中文
Tiếng ViệtStudent Profile
Student Name: Crystal
Admitted to: The Madeira School
About Crystal
Crystal is a ninth-grade student at a British international school in Beijing. She is kind, hardworking, and artistic, with a strong passion for ballet. At first, her family planned for her to study in the U.S. for college. But after giving it more thought, they realized it might be better for her to begin her education in the U.S. during high school instead. The British curriculum requires students to choose A-Level subjects early on, which can limit their options. In contrast, American high schools offer a broader and more flexible education, allowing students more time to explore different interests. This approach felt like a better fit for Crystal. By the time they made the switch, she was already midway through eighth grade. That left little time to prepare for a highly competitive application process.
Working with Ivy Talent
Crystal and her family started working with Ivy Talent in January 2023, during the second semester of her 8th grade year. At the time, they had just begun preparing for the TOEFL and were still looking for the right education consulting team. By the time they found Ivy Talent, most U.S. boarding schools had already closed their Grade 9 application deadlines, which usually fall around January 15. Given the timing and limited preparation, Ivy Talent advised postponing the application and applying for Grade 9 the following year instead. This extra time allowed Crystal to strengthen her application, build relevant experiences, and better align her profile with the schools she hoped to attend.
Like many families, Crystal’s parents attended public webinars during the U.S. boarding school admissions season in March. That’s where they first met Lily, one of Ivy Talent’s consultants. Her experience, presentation style, and the values she shared left a lasting impression. The way she explained the U.S. education system felt clear and thoughtful, and her approach resonated with what Crystal’s family was looking for.
They also appreciated that Ivy Talent works with students from a wide range of backgrounds and academic levels. This inclusive philosophy, along with the company’s strong reputation, made them feel comfortable and confident about moving forward.
What gave them more assurance was the transparency and professionalism of the international team. One of the consultants, Jessie, explained how the support team would work and went over a detailed month-by-month plan.
Crystal’s support team was made up of experienced professionals across different areas. For the Vericant interview, Ivy Talent arranged targeted coaching sessions where Crystal worked with teachers who used a range of communication styles, helping her prepare for different types of interview situations. She also participated in mock interviews led by former admissions officers, which helped her build confidence and improve her responses. In addition to major application materials, Ivy Talent provided expert support for smaller tasks like writing school emails, ensuring that everything was polished, clear, and stayed true to Crystal’s voice and story.
How Ivy Talent Helped
Crystal’s GPA didn’t fully reflect her abilities due to differences between the British and American grading systems, but Ivy Talent’s consultants helped her present a strong application that highlighted her true potential. They explained her school background to admissions officers and worked closely with her to highlight her strengths, especially her leadership, creativity, and community involvement through ballet. They helped Crystal develop a personal brand that highlighted her strengths in service, mentorship, and leadership. For example, she mentored younger dancers at her school and performed in events that supported children with autism. Ivy Talent worked with her to connect these experiences into a meaningful narrative that reflected her empathy, maturity, and drive. These qualities closely matched Madeira’s focus on leadership and community involvement.
When it was time to build a school list, Ivy Talent helped Crystal’s family look beyond rankings. They provided personalized research templates that made it easier to compare schools based on academics, extracurriculars, student culture, and core values. Through this process, Crystal’s parents came to appreciate the unique benefits of all-girls schools. The Madeira School stood out in particular for its strong emphasis on empowering young women in STEM and leadership through hands-on programs and internship opportunities.
Ivy Talent also helped Crystal prepare for her interviews. They brought in mock interview coaches, including former admissions officers, so she could practice responding to a variety of question styles. Crystal also received personalized coaching on how to tailor her answers to fit each school. She learned how to speak confidently about her interests in biology, theater, and leadership in a way that felt authentic and aligned with each school’s priorities.
Reflection
Throughout the admissions process, Crystal became more disciplined and mature as she balanced academics, test prep, and extracurriculars. Her time management, communication, and leadership skills improved as she worked with her consultants, interviewed with admissions officers, and connected with students during campus visits. Crystal also learned how to handle pressure. Instead of comparing herself to other applicants online, she focused on staying grounded and trusting the process. In the end, what set Crystal apart wasn’t just her accomplishments, but her authenticity and the way she led with her heart. Ivy Talent helped her recognize and shape those qualities into a story that strongly aligned with The Madeira School’s values.
Advice to Other Families
Crystal’s parents encourage other families to start early and recognize that while academic performance is important, it’s only part of a strong application. Once that foundation is set, students should focus on discovering what they enjoy and finding meaningful ways to express their interests. Most importantly, they believe that working with a knowledgeable and supportive team like Ivy Talent can make the entire process feel more manageable, less stressful, and genuinely empowering for both students and parents.
