George’s Success Story: How He Earned Admission to Fessenden School

About George 

George is an athletic and outgoing student with a wide range of interests. Before moving to the U.S., he won the national U11 youth squash championship in China, and within a year of relocating he rose to fifth place nationally in his age group. Alongside his athletic achievements, he has a genuine passion for STEM, especially hands-on projects like building and engineering. From an early age, he also developed a love for reading original English books. This combination of academic curiosity, athletic talent, and personal drive positioned him as a strong candidate for competitive schools in the Boston area.

His family has always placed a strong emphasis on long-term education goals. When his sister was admitted to Groton School in 2024, one of the top boarding middle schools in the United States, it reaffirmed their belief in pursuing strong academic opportunities and inspired them to begin preparing George’s applications for the 2025 season.

Working with Ivy Talent

When George’s sister was admitted to Groton, the family thought about having one parent move with her to the U.S. After considering her age and needs, they decided it would be better to stay together. The whole family relocated, which also gave George the chance to begin his American education earlier than planned.

The timing was challenging. By the spring of 2024, most application deadlines for top junior high schools had already closed. George had just completed third grade in China, and the family hoped he could start fourth grade in the United States that fall. Since squash was an important part of George’s life, his parents wanted a school that offered strong academics while still allowing him to continue training. 

After carefully exploring their options, the family focused on Meadowbrook and The Fessenden School. Both offered excellent opportunities, but openings at the fourth-grade level were extremely limited, which made admission highly competitive. With guidance from Ivy Talent, George enrolled at Jackson Walnut Park School, a small Christian day school in Newton. The school’s welcoming environment gave him the chance to adjust to a new culture while also preparing for his fifth-grade application to Fessenden.

George’s parents felt they made the right choice. With just 12 students in each class, Jackson Walnut Park gave him personal attention from teachers and a warm, supportive environment. He adjusted quickly, did well in school, and made friends. His parents recommend the school to families new to the U.S. and still keep in touch with the principal and teachers even after his graduation.

How Ivy Talent Helped

With Ivy Talent’s guidance, George’s family narrowed their search to two schools that felt like the right match, Meadowbrook and Fessenden. Both offered strong academics and athletics, but over time Fessenden stood out as the best fit. It is one of the leading all-boys day and boarding schools in the United States, known for its strengths in both STEM and sports. Its location in Newton was also an advantage, allowing George to continue training at his squash club nearby while preparing for the next stage of his education.

Ivy Talent supported George and his family at every stage of the application. They recommended Jackson Walnut Park as a transitional school, giving him the chance to adjust to American school life in a smaller and supportive environment before applying to Fessenden. When it came to application materials, the consultants highlighted George’s strengths in squash, STEM, reading, and social engagement, presenting him as a well-rounded student. For the interview, they worked with him on how to share his ideas clearly and confidently, helping him come across as bright, active, and approachable. These qualities stood out to the admissions team at Fessenden. At the same time, Ivy Talent coordinated closely around George’s demanding squash schedule in the United States and abroad while managing every application detail. They maintained regular communication with the family across time zones and made adjustments whenever needed to keep the process organized and on track.

In the end, George was admitted to The Fessenden School. 

Reflection 

Looking back, George’s father believes their success came from starting early, staying consistent with long-term goals, and trusting Ivy Talent’s guidance. He reflected on several lessons that might help other families considering U.S. middle or high school applications.

He emphasized the importance of starting early and giving children time to adapt. Enrolling George at Jackson Walnut Park gave him the space to adjust both academically and culturally, which left a strong impression on Fessenden. Applying directly from China, he noted, would have been far more difficult. He also stressed the value of long-term development. George’s strong reading habits, commitment to squash training, and interest in STEM had been nurtured over many years, and this steady preparation made his application far stronger than anything that could have been pulled together at the last moment.

Standardized tests were another key factor. Exams like the ISEE proved more challenging than expected, requiring a strong foundation in vocabulary, reasoning, and math. Beginning preparation early helped George perform at his best. When it came to school selection, the family prioritized fit over reputation. Boston has many well-known schools, but only a few aligned with George’s strengths and interests. Choosing schools that truly suited him was more important than chasing rankings.

Finally, George’s father pointed to the value of working with experienced professionals. Ivy Talent provided not only planning and academic support but also encouragement and perspective throughout the process. 

As George’s father explained: “Education has no shortcuts. With long-term thinking and the right support, every step matters. Working with Ivy Talent helped us make sure each step counted.”