Ivy Admissions

Why do I need academic assessment?

There are thousands of universities to choose from, and Club Ivy's service provides you with information on the schools that are best suited to your profile and interests.

I know I want to go to a top ten school. They are the only schools worth going to, right?

Yes and no. The top ten schools in any category (undergraduate, graduate, MBA) are extremely competitive and often very hard to get into. Nevertheless, they are not the only options. There are over 2000 universities in the United States alone. Also, many of the schools in the Top 50 are excellent choices and can give you the specific education you need. At the same time, Club Ivy's academic assessment service can help you to decide which options may be best for you.

When should I begin the application process?

Now. Start early. Most school application processes need to begin a full year before you plan to start studying. There is a lot to prepare, and you can start doing some of it before you even select a school.

I am interested in doing an undergraduate degree. A friend of mine had to do SAT II exams. Does everyone have to do SAT II tests in order to apply to an American university.

Different schools have different requirements. It is important to know the requirements of the schools you want to apply to. In 2005 and 2006 many, but not all, of the top schools have started requiring two, or even three, SAT II exams. And not all schools accept the same tests.

My English is perfect. I have a Cambridge Certificate. I lived in the USA for three years. Do I still need TOEFL?

If you are planning to go to an American university, the answer is almost certainly "yes." This is a strict requirement for non-American students, and your level of English does not make you exempt. American universities are very inflexible on these points.

I want to do an MBA. How much work experience do I need?

Usually two years or more. And sometimes work experience compensates for other deficiencies in your application.

How do I know which phases to contract?

Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I know what schools I want to apply to?
Do I know what schools will accept me?
Do I have the right background for this school?
How good are my grades?
What experience and education do schools look for?
Do I know how or where to get my applications?
Do I know what exams I should take?
If you do not know the answer to these questions, you should begin with Phase 1.

Do I know how I should prepare my CV?
Do I know what deadlines I have to meet?
What letters of recommendation do I need? And from whom?
How do I write essays and personal statements?
Does each school look for something different?
What documentation do I need?
Does everything have to be translated?
What paperwork do they ask me for? Where do I get it?
If you cannot answer these questions or you feel you need assistance, then you would benefit from Phase 2.

Can I prepare for my interviews with the school?
What do I say during my interviews?
Should I lie during interviews? Is there anything I shouldn't say?
What if the schools ask for additional documents after I am admitted?
Interview preparation and additional document preparation are covered in Phase 3.

How do I decide which school to go to after I receive my acceptance letter?
What do I do to tell a school I accept? What do I tell the schools that have admitted me but where I have decided not to go?
Once I have been admitted...
- How do I fill out my housing forms?
- How do I choose my classes?
- Can I get financial aid?
- How do I pay the school?
- What visa do I need? How do I get it?
Phase 4 assists you with all of the final preparations after you have been admitted to a university.