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Tiếng ViệtStudent Profile
Student Name: Grace
Previous School: Rectory School
Admitted to: Peddie School
About Grace
Grace started her education at a public elementary school in China. From early on, her family hoped she would one day study in the United States. They supported her passions in horseback riding, piano, and clarinet, and encouraged her to continue building her strengths.
At first, her parents thought she should stay in China until high school. But after joining her older sister on a tour of U.S. schools, Grace was drawn to the learning environment and community at American boarding schools. Not long after, she took part in a short-term program in Washington, D.C. What was supposed to be a brief visit turned into a seven-month stay because of the pandemic, and Grace made the most of it.
She adjusted well to dorm life, enjoyed the more interactive classroom experience, and built strong relationships with her teachers and classmates. Her positive experience helped her parents realize that applying for U.S. middle school was the right choice.
Working with Ivy Talent
Grace applied to U.S. middle schools at the end of sixth grade and enrolled at Rectory School. Grace quickly built strong relationships with both teachers and classmates and especially enjoyed the wide range of music opportunities the school provided.
Rectory offered a warm and welcoming environment, but it also challenged students academically, especially through its ninth-grade honors classes. Grace was self-motivated and set high expectations for herself. She managed pressure well and stayed focused on her goals. At home, her parents made a conscious effort not to focus solely on academics. They prioritized her mental health, daily routines, and overall wellbeing. In the end, it was Grace’s personal drive and consistent effort that helped her succeed.
Not long after she started at Rectory, her family discovered Ivy Talent through FindingSchool and other families in the community. They were impressed by the professionalism and honest feedback from Ivy Talent’s consultants. The conversations felt genuine, and they appreciated that Ivy Talent focused not just on school admissions but on Grace’s personal growth throughout the entire process.
How Ivy Talent Helped
At first, Grace’s parents thought about highlighting her horseback riding in her application, since she had already invested a lot of time and energy into the sport. But after speaking with the Ivy Talent team, they began to reconsider. Her consultant encouraged them to think realistically about the challenges of continuing off-campus training while attending a boarding school. Instead of making it the focus, they decided horseback riding could remain a meaningful personal hobby.
This shift gave Grace more room to fully dive into her passion for music. She became actively involved in a wide range of musical activities—playing piano and clarinet, joining the orchestra and jazz band, and even accompanying performances at school events. Music brought her real joy, helped her form strong friendships, and became a natural, visible part of who she was. It eventually became a key strength in her application.
When it was time to apply to high schools, Grace and her family visited every school on her list. Peddie School stood out right away. Its academic rigor, excellent music program, and supportive community made it an ideal fit. With about 500 students, the school was large enough to offer opportunity and small enough to ensure individual attention. Its quiet, scenic location also made it a peaceful and balanced environment for high school life.
To ease anxiety, the family stayed in close contact with their Ivy Talent consultants through a group chat, where they could receive quick updates and answers. With consultants based in both China and the U.S., the real-time communication helped keep everyone on the same page and reduced a lot of the stress that typically comes with the process.
Ivy Talent also helped bridge communication between Grace and her parents during a time that can often feel tense or high-pressure. Instead of directing feedback or concerns at Grace, her consultant helped frame conversations in a way that encouraged her without making her feel overwhelmed.
When Grace encountered moments of uncertainty or felt the workload piling up, her consultant helped her break down tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. This approach helped her prioritize, stay focused, and continue making progress. Grace’s consultant encouraged her, recognized her efforts, and helped her grow more confident in herself. She was encouraged to take initiative, explore new interests, and believe in her own strengths.
To prepare for interviews, the Ivy Talent team also brought in a former admissions officer from Phillips Academy Andover to work with Grace. The coaching helped her learn how to express herself more clearly and confidently, while communicating her strengths in a natural, sincere way.
Her application essays not only emphasized her passion for music but also highlighted her warm, collaborative nature—her willingness to support others, contribute to her community, and form meaningful relationships. Together, these qualities helped her stand out in the applicant pool.
Looking Back
Looking back, Grace’s parents feel proud of how much she grew throughout the application process. Her time management, ability to handle pressure, and communication skills all improved significantly. She became more confident, proactive, and ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that high school would bring.
For other families preparing for U.S. school applications, Grace’s mom shares a few key takeaways:
- Focus on the present rather than letting anxiety take over.
- Begin standardized testing prep early to reduce pressure later on.
- Choose a consulting team you trust and whose values align with your own.
For Grace and her family, that team was Ivy Talent. With their support, she was able to move into the next chapter of her academic journey at Peddie School with confidence.
