Time is running out! Where are you with your US university preparation?
Gaining acceptance to a top US university is notoriously difficult - with some acceptance rates as low as 4.3%. Admissions teams are looking for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate strong academics, extracurriculars and personal qualities.
It takes time and effort to develop a profile like this. You need to demonstrate consistency and a clear upward trajectory, and an ever-evolving personal narrative, so it is essential to be working on your application in Year 12.
There is a lot to prepare for top US universities and the competition is fierce, which is why many ambitious students seek external help to refine their application.
What Admissions Officers are looking for
Top US universities are looking for the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow. As a result, they attract - and seek - well-rounded students who are not only eager to learn but likely to inspire others.
Whilst strong academics are a must, students must also demonstrate extracurricular engagement and clear personal qualities.
In short, good grades are not enough!
Academics
Alongside A/A* grades top universities would look for 1500+ SAT / 32+ ACT scores. However good scores alone are not enough to gain you admission!
Extracurriculars
They want to see evidence of consistent extracurricular engagement in something you're passionate about. They also want to see evidence of leadership; students who take on responsibility and inspire those around them.
Essays
This is your opportunity for the Admissions Officer to really get to know you, it's a reflective, creative and personal essay. But, they are more interested in the effect the event had on you than the story itself.
Personal qualities
Admissions Officers want to ensure that their university is the best fit for both you and them. They are looking for students that will compliment both the classroom dormitory atmosphere.
Crimson is here to help!
Applying to top US universities is a difficult task which is why so many students seek external support.
Each of our programmes are tailored to the student and are delivered by a carefully selected team of mentors who provide focussed support with each and every aspect of the process.
We are proud to say that students who work with us are four times as likely to get into their dream university than those who apply alone.
By speaking to one of our Academic Advisors you will receive;
- A full review of your academic and extracurricular profile
- Tailored guidance as to suitable university pathways
- An outline of what they need to do to achieve their goals
University strategy
Multi-year support with application preparation and submission with the help of a personalised roadmap.
Admission test tutoring
One-to-one sessions covering test content, technique and confidence for the best chance of getting a great score.
Essay development
Support with personal essay ideation, tone, language and structure as well as multi-draft feedback.
Extracurricular mentoring
Extracurricular and leadership project planning, execution and reporting to ensure passion and impact are demonstrated in the application.
Interview preparation
Coaching on how to answer common questions and communicate a story persuasively.
Financial aid and scholarship strategy
Guidance on the options, requirements and help completing necessary paperwork.
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Crimson student: Bluebelle
“Looking back now, seeing all I have done and the unconditional support my team provided me, I just know that Crimson helped me be the very best that I could be. They gifted me the best chance possible to get where I wanted to be.”
Bluebelle grew up in London and went to Camden School for Girls. She benefitted from university strategy, ACT tutoring, essay development and extracurricular & leadership mentoring whilst at Crimson.
Bluebelle started working with us in May 2019 when she was in Year 12. She already had a good ACT score when she came to us but we worked with her to improve her score by 8 points and helped her utilise her summer to write the first drafts of her essays.
With our support, Bluebelle gained acceptance to both Yale University and the University of Oxford. Bluebelle chose Yale because of the flexibility of the liberal arts curriculum and started there in 2021.
Kickstart your journey to the US today!
Fill in the form below to book a meeting with us today.