Bates College Success Story: Ian’s Application 

About Ian

Ian attended the British School of Beijing and began working with Ivy Talent in the second semester of 10th grade. At the time, he was navigating the challenges of the IB curriculum, struggling to maintain his GPA, and adjusting to disruptions caused by the pandemic. Like many students, he was unsure how to plan for college.

The IB curriculum at BSB demanded steady effort across all subjects, leaving little room for error. Frequent changes in teaching staff added to the difficulty, making it hard for students to find consistent support in their studies. Despite these challenges, Ian stayed determined to improve his academic performance and keep moving forward.

As time went on, Ian realized there was more he could do to maximize his potential. Working with experienced consultants provided him with the guidance he needed to navigate the challenges of the IB curriculum while also preparing for college applications.

Working with Ivy Talent

Ian’s parents were well aware of the challenges involved in preparing for college and recognized that Ian could benefit from additional guidance. His mother, a college professor, understood that general university resources could only go so far in helping him navigate both the demanding IB curriculum and the college admissions process. She wanted him to have access to personalized advice and a structured plan that would support his growth and help him make the most of his abilities. With this in mind, they reached out to Ivy Talent.

When Ian first began working with Ivy Talent, his family was concerned about his GPA and limited involvement in extracurricular activities. To address these challenges, the consultants developed a structured plan that helped him set long-term goals, improve his time management, and create a clearer sense of direction. They also encouraged Ian to take an active role in his own progress, giving him the space to make choices while offering support whenever he needed guidance.

Ian shared that the consultants were patient and supportive throughout the process, even when he was slow to respond. They followed up regularly, adjusted to his pace, and kept him engaged without adding unnecessary pressure. This reassured him that he wasn’t navigating the process alone. Over time, their guidance helped him gain momentum, stay focused on his goals, and grow more confident in his progress.

In addition to academic guidance, the consultants supported Ian through the emotional challenges of the application process. They offered steady encouragement and practical strategies during stressful moments, helping the experience feel less overwhelming. Over time, this support boosted Ian’s confidence and allowed him to approach his applications with a positive mindset.

How Ivy Talent Helped

From the start, Ian and his parents leaned toward liberal arts colleges rather than large research universities. They felt that schools with smaller class sizes and a lower faculty-student ratio would give Ian the supportive environment he needed to succeed. For Ian, the attraction was even deeper. He valued meaningful conversations and close mentorship, opportunities he knew would be much harder to find at larger institutions like NYU.

His strong interest in the humanities also made liberal arts colleges a natural fit. He was especially drawn to schools that emphasized history, politics, and related fields. Ian was not entirely certain that history would become his major, he wanted the freedom to explore different subjects before making that decision. 

The summer before senior year, Ian visited several colleges on the East Coast and in the Midwest with Ivy Talent consultants. Among them, Bates College stood out the most. Situated in a quiet town in Maine and only two hours from Boston, it offered the right balance between a close-knit community and access to a larger city. What impressed Ian most was Bates’s history program. 

Around this time, Ian also started preparing his application materials. He initially took the SAT but wasn’t satisfied with his results. After discussing his options with Ivy Talent, he chose to apply test-optional and focused on strengthening his GPA and essays instead.

His main essay focused on his background and the ways it shaped his perspective. Ian’s mother is Chinese and his father is South American; the two met in the United States before eventually settling in China. Growing up with such a diverse cultural foundation gave Ian a unique lens through which to see the world. In his essay, he connected this upbringing to his passion for geography, using vivid examples to illustrate how his experiences across different cultures influenced both his interests and the way he approaches learning.

The essay went through several drafts. Ian’s consultant encouraged him to write openly, while also helping him refine his thoughts and strengthen his voice with each revision. This gave Ian the confidence to express himself more clearly and effectively. When Bates later noted that his essay was among the most memorable they had read from thousands of applicants, it became one of the proudest milestones of his journey.

Reflection

Looking back on his college application journey, Ian recognizes how much he learned about both the process and himself. Navigating the challenges of the IB program, addressing concerns about his GPA, and managing the uncertainties of applications taught him the value of staying focused and consistent.

Ian also discovered that writing is a process that requires time, effort, and reflection. By revisiting and reshaping his essays, he not only strengthened the content but also developed greater confidence in expressing his own perspective. This process helped him present a clear, authentic voice, allowing admissions officers to understand his background, experiences, and unique perspective more fully.

Ivy Talent supported Ian throughout the college application process by offering structure and guidance while still giving him room to make his own choices. His consultants helped him prepare for campus visits, encouraged him to ask thoughtful questions, and gave practical advice on how to present his strengths. With their steady support, Ian was able to stay organized, handle challenges more effectively, and move through each stage of the process. Looking back, he said that working with Ivy Talent gave him a better understanding of his goals, which made finding the right school and navigating the application journey feel far less overwhelming.