Proven University Admissions Results | Experts in International Admissions | Face-to-Face Personalized Advising | ACT and SAT Preparation
Proven University Admissions Results | Experts in International Admissions | Face-to-Face Personalized Advising | ACT and SAT Preparation
University admissions today are substantially more competitive than just a few years ago.
The number of applicants is increasing while acceptance rates are declining. Leading universities now turn away 13 qualified candidates for every one admitted. High standardized test scores and perfect grades no longer guarantee entry to top universities.
Today's students must creatively differentiate themselves from the rest of the highly-qualified applicant pool in order to be accepted. Ivy Options helps you compete. We leverage each student's unique strengths, identify which universities are the best fit, and help you attain that coveted acceptance from the best possible university. We help each student become a star candidate.
Ivy Options works to guide you through the complex process of preparing for admission into the top universities of your choice. It's never too late to improve your odds of success, but the more lead time we have before the university application deadline, the more we can help you strengthen your profile. The most successful candidates begin this process one to two years prior to the application deadline, or even earlier if set on attending a top-tier US or UK university.
PROGRAM COMPONENT OVERVIEW
PROGRAM COMPONENT OVERVIEW
Comprehensive in-person, Skype, or telephone initial consultation.
60 minute in-depth interview with student and family.
Review of transcripts, test scores, life experiences, extracurricular activities.
Each year, Ivy Options travels with a select group of students to tour the campuses of a variety of United States universities.
Each year, Ivy Options travels with a select group of students to tour the campuses of a variety of United States universities.
Proven, advanced online software and hard copy study guide combination for SAT and ACT standardized test prep.
Proven, advanced online software and hard copy study guide combination for SAT and ACT standardized test prep.
Class of 2020 Admissions Statistics
Harvard
- 5.2%
University of Pennsylvania
- 9.4%
Yale
- 6.27%
Princeton
- 6.46%
Cornell
- 13.96%
Brown
- 9%
Columbia
- 6.04%
Dartmouth
- 10.52%
MIT
- 7.7%
Stanford
- 5.07%
WHAT IS IVY OPTIONS?
PERSONALIZED UNIVERSITY PREP SERVICE
Mary Ellen Simoni, Director and Founder
Mary Ellen Simoni graduated second in her class from Cornell University's pre-law program. Instead of going on to become a lawyer, she fulfilled her dream of working in leadership roles in top-ranked universities both in the United States and in Europe.
Ms. Simoni directed Stanford University’s operations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for eight years, overseeing Stanford’s admissions recruitment in these regions. During this time she interacted directly with leaders of many of the top universities in North America and Europe, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge. -more-
Ferrell Armstrong
U.S. University Admissions Specialist
You'll receive one-on-one counseling with one of our former admissions counselors that have experience in both domestic and international admissions working for top-ranked US and European universities. Ivy Options helps you prepare a stand-out application that puts your best self forward.
IVY OPTIONS ADMISSIONS SUCCESS
Many consulting firms claim to get students into the best universities all over the world. We don’t differ in this regard, but unlike other firms, we have the credentials to substantiate this claim. Ivy Options helps students improve their applications and get into some of the best universities — not only in the United States, but all over the world. Some of the universities that our students were accepted to in the last year can be found below.
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United States: Columbia University
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United States (continued) American University
UK:
Canada:
Other:
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Year-by-Year Overview
Each student is unique, and it's important to get started as early as you can to maximize your admissions possibilities. Ivy Options provides admissions consulting and advisory services tailored to each student's background, strengths, and ambitions through each year and each step leading up to the application process.
FRESHMEN
4 YEARS BEFORE UNIVERSITY
Freshmen make key choices that lead to getting an early edge on the competition. Beginning at this point in their high school career gives a head start for students seeking admission to elite and highly selective universities.
Detail crucial information about the college admissions process & timeline
Advise on courses, study habits, extracurricular activities and volunteer opportunities
Encourage summer activity exploration — multi-year summer planning
Counsel on standardized testing, referrals to tutors • Guide in developing distinct profiles — accentuating extracurricular interests and broadening horizons
SOPHOMORES
3 YEARS BEFORE UNIVERSITY
Sophomores need to hone their academic curriculum and focus their extracurricular activities.
Beginning at this point in their high school career gives a head start for students seeking admission to highly selective and selective universities
Review critical aspects of the college admissions process • Advise on academic programs — both within the context of the high school as well as outside academic & college programs
Guide students to consider "Talented youth" and summer college program • Testing advisement: PSAT, SAT, SAT II, PLAN, ACT, AP
Provide referrals to tutors for academics and standardized testing
Recommend college and university visitations, honing in on potential “good-fit” universities
Help students to develop a distinct profile — accentuating extracurricular interests, increasing responsibilities & broadening horizons
JUNIORS
2 YEARS BEFORE UNIVERSITY
Juniors must prepare for standardized testing, begin writing essays, and define their list of target universities.
This is the most critical year for academic performance, when testing and other key preparations take place.
Provide motivation and direction for course selections
Strategic planning for boosting academic & extracurricular profile throughout the last two years of high school
Referrals to tutors for academics and standardized testing
Selection of initial 10-20 “good-fit” universities based on abilities, interests and goals
Campus visit preparation to refine college list • Standardized testing schedule & strategies
Guidance on obtaining stand-out letters of recommendation
Summer activities addressed • Between the end of the student's junior year and the beginning of the senior year, focus on identifying essay topics and helping students to find their own voice and to craft essays that are uniquely their own
SENIORS
FINAL YEAR BEFORE UNIVERSITY
Seniors complete the applications process, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, and essays
The senior year in high school is when university applications are submitted. Ivy Options can help students through the entire process.
Polishing of Personal Statements and Essays, ensuring consistency of theme and content, correct grammar and punctuation, and ensuring that the student's unique attributes shine through
Final college/university list
Emphasis on application process — strategy, setting deadlines & getting things done
Decisions Options & Strategies utilized: EA, ED, SCEA, Priority, Rolling & Regular
Finalizing letters of recommendation
Nuanced positioning based on credentials
Interview preparation, including conducting mock interview sessions with constructive critiques on interview performance
Financial considerations
Evaluating final admissions options
IVY OPTIONS LOCATIONS
