Ivy Link Specialty Services

At Ivy Link, we want to inspire each student to achieve their personal and academic best throughout their years of schooling, as well as help fortify valuable skills that will extend beyond the classroom. We therefore offer a range of services that supplement our general programs of admissions counseling, tutoring and application assistance to include a myriad of targeted specialty services aimed towards applicants who have specific needs or requirements. Our expert Ivy Link mentors are here to assist with virtually any niche request.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

SPECIAL TALENTS

GAP YEAR COUNSELING

WAITLIST

ATHLETES

INTERNSHIPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

UK UNIVERSITIES

UK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Transfers

Although they may seem similar, the process for applying to college as a transfer student is in fact quite different than the process for applying as a high school senior. Not only is it more difficult to gain admission as a transfer student, but the requirements differ in terms of recommendations, essays, standardized tests and deadlines.

Students who opt for this service will receive professional guidance on how to approach a college transfer application. Following the initial consultation, our skilled Ivy Link counselors will work one-on-one with each student to:

Assess whether the transfer route is the best option for that student

Identify the student’s goals for their undergraduate experience, and research the schools that will be a good match for transferring

Provide transfer applicants with the most current information regarding transfer admission trends

Help compile a strong application package that includes a compelling essay, effective letters of recommendation, and techniques on how to navigate the interview questions with confidence and interest

Ensure a smooth transition by offering advice on the appropriate courses to take at the current institution, and suggesting ways to make the most out of their time at said institution

Special Talents

Our Ivy Link counselors are experts at helping students identify and apply to the schools and programs that will be the best fit for a student’s unique background and goals. For students applying to an art or music program, Ivy Link can help you showcase your talents in a creative and engaging way and can provide feedback on your portfolios of extra materials (such as art work, recordings, written pieces, etc.), while explaining how these supplements fit into the larger application picture.

Waitlists

Receiving a deferral or getting put on a waitlist can be both puzzling and disconcerting. Fortunately, our Ivy Link team is here to help ease any frustrations or concerns that may follow by providing essential insight into what comes next. It is crucial to emphasize that each student is still in control of many factors during this phase, and families should therefore not waste any time taking action.

To begin, an Ivy Link counselor will review your child’s application and develop a strategic plan to help maximize the chances of admission. Applying their experience and expertise, each Ivy Link consultant will:

Provide constructive feedback on factors that may have prevented admission in the early or standard round
Offer practical and thoughtful step-by-step instruction regarding the most optimal course of action, which includes helping your child draft a deferral or waitlist letter that explains their continued enthusiasm and emphasizes their particular credentials
Coach the student on how to be proactive while brainstorming other ideas that will make for a compelling letter to the Admissions Committee

If your child is having second thoughts about his or her top choice institution, our counselors are here to discuss alternative options and help choose the school best suited to their needs and interests. It is important to remain optimistic while remembering that time is of the essence!

Gap Year Counseling

Gap years are more popular than ever. Ivy Link helps you determine if a gap year would be right for you. Our counselors will advise you on post-graduate options and recommend opportunities that will fuel your passions.

Whether you intend to spend your time traveling, working, volunteering, or learning, our counselors will work with you one-on-one to help you make the most of this time and experience. You can continue to work with your counselor for college admissions counseling as well.

Athletes

The world of collegiate athletics can be complex. Ivy Link helps guide families through the intricacies that student athletes may face if they plan to compete inter-collegiately in NCAA Division I, II or III.

Ivy Link combines athletic recruitment with college admissions counseling. We provide expert counsel in athletics recruitment, including the NCAA Clearinghouse, recruiting rules, coach communications, scholarship issues, and more. Some of the things we will help with:

Assessing athletic goals
Explaining the role athletics will play in the admissions process
Interviewing you and your student to clarify needs and goals
Matching the student with the appropriate athletics level (Division I, II or III)
Guiding the student in preparing the athletics resume and highlight reel
Guiding the student in obtaining letters of recommendation

INTERNSHIPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

Our most successful students have taken advantage of our Extracurricular Enhancement planning early in the admissions preparation process. We work closely with each student to help him/her identify a range of activities and opportunities that align with his/her background, interest and goals; and would differentiate the student’s profile.

College Prep Program for International Students

U.S. colleges and universities are arguably the best in the world. A U.S. college education can pave the way to a successful career and open doors to countless opportunities. But which college will be a good fit for your background, interests and goals? How can you prepare — especially at a young age? How do you apply? Ivy Link College Prep Program helps international students navigate the complex process of selecting an appropriate U.S. college and applying for admission.

Our seasoned and knowledgeable consultants and instructors graduated from top-ranked schools, such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, MIT and Stanford, and have experience guiding students through the admissions process at the various top-ranked colleges and universities of their choice. Ivy Link staff members understand the challenges faced by non-U.S. students because many of us have personal experience as foreign applicants to American colleges and universities. For each international applicant we will develop a customized plan and apply the Ivy Link Method.

In addition, Ivy Link consultants and instructors are accomplished professionals in fields such as medicine, law, investment banking, real estate, private equity, hedge funds, journalism, advertising, engineering and information technology. Not only will students benefit from the Ivy Link Method, but they will also have access to the Ivy Link Network, an invaluable network of instructors, current students and alumni upon which a student can rely throughout his or her college years and beyond.

UK Universities

Ivy Link is here to support families who want to apply to universities in the UK. Your counselor will advise students on all aspects of the UCAS form, as well as all aspects of applications to private universities or colleges, while also providing guidance on essays, references and more. We are knowledgeable about and counsel students on unique UK requirements, such as predicted grades and Firm and Insurance offers.

Students may work with Ivy Link to apply to UK institutions independent of or in addition to their work with us in applying to US schools.

UK Independent Schools

The UK has long been a draw for pupils from other countries. International pupils add a great deal to the culture of many schools and help foster the characteristic global perspective, which is so important in a young person’s development. There are also some UK independent schools almost entirely devoted to educating students from overseas. As international appeal has grown so too have the number of international study centers and international schools.

Ivy Link will help to advise you on the best independent school for your children at UK boarding schools. Choosing the right independent school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. We cover all stages of education from pre-prep to sixth-form. From a call with one of our experts, to more in-depth consultations, our services are tailor-made to your needs.

We offer a full range of services to navigate parents through the minefield of options, decisions and practical considerations, including professional advice, recruitment and school management services. If you feel boarding is an option for your child, parents can choose from schools all around the UK. Day schooling options are also wide-ranging with many faiths and all manner of academic and extra-curricular interests catered for. Parents can also choose from impressive single sex schools. Of course there is also a wealth of co-educational options to choose from. But whatever your query, Ivy Link is here to help you.