Cardinal Education Journal

December 4, 2025

How can Monaco students get into Ivy League universities in the U.S.?

Getting into an Ivy League like Harvard, Yale, or Princeton requires more than just excellent grades. While your child’s excellent education that comes from the IB or French Baccalauréat system is respected, they still need guidance on how to present their achievements in the U.S. format. Admissions officers want to see a holistic package with […]

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December 4, 2025

What is the best age for Monaco families to start U.S. college admissions consulting?

The earlier the better. Ideally, families should start as early as 9th or 10th grade (around ages 14–15), but lately, we’ve been noticing that some engage in long-term consulting, sometimes starting from middle school. This allows enough time to plan a strong admissions strategy, identify meaningful extracurricular activities, and begin developing skills like academic writing […]

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December 4, 2025

Do Monaco students need SAT or ACT scores if many U.S. colleges are test-optional?

This is one of the most common questions from Monaco families, and our answer is a resounding, “Yes!. While many U.S. universities remain “test-optional,” competitive institutions—including Ivy League and top-tier schools—still value strong SAT or ACT scores. Submitting impressive results can give your child an edge over other applicants, especially international competitors. Test scores serve […]

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December 4, 2025

How can admissions consultants help Monaco students with U.S. college essays?

Most international students find the admissions essay challenging and confusing, and it is no different for Monaco students. Unlike European academic writing, which tends to be formal and analytical, American admissions essays are personal, reflective, and story-driven. Admissions officers use these essays to know more about your child beyond grades and test scores.  Your child’s […]

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