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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

College admissions are all about finding the university that is the best fit for you. This process requires a long-term approach along with a cohesive strategy based on your goals. We offer comprehensive packages that take into account every single piece of the puzzle in order to get you to where you want to be. While challenging, this can be a truly transformative and rewarding process that allows students to succeed by providing opportunities to develop to their fullest potential and eventually meet the challenging demands of the adult world with confidence.

Our method relies on two key components: deep relationships and expert strategy. This method has resulted in incredible results for almost two decades. Our practice has grown to become a globally-recognized leader in the industry as we have guided our students through their journeys. From applicants with learning differences to international students applying from overseas, our team of experienced educational consultants has defeated every type of challenge on our way to helping a diverse group of students gain admission to top colleges and universities nationwide.

High GPA and test scores alone will not get you accepted to the country’s top schools. Finding a way to differentiate yourself from the other applicants is key which requires thoughtful and strategic guidance that leads to holistic growth and character development.

STRATEGY

Foundation Building

Profile Building

Application Process

Foundation Building

It is never too early to begin the college admissions process. Most families start planning as early as middle school to put in place enrichment programs to build a strong academic foundation through:

Academic Coaching
Academic coaching helps children develop skills and strategies to succeed in school. Our expert academic coaches determine a student’s challenges and devise a plan of action that includes strategies to improve in executive function, time management, organizational skills, test preparation, note-taking skills, study skills, and reading skills.
Subject Tutoring
Working with an academic tutor gears students towards more effective learning. By having individualized sessions, students learn at their own pace and do so comfortably without pressure from their classmates and the classroom environment.
Test Preparation
To achieve favorable results on the college admission tests, it is highly recommended that students prepare intensively by taking the SAT practice test and the ACT practice test. Early preparation is key. Applicants can retake the mock tests many times until they are satisfied with the outcome and are confident enough to take the test.

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Profile Building

While important, it simply is not enough to have a strong GPA and test scores. Schools want leaders who have accomplishments in the fields that interest them. It is important to build activities that are relevant and have the potential to grow over time.

Project Cultivation
We help students plan projects that will showcase their creativity and innovation, thereby showing colleges they are ready for the challenges and responsibilities of independent work. As mentors, we advise on the big picture and logistics as well as help drive recruitment, outreach, and social impact.
Extracurricular Guidance
Extracurricular activities have to be carefully chosen and planned to make sure that there is continuity and progress as we go through the counseling process. We find a compromise between your interests and the realities of the college admissions process. The goal is to develop deep-rooted passions in a holistic and meaningful way.
Mentorship
Along with a robust and rigorous academic development program through subject coaching, tutoring, and practice tests, we aim for a holistic approach where students’ personalities flourish with motivation, confidence, and maturity that they will take with them into the real world.

Let us help you reduce your stress and increase your chances of success!

Application Process

Families must be methodical about all elements of the application. Every detail should make the student stand out and differentiate him from the other applicants.

Essays / Personal Statements Editing
Admissions officers place a high value on student essays as it displays another dimension of a student’s personality beyond academic standing. An integral part of our college consulting process is an editorial advising system that enables students to write powerful and high-caliber essays about their experiences, accomplishments, and interests.
Interview Preparation
The interview embodies everything that is in your application portfolio. Your presence, demeanor, and self-presentation should resonate with everything else that you submitted. We guide students by going through interviews where we help students fine-tune their talking points and communication skill as well as develop their confidence.
Letters of Recommendation
Building relationships is the key to getting favorable and compelling recommendation letters. Because we are deeply attuned with our student’s life, we know exactly which teachers they are in good standing with and who to ask for references.
Supplemental Material
An additional service that we provide is advising students on how to make the most of their special talents and skills, like athletes, musicians, and artists for college admissions. We advise students in writing letters to college coaches and program directors. And for students with truly rare and unique talents, we can reach beyond our immediate network to find an expert consultant with the right background and specialized knowledge who fits the client’s needs

What To Do If Waitlisted For College

After going through the rigorous college admissions process, there is nothing more disappointing than being flat-out rejected or being put on a waitlist. Many students see being waitlisted as another form of rejection. One has to understand the mechanics of the admissions process to know that being put on a waitlist means that you did qualify but the school has yet to confirm if all the applicants they admitted would enroll. Colleges build a waitlist to raise their enrollment yield which will eventually affect their ranking.

So what do you do if you’ve been waitlisted? Well, it is definitely not the time to sit it out while waiting for the admission decision. Be proactive and look into other options which may mean pursuing other college applications or strategizing on how you can get off the waitlist.

Cardinal Education is the leading expert in college admissions consulting. With nearly two decades into the field of college admissions, we know exactly what to do when applicants are put on a waitlist. Our dedicated educational consultants can help you plan and strategize your next steps to ensure that you get admitted to the university that is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

As soon as possible! The transition to high school is often a good time to start thinking long term, as students are introduced to the new pathways of high school classes and activities that are available. Don’t wait until it’s time to start working on applications!

At Cardinal Education, “college counseling” refers to long-term, multi-year planning to set students on the track to succeeding in college admissions. “College applications” involve working on the actual materials to be submitted to colleges.

Yes, we offer many college counseling programs that include support on students’ college applications as well!

Students should begin preparing for the college admissions tests during the summer following sophomore year, and should plan on having their official scores no later than the summer following junior year. Athletes require scores earlier, so if your student is an athlete, contact us for more information!

Students should start working on their applications after the conclusion of their junior year. Any later will lead to stress during the fall of their senior year, but any earlier will likely miss the achievements and experiences students gain before the deadline.

Grades and test scores are the most important, qualifying elements of college admissions. Once students reach their desired GPA and testing thresholds, activities and essays play a key role in differentiating students from the bulk of their peers.

We would love to talk with your family about the specifics of your situation! Contact us for a consultation and more information!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, CONTACT US!

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

STRATEGY

Foundation Building

CONTACT CARDINAL EDUCATION

Contact Us Today
for Your Free Diagnostic Test!

Profile Building

Application Process

Frequently Asked Questions

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