Universities & Colleges

University Application & Planning

Prepare before the storm. Drawing on more than a decade of experience from different university admissions directors across America, our counselors thoroughly understand the admissions process and the importance of starting early. Foundation’s planning program is comprehensive and built on your hobbies and interests as well as pinpointing areas fit for exploration.

While most are familiar with research universities in the United States such as the Ivy Leagues, Asian families might find themselves less familiar with liberal arts colleges.

What are Liberal Arts Colleges?

Liberal arts colleges provide a 4-year degree curriculum with a focus on the training of critical thinking and communication skills. Liberal arts colleges have a smaller student body of 1000 to 3000 which allows a high teacher to student ratio with a small class size of around 16 people. Unlike larger research universities, academic programs are not sorted into faculties and schools but are completely open for students to take classes across disciplines. For example, a Biology major could take classes in mechanical engineering, visual arts, marketing and vice versa. Some liberal arts colleges do not have core distributive requirements and some even allow students to create and design their own degree.

What’s Unique about Liberal Arts Colleges?

Classes in liberal arts colleges usually take place in the form of interactive, discussion based seminars and students are expected to volunteer and give their opinions in class. Professors (even those who are Nobel Prize winners) teach all the classes personally which fosters close relationships with their students. Graduates from liberal arts colleges consider these network most valuable no matter for those who are looking to secure internships, research opportunities, those who are proceeding into the job market or even those looking for graduate school opportunities.

What’s the Graduate Prospects of Liberal Arts College Graduates?

Since graduates from liberal arts colleges are highly skilled in critical thinking, writing and communication, some companies and organizations specifically prefer candidates from liberal arts colleges for their outstanding soft skills. 65% of CEOS from Fortune 500 companies are graduates from liberal arts colleges. Famous politicians such as Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton are both alumna from liberal arts colleges.

Are Liberal Arts Colleges for Me?

Liberal arts colleges and bigger mainstream research universities are suitable for different students, depending on their preferences for the size of schools, curriculum, research opportunities, reputation and needs. It is therefore recommended that families visit different types of colleges before application. Families could also seek advice from education consultancies for their professional recommendation.

Let us build your story with you.

Our Process

Profile Analysis & Application Strategy

Profile Analysis & Application Strategy

Every student is unique. We conduct in-depth analysis of every student’s academic achievement, interests, personality and strengths to recommend a tailor-made application strategy. From the type of schools to choose from to managing the application timeline, we guide our students through every step of the application process.

Academic Advisory

Academic Advisory

Academic scores are an essential part of a student’s profile, which includes school grades, course rigor, standardized test scores, and the high school reputation. What tests does the student need to take? When is a good time to take the tests? What classes should the student take at school? We look at the student’s academic profile holistically and recommend the best academic strategy.

Portfolio Building

Portfolio Building

Character matters. Besides academic achievement, personal character also weighs heavily in the admission process. Character is expressed through the student’s extracurricular involvement. Whether it is in sports, arts, music, or other activities, we have counselors in specialized fields who help students build their portfolios to showcase their strongest talents.

Summer Planning

Summer Planning

Experience matters. Here at Foundation, we believe that students are more likely to find their academic and career interests by experiencing first-hand. The summer break provides a good opportunity for students to focus on a particular area of interest. Based on a student’s academic and career orientations, we recommend summer school and internship opportunities that help the student strengthen both his intellectual curiosities and application profile.

Campus Visit

Campus Visit

Seeing is believing.
Even with the wealth of information we provide for each university, nothing can be as powerful or as conclusive as a campus tour. Not only can you show your commitment to a particular institution by having an on-campus interview, but also detailing specific parts of the university that you are enthusiastic about is a sure way to make your application stand out.
Beneath the surface. Foundation’s counselors provide extensive supplementary information as well as guide you in personalized interactions with university staff and students. With us, campus tours are more than just a visit; they are a comprehensive experience.

Major and School Selection

Major and School Selection

We look for the best fit. Our school selection process is comprehensive and highly individualized.
We take into account the student’s academic profile, career orientation, personality and interests. Using our professional experiences, we help students identify major directions and recommend school choices. By finding the most suitable schools, students not only maximize the likelihood of being accepted, but also ensure the best possible university experiences.

Personal Statement and Essay Guidance

Personal Statement and Essay Guidance

Colleges want to know your personal story. The personal statement gives students the opportunity to tie their passion, interests, and values into a cohesive image. After evaluating the student’s overall positioning, we help students brainstorm for potential topics that best fit their application profile. Subsequently, we provide detailed guidance and feedback to our students as they share their personal narratives through writing.

Interview Training

Interview Training

An interview serves to prove that a student is very much the individual his application claims. In particular universities, an interview can make or break an application. Our personalized interview training program helps students build up confidence by enhancing their communication skills and interview etiquette.

Testimonials