Elita’s Journey to Newton Country Day School

Student Profile 

Student Name: Elita 

Accepted to: Newton Country Day School 

Student Background

Elita is a bright and optimistic student from Suzhou with a strong passion for fencing. She trains regularly and has even traveled to the U.S. for fencing camps and competitions, including the North American Cup. Elita’s parents originally planned to send her to school in the UK, but after spending time fencing in the U.S. and learning more about American schools, Elita felt that the U.S. was a better fit. Her family fully supported her decision. To better support her fencing training at a local club, her family chose a day school rather than a boarding school. After carefully considering safety, academics, and overall lifestyle, they decided to settle in Boston, even though it meant more travel for Elita’s father, who runs businesses in both Texas and California. In their eyes, nothing was more important than Elita’s education and well-being.

Working with Ivy Talent 

Once the family decided to apply to private schools in the Boston area, they knew they needed expert guidance. A friend in Nanjing recommended Ivy Talent. After a few conversations, Elita’s parents were impressed by the team’s professionalism, experience, and personalized approach. They quickly decided to move forward with Ivy Talent. Even with a tight timeline, the Ivy Talent team helped the family sort out their priorities, stay organized, and put together a clear, well-thought-out plan. Their consultant was always responsive and supportive, offering timely updates and guidance regardless of the time difference. What stood out most to the family was that Ivy Talent didn’t push rankings or take a one-size-fits-all approach. Everything was tailored to what made the most sense for Elita. 

How Ivy Talent Helped 

During the application process, the family visited eight private schools. Newton Country Day School stood out for its warm atmosphere, convenient location, and strong alignment with Elita’s values and interests. From the admissions process to the fencing program, everything felt like a great fit. Although Newton Country Day was Elita’s top choice, she was initially waitlisted in the regular decision round due to her English proficiency test score. The school was concerned about whether she could fully engage in an all-English-speaking environment. However, neither Ivy Talent nor the family saw this as a setback—instead, they viewed it as an opportunity for growth. This was one of the first real challenges Elita had faced, and it became an important lesson in resilience and perspective. 

During the waitlist period, Ivy Talent stayed in close contact with the school and kept the lines of communication open. They continued to advocate for Elita, highlighting her commitment, maturity, and potential. They also reassured the school that Elita was fully capable of meeting academic expectations and would continue to improve her English skills. With the team’s support and Elita’s dedication, she was ultimately accepted to Newton Country Day School. Ivy Talent remained in touch with the family, and after a year at the school, Elita maintained strong performance across nearly every subject.

Reflection 

Looking back, Elita’s parents are grateful for the entire experience. They saw firsthand how important it is to focus on the child’s long-term development, not just rankings or test scores. For them, supporting a child means respecting their opinions, offering steady encouragement, and helping them explore their interests. Fencing, in particular, has played a key role in Elita’s growth, teaching her resilience, discipline, and confidence along the way.

Elita’s parents have a few pieces of advice for families just starting the U.S. school application journey:

• Support and listen to your child. Try to understand what they truly want, not just what looks good on paper. 
• Don’t focus only on test scores. They matter, but they’re not the whole picture. 
• Work with the right people. A thoughtful, experienced consulting team can make a big difference. 

The process came with its challenges, but the outcome was deeply rewarding. With Ivy Talent’s guidance every step of the way, Elita and her family ultimately found more than just an academic fit. At Newton Country Day School, she discovered a community where she feels supported, inspired, and ready to thrive. Ivy Talent is proud to have played a role in helping her take this important step with confidence and clarity.