Discuss timing and strategies for college visits

• Identify approach for teacher recommendations

• Focus on idea development for the Common App essay / UCAS personal statement and supplemental essays

• Review strategies, portfolios and additional requirements needed for athletes, art, music, and theater majors

• Plan, prepare, and create a balance between academic / high school demands with college application activities

• Finalize college list and develop personalized strategy for US Early Decision, Early Admissions processes

• Incorporate and prioritize requirements for international applications (outside the US)

• Review and revise Common App Essay / UCAS Personal Statement and applications’ essay topics

• Provide direction and work with students’ on arts, music, theater portfolios

• Support and provide coaching for interviews

• Work with family throughout the process from application submission to acceptance and be a sounding board in the decision making process

• Celebrate success!

Core to College Alchemist's services is the the knowledge and experience of working with students internationally.  We have successfully placed Singapore local and international schools' students in US and Canadian universities. We have deep process knowledge in universities in the UK, Europe and abroad.

• International Students focused in US Admissions - Studying in the United States is an exciting opportunity. The US colleges and universities admissions process is a 'holistic' review of who the student is. This focus is beyond looking at the student's academic grades and test scores. The focus is about looking at the student as a person, who they are and how their passions and interests are shown through their involvement in school activities and the extended community. We will work with the student and family to understand the holistic US admissions process, identify how this may differ from their home country, and outline considerations for their pathway. We will also identify any additional needs, such as visa requirements and/or providing proof of English language proficiency.

• Opportunities Studying Internationally, outside of the US - There are many great opportunities, many great universities in the world. Whether if the interest is studying in the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe and beyond, the focus is working with the student to identify what solutions would best fit their needs. To go a multi-country approach when applying to college, we will develop a roadmap that will outline the requirements and timeline for each geographical area and work with the student to build the best plan to achieve their goals.

College Alchemist provides specialized services focused for essays required in the US, UK, and other international university locations.  

US Admissions
US university admissions looks at the student holistically, taking in all information points to build a profile of a student. The personal statements and any other supplemental essays are key to this holistic approach. We will work with the student  to understand the Common App essay prompts, brainstorm to determine what prompt best fits their profile, and guide them through writing their personal statement.  We will also build an essay inventory that will help with the various supplemental essays required from universities. We also have extensive experience with the University of California Personal Interest Questions (PIQs).

UK Admissions
UK personal statement is an opportunity to create a story about the student, why they are interested about a university and its courses, and their impact. This is an opportunity for the student to talk about their passions, their interests above and beyond their high school coursework.  The personal statement will be submitted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) system where the student will be able to enroll up to five different courses.  College Alchemist will brainstorm with student on writing something that will showcase who they really are.

Other Regions - Canada, Netherlands, Europe, Oceania
Universities and colleges all around the world will have their specific requirements. Some will require essays for their admissions applications, while others will not. Regardless of location, College Alchemist's experience in the international environment will guide the student to ensure their voice and experiences are central to their essays.