The journey begins when a student reaches out. We offer a free initial consultation where the student (and parents, if desired) discuss their aspirations. During this session, our counselor gathers essential information – academic scores, extracurriculars, desired field of study, preferred countries, budget considerations, etc. We may also use a questionnaire or an online form for the student to input their “stats.”

The goal is to understand the student’s starting point and goals. 

Based on the assessment, we create a customized plan. The student is assigned a dedicated counselor. We outline the services needed (for example, if the student is in 11th grade vs. a college graduate, the plan will differ). Regular one-on-one counseling sessions (virtual or in-person) are scheduled. In these sessions, we work on streamlining the student’s academic and extracurricular profile in preparation for applications. 

Next, our team and algorithm work in tandem to find best-fit universities. UNIEXP’s system predicts the student’s admission chances at various institutions and recommends a range of options. The counselor, leveraging their experience, will refine this list to about 8-15 universities categorized as “Safe” (high chance of admission), “Match” (good fit, reasonable chance), and “Reach” (top choices with lower probability). We present this list to the student, explaining the rationale behind each suggestion – considering factors like program quality, rankings, location, campus culture, and career outcomes. We ensure the list is well-rounded: for example, a student might see 2-3 reach schools, 4-5 match schools, and 2-3 safeties. This strategic list maximizes the student’s chances of getting accepted into a great program while aiming for their dreams.

If there are gaps or opportunities in the student’s profile, the counselor discusses them. For instance, if the student needs a better TOEFL score or could benefit from an extra leadership activity, we incorporate that into an action plan. At this stage, we might recommend the student undertake a research project, online course, or community service if time permits and if it would strengthen the application. The counselor provides guidance or resources for these (sometimes connecting the student to mentors or programs). This step ensures that by the time applications are sent, the student’s profile is as strong as possible.

We map out all the important dates: test dates (SAT, etc.), application deadlines for each chosen university, scholarship deadlines, etc. We work backwards to set internal milestones (e.g., “Draft of SOP by Sept 1, Final SOP by Sept 20, applications submission by Oct 1”). This timeline is shared with the student to keep everyone on the same page. Regular check-ins are scheduled (weekly or bi-weekly meetings)

to monitor progress on tests, essays, and other tasks.

As the timeline may include test preparation, we integrate that support now. The student might take coaching classes or self-study; either way, we provide guidance. For instance, we might set the 

student up with an online SAT prep course or recommend practice resources. Our counselor checks in on progress and helps adjust study strategies. (If the student already has scores, this step might be skipped or focused on improving an existing score only if necessary.)

One of the most crucial phases – our counselor and the student brainstorm for the Statement of Purpose or personal essays. We help the student reflect on their experiences, motivations, and goals. An outline is created highlighting the student’s story and why they’re choosing this path. The student writes the first draft (maintaining authenticity). Then our experts review it line-by-line, providing constructive feedback. We might go through several revision rounds until the essay is clear, compelling, and truly the student’s own voice. By the end, the SOP will tell a coherent narrative that connects the student’s past achievements with future aspirations and why they are a fit for the chosen universities. (Our guiding philosophy here is that while we provide expert input, the essay must remain the student’s authentic work – avoiding the trap of over-editing or writing on behalf of the student, which can lead to generic essays that admissions officers recognize and disfavor.) 

In parallel with essay writing, we finalize the student’s academic resume and coach them on obtaining strong Letters of Recommendation. We ensure the resume is formatted well and includes all pertinent information in a concise way (education, scores, honors, activities, etc.). For LORs, we help the student approach teachers or supervisors early, providing them ample time. We might provide each recommender with a summary of the student’s accomplishments to aid them in writing specific and positive letters. This coordination is key – a well-timed request with the right information can result in a glowing recommendation. Our counselors might review the recommendations if the referees are open to feedback, ensuring they align with the rest of the application without any contradictions.

With materials ready (test scores, SOP, resume, LORs, etc.), we move to filling application forms. Our counselor guides the student through each university’s application portal. We double-check every field – personal info, academic history, program choices – to avoid clerical errors. Attachments (PDFs of SOP, resume, etc.) are uploaded as required. Before hitting submit, we use a checklist to ensure nothing is missing (such as application fee payments or supplemental essays

that some universities require). Only when everything is perfect do we proceed to submit. We typically stagger the submissions in order of deadlines (e.g., if some “Early Action” or priority deadlines are earlier, those go first). Throughout, the student is kept in the loop and involved in the process, so they also learn how applications work.

After submission, we help the student monitor application portals for any updates or additional requirements. Sometimes universities ask for interviews, additional documents, or have portal checklists – we guide the student in handling these promptly. We also prepare students for possible interview calls (conducting mock interviews as mentioned earlier in services).

As offers of admission start coming in (hopefully multiple!), our job shifts to helping the student make the best choice. We schedule a session to review all outcomes: offers, waitlists, or rejections. For offers, we compare the universities based on factors like ranking, curriculum, location, costs, and any scholarships offered. We may create a pros-and-cons list with the student. Our counselor’s role is to provide information and perspective, but the final decision is the student’s. If the student is waitlisted somewhere they really like, we might assist in drafting a strong Letter of Continued Interest or other steps to improve their chances. In the happy event the student got into their dream university, we celebrate that success and move to the next steps.

If the student received multiple admissions, especially with varying financial aid packages, we help interpret those. We explain the terms of scholarships, assist in any further scholarship applications, or even negotiate with universities if applicable (for grad programs, sometimes one can negotiate funding). For students without scholarships, we advise on education loans (pointing to banks or institutions, possibly using any partner connections we have) and on budgeting for their education.

Once the student finalizes their university choice, we start the visa process for the respective country. We provide a detailed list of documents needed (financial statements, admission letters, SEVIS fee for US, etc.). Our team helps fill the visa application forms and schedules visa interviews if required. We conduct practice interviews, especially for countries like the US where visa interviews determine entry – sharing frequently asked questions and tips on how to answer confidently. Our nearly 95%+ visa success rate (aiming to match top consultants’ outcomes) speaks to our thorough preparation. After securing the visa, we give a pre-departure orientation: covering travel tips, health insurance,

accommodation search, cultural etiquette, and what to pack. We might connect the student to our other students or alumni in that country for mentorship. By the time the student departs for campus, they feel prepared academically and personally for the journey ahead.

Although our formal counseling journey might conclude once the student is at their university, we often check in with students during their first semester. This is a friendly follow-up to ensure they settled in okay. Our alumni network is growing with each student we place, and we encourage new students to later mentor others. This community aspect (while not a paid service) is part of our company ethos – giving back and creating a cycle of guidance.