Workshop FAQs

How long is the workshop and how is it structured?
Our workshops typically last 3 hours. Through multimedia presentations, group exercises, discussions and other activities, we explore the nuances of the admissions process at top schools. We also dig into what competitive applicants are doing from middle school through 11th grade that sets them apart. Our approach is hands on and is designed to demystify the admissions process at top schools and help students create their own road map to admissions success.

My daughter has excellent grades and scored very well on her standardized tests. Why would she need additional help from Ivy Compass?
It will take lot more than stellar grades and test scores to gain admission to a top U.S. college. There are enough applicants with stellar grades and test scores to fill every seat at top colleges twice! Most successful applicants to top schools today create a game plan for their high school experience that puts them in good stead when they actually begin writing their applications. Throughout high school they refer back to this plan to make sure that they are on track and revise it if necessary. Our workshops will help your child put together a plan that encompasses all the facets of their high school experience that will matter to admissions committees at top schools. We will help them put together a plan with a focus on becoming a highly competitive applicant to top schools. Moreover, Ivy Compass workshop faculty have each read, evaluated and voted on thousands of applicants to top schools. As such, they can provide you with important insights into the admissions process and what top colleges are looking for in applicants. After coming to an Ivy Compass workshop you will have a much better sense of how top colleges will view your high school achievements and what you can do to improve the odds that your application will stand out among a sea of stellar applications.

How does Ivy Compass differ from the high school counselor?
Unlike school guidance counselors, who must serve simultaneously hundreds of students with varied academic ambitions, Ivy Compass is focused on helping students and their families understand what it takes to be a competitive applicant at the most selective schools in the U.S. We understand that highly selective schools are the hardest to get into and that there is typically no easy road to admission at these schools. Our one-day workshops are designed to give you a detailed understanding of the successful strategies students employ, starting in middle school, to gain admission. Our workshop will also help you understand the admissions officer's perspective. This is useful as you start applying to top schools and interacting with college admissions officers.

My son is only in 8th grade. Do we need to be concerned about this yet?
Yes, absolutely. Gaining admission is the end of a journey that starts years before applications are due. For example, in order to do well in a rigorous high school academic program (which is required to gain admissions to top schools), it helps significantly if your son is on track in middle school. Notwithstanding this, starting the planning process in middle school should not add stress to your child's life. It should help you lessen his anxiety (and yours) because he will have a firm grasp of what it will take to start high school prepared to complete a rigorous course of study and a rich extracurricular program. Ivy Compass can help you begin the process of sorting this out. You and your son will leave our workshop knowledgeable about how successful applicants maximize their academic and extracurricular opportunities and what concrete steps you can take to do this, starting in middle school.

Who should attend these workshops?

  • Students in grades 7 - 11 who aspire to attend a top U.S. college or university and their parents
  • Families who are considering engaging a private admissions counselor
  • Students who are actively preparing to apply to top colleges and universities

Is there a workshop in my region? If not, how can I take advantage of your resources?
Currently, Ivy Compass is scheduling workshops. For the schedule of upcoming workshops click here. Additionally, we publish a blog that we update regularly with thoughtful and actionable information about admissions at top colleges and universities. If you would like us to consider offering a workshop in your city or region click here and let us know. Also email us at blog@ivycompass.com to share any suggestions you have for future blog topics.