Free consultancy programmes to help you get into top US universities

Bangladeshi high school students are, now more than ever, looking into top US universities to pursue their undergraduate studies. Although most people think that it is all about a high SAT score, good academic results, and a decent extracurricular profile, let me save you the suspense — it is not. 

Top US schools maintain a holistic admission process, which means they will consider everything alongside conventional metrics of success— from the unique experiences you have been through to how well you fit that particular university's values. 

Many applicants feel overwhelmed by this unfamiliar selection process, especially in Bangladesh, where academics take priority. Without proper guidance, they often struggle with an unorganised university list, weak personal statements, and an unpolished Common App profile.

Applying to US schools is complex. It is important that you adequately educate yourself about what you are getting into. So, what should you do to avoid ending up with a rejection letter from your dream university?

Well, the answer is college consultancy programmes. But are they not expensive? Not all of them are; in fact, some are free and highly credible! 

Crimson access opportunity programme

Crimson Education, the world's leading US admission support consultancy, created this programme for high-achieving students with free access to its renowned US admission support. Their website reads, "We provide CAO students with teams of top US university admissions experts who support students in perfecting every element of their applications. We aim to help these students stand out above an increasingly competitive application crowd."

To get into this programme, you will have to fill out an application given on their website. After a few months, they will reach out to you with their decision. Once accepted, you will receive a dedicated team, consisting of a strategist, a financial aid mentor and an essay mentor, which will help you with every single piece of your application. You will also attend frequent sessions with the world's leading admission experts. 

It is obvious that getting into this programme is a bit competitive. However, if you get selected, you are in for a ride!

Matchlighters scholars programme

This is yet another free US admission support programme for high-achieving students aiming to get into top universities. This one-on-one programme is created by a very well-known name among US applicants: The College Essay Guy. On top of getting a personal mentor who helps you with everything, you get access to all the premium resources of the College Essay Guy.

Although they say on their website that it is only for US citizens, it is not. If you email them, they will give you a separate application that is meant for international students. After the selection process, they will match you up with an experienced college consultant with whom you will have weekly sessions to create a competitive application.

Note that these programmes do not guarantee your admission to a top university. You can definitely crack US universities without them, and many have. But such programmes surely increase your chances significantly. Students in these programmes have double the acceptance rate at top LACs and Ivy League schools. 

These programmes make you work smart while providing effective guidance, a supportive community, and excellent networking opportunities. With all these benefits coming at zero cost, you have to give it a shot. Best of luck!