Services from Global Academic Consultants
Global Academic Consultants offers a vast array of specialized services designed with the needs of domestic and international families in mind. All services can be obtained on an individual basis or as a package. Please contact us for rates.
Standardized Test Preparation Programs
We offer individualized and group ISEE, SSAT, ACT, PSAT, and SAT standardized testing programs. Students wishing to attend an American preparatory boarding school need to successfully pass the ISEE/SSAT tests. Colleges and universities require successful completion of the ACT/SAT tests.
Our test preparation courses are taught by energetic and engaging American professors (from United States universities) with a proven track record of markedly improving standardized test scores. We use live online video streaming and a shared blackboard system to teach to the small classrooms that promote individualized attention for the student. Our professors are available to students outside of the normal classroom hours to assist with any questions that arise during self-study periods. Most GAC competitors don’t offer this individualized service.
The study materials and practice exams included in all test preparation courses build student confidence. In fact, the ACT and SAT study guide companions GAC uses in its test preparation courses were written by GAC's Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Angie Record, who holds a PhD in Communications. Dr. Record has a proven track record of markedly improving standardized test scores and successfully placing domestic and international students with their first-choice boarding school, college, or university in the United States.
Upon request, we are available to travel for intensive face-to-face test preparation with your student or small groups of students.
Admissions Counseling
Within the United States, there are many high-quality and elite boarding schools, colleges, and universities from which to choose. Not every school, however, is the best fit for your student’s current interests and future aspirations. Our trained consultants take the time to get to know the student’s personality, interests, and future goals; we help to identify the institutions that will provide the best learning environment and personal experience for your student. Our process considers the student’s personal interests and hobbies, passions and career goals, and the regional differences within the United States of where the schools are located (such as climate, geographical offerings, and cultural diversity).
Services offered include assisting the student and family with the entire enrollment process including:
- Identifying the best institutions for the student
- Understanding admissions requirements and the application process
- Completing applications according to institution guidelines
- Developing eye-catching essays and effective resumes
- Adhering to pertinent deadlines and special institution requests
- Communicating with institutions during and following the application process
We recommend that students begin working with GAC 12 to 18 months prior to attending boarding school. High school students wishing to enroll in an American college or university should start counseling with GAC no later than the beginning of the senior year but, ideally, at the beginning of the junior year.
GAC has a tremendously high success rate at placing students at their top school of choice. Allow us to demonstrate to your student the keys to our success.
Concierge and Specialty Services
Life Coaching
Life coaching is a practice that helps individuals identify and achieve goals. Sometimes students have difficulty identifying their personal passions and academic and career goals. GAC's certified life coach, who is also a college professor, works with students and their parents to help clearly define these passions and goals. It is imperative that students identify these aspects prior to applying to boarding schools, colleges, and universities as these institutions will be looking for a student's understanding and expression of these criteria.
Travel Arrangement Assistance
Our trained consultants can provide assistance with all travel accommodations to, from, and within the United States. This value-added service gives families the peace of mind that all students will be chaperoned and escorted safely from the airport to their academic destination.
Professional Tour Guide and Travel Escort Services
Our tour guide coordinates with your school(s) of interest to ensure that your student receives a solid impression of the school and surrounding area. This includes meeting with a campus admissions counselor and, if timing allows, faculty and students who share the student’s extracurricular interests.
Our tours not only provide pertinent information about the campus and its location, but also details about what it is really like to attend school in the United States, the traditions and history of American culture, and available scenic opportunities. Travel and tour packages are tailored to your preferences and interests.
GAC also works with educational institutions to provide tours to the schools' student groups who take school trips to locations for educational purposes. Contact GAC directly for rates.
Applying for a United States visa can be a daunting task. The most common visa category for international students is F-1 (student visa) followed by J-1 (exchange visitor). Visas are obtained abroad in the student's home country once she or he has been fully admitted to an American boarding school, college, or university. All students must obtain an I-20 (for F-1) or IAP-66 (for J-1) documentation upon admission. Although GAC has no influence on whether a student’s visa application is approved, GAC can assist the student in navigating the bureaucratic visa process.
