Studying in Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland is home to several renowned and well-respected universities, including the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, and Glasgow School of Art. Glasgow is one of the more affordable cities in the UK for international students, with lower tuition fees and living costs compared to other major cities (Approx. $31,000./year US$). […]
“To Test or Not to Test” as the SAT and ACT make a Comeback
At the end of 2023, we noted in our 2024 College Admission Trends and Predictions that “even in the current, widely test-optional admissions landscape, testing continues to occupy a lot of real estate in each student’s mind as they consider and plan their application process.” Now, with several colleges again requiring testing in some form […]
Comparing IE University (Spain) and Bocconi University (Italy)
If you are a student from the U.S., or an international student looking for a great college experience in Europe, consider IE University in Segovia, Spain or Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Bocconi has traditionally been considered a top European business school, and Milan offers a rich cultural backdrop for your studies. While all that […]
Glasgow, Scotland: An Underrated Academic Destination
Glasgow, Scotland, beckons with its rich academic heritage and vibrant cultural scene, making it a prime destination for students seeking quality education and an unforgettable experience. Here’s a comprehensive overview of studying in Glasgow, including highlights from the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University. Why Glasgow? Glasgow boasts a cluster of […]
The Importance of College Visits
An American phenomenon that is spreading to other countries – not unlike Levi’s and Coca-Cola in the 80’s and hopefully healthier than the bizarrely ubiquitous KFC – is the concept of touring a university campus before one applies. However, the purposes and procedures for college visits in the US are distinctly different from those in […]
Getting Started with Applications Early!
Every November, we get some from international families of seniors seeing application assistance. Sacre bleu! Mamma mia! Or as my mother-in-law says, “Maria Petruchka Petrovna”! No, mi amigo, you must start early! We strongly encourage students to do most of their application work during the summer before their final year of high school. They don’t […]
University of Edinburgh
Consisting of 45,000 students, The University of Edinburgh comprises a pair of urban campuses in the heart of Scotland’s major city, a historic pearl with a Royal Mile lined with tartan shops and pubs that culminates at the Edinburgh Castle, which crests a hill and dominates the Old Town. A hipper vibe balances the traditional […]
Visiting the University of Glasgow: “Changing History Since 1451”
On a crisp afternoon in early November, my colleague Amy Christie and I visited the University of Glasgow, the 2023 Scottish University of the Year that is ranked the number two university in Scotland. Located in the heart of the historic part of town, Glasgow’s campus was teeming with students from all around the world. […]
Exploring Universities in Dublin
Ireland’s major cities are smaller and easier to navigate than many of the world’s other major cities, yet they are also vibrant and culturally sophisticated. A walk through Dublin will combine ancient history with thriving commerce and cultural liveliness, and yet you will not see a high-rise building anywhere in the city. The major universities […]
University of St. Andrews
Town of St. Andrews: 24K population University: 10,000 students (8K undergraduates) 40% of students from outside of UK, draws from 140 countries Approx. 1,000 Americans 180 and growing clubs & “societies” More than 50 sports offered, at least 3 different levels (competitive, which requires tryouts, to recreational), big part of social life Guaranteed housing for […]
Mythbusters and Hidden Gems: Going to a Good College
I always chuckle when I suggest a college name to a family and someone responds, “I’ve never heard of that.” Um, yeah. That’s why you need me. I’m a professional educational consultant. I know about more colleges than the average Joe. Fear not, for behold: I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall […]
Why Study in Canada? Global Features of McGill University, University of Toronto and University of British Columbia
Often referred to as the Ivies of the North, McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia in Canada offer students distinct opportunities to study a broad range of subjects in world class universities. Studying in Canada offers many benefits, and universities like McGill, Toronto, and UBC are renowned institutions that […]
Summer 2024 Enrichment – How to Combine Exploration, Growth – and some Fun!
We think it’s wisest for students interested in applying to the US, for both their own personal growth and the development of their candidacy, to explore new enrichment opportunities or extracurricular passions during the summer. American universities value students who demonstrate initiative, curiosity, leadership, and risk taking, and these types of opportunities can consist of […]
Why American Students Should Consider Pursuing a Full Undergraduate Degree Abroad
“Happy Birthday, Study Abroad! – Packing for One Year vs. Four” While the year 2023 will go down in history for many memorable events both notorious and noteworthy, you may not know that 2023 also marks the 100th anniversary of the first fully accredited study abroad program at a U.S. university! And, did you know […]
Write on: Organize your Essay Writing Early!
American universities love essays. Our College Planning Chair and Chief Outreach Officer for Student and Family Engagement Peter Olrich shares a video with tips for identifying and organizing all the essay writing you’ll need to do as part of your application process. Even when applying through the Common Application, there are many additional college-specific essays […]
What You Need to Know: 2022 College Trends and Predictions for 2023
In 2022, our team of 18 college counselors loved getting back on the road, zigzagging across the country to revisit campuses throughout the U.S., as well as many universities in Europe, Canada and the UK, that had been available to us only via video touring during COVID restrictions. Right now we are enjoying the the […]
Studying in the US: What Are the Best Options For Bermudians?
Why Come to the U.S.? We’ve helped dozens of families from Bermuda find the best school and college in the States. But why come to the US? Let’s first examine the 24/7 advantage of boarding schools for students ages 10-18 – then discuss the benefits of the liberal arts at American universities. What are the […]
The Power of the Passport
With the recent presidential election in the United States, many of our families living abroad have asked how international students will be received at American colleges and universities in the future. Will visas continued to be issued? Will it be safe to live and study in the U.S.? Will the same opportunities that have afforded […]
Click Deeper Into College Websites
Don’t all the smiling students and lush campuses splashed across college websites look the same? In truth, you’ve got to click deep into a site to discover distinguishing features. Think of the website more as a way to interact with a school than to size it up the way you once would with a shiny […]
Grit, Inspiration, & New Hampshire Boarding Schools
A Yankee Recipe For Success David Brooks recently wrote a column, “Putting Grit in its Place,” in which he references the current fascination with this formative four-letter word. He initially defines grit more in the negative as “the ability to trudge through long stretches of difficulty.” Parents often invoke this definition of grit to urge […]
Benefits of Attending University in the U.K.
Often when families come into our office they know just what they want, but still, we know how important it is to ask and provide all the different options. We love asking about Gap years, traveling, and about attending university in a different country especially the United Kingdom. While many families will think instantly of […]