At Foundation, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and value to our clients. But don't just take our word for it. Hear what our satisfied customers have to say about their experiences working with us.
See how our programs have transformed our students' lives.
Offer:
The Lawrenceville School
The Hotchkiss School
The Taft School
From: US Junior Boarding Sschool
Interests: Professional Figure Skating, Sports, photography, history
Personality traits: Persistent and resilient, strong-hearted, fearless in the face of challenges
Application Journey
J is an exceptional student at our school, consistently achieving top academic honors while continually challenging herself. Beyond academics, she holds pivotal roles as a school tour guide, orchestra flute section leader, admissions office assistant, and grade-level leader, refining her leadership prowess. She also excels as a vital member of our school’s ice hockey and field hockey teams, actively engaging in diverse campus activities. Her adeptness in seamlessly transitioning between these roles prompts us to ponder: where lies the essence of being a “high-quality young woman”?
01. High-Quality Young Woman
J embarked on her journey in figure skating at the tender age of 4. Childhood for J meant icy rinks, rigorous training, and the pressures of coaching. Intrigued by the smooth ice and swift skates, she progressed from a simple hobby to intensive professional training, navigating moments of deep frustration. Despite vowing to quit due to the arduous training, returning to the school’s rink rekindled her joy and resilience. Reflecting on her experiences, she asserts, “It is these trials that have made me fearless in adversity.”
Moreover, figure skating unexpectedly enriched J’s life. While not highlighted in her application as a specialty, her evolution from passion to weariness and back underscored her unique journey on the ice. We strongly recommend she articulate this narrative in her essays and interviews, as it left a profound impact on admissions officers.
02. Close to Top US Boarding Schools, Perhaps Just a Stack of Photos Away
As J matured, her love for photography blossomed. Capturing architecture, landscapes, and the unnoticed facets of life, she found her voice through the lens. Her photographic achievements, including recognition in state-level competitions across the United States, underscore her talent.
J’s commitment extends beyond photography to community service, where she uses art to explore the world’s intricacies and unveil the beauty in overlooked moments. These endeavors reveal her sensitivity and enrich her profile with compelling humanistic narratives that resonate deeply with admissions officers.
03. Strong Inner Drive and Pioneering Spirit
In addition to her stellar academic and extracurricular record, J’s application highlights her unwavering drive and pioneering spirit. Guided by our support, she tackled the history essay competition, “The Concord Review,” delving into feminist studies with a depth surpassing her peers. As the sole middle school participant, she collaborated with high school and college students, navigating divergent perspectives to elevate her research prowess.
04. One Walks Fast, but a Group Walks Far
While US boarding schools emphasize team cohesion, J predominantly pursued individual projects. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, we advised her to immerse herself in school team activities to experience camaraderie and collective success. Leveraging her athletic prowess and solid foundation, J swiftly became a linchpin in the varsity ice hockey and field hockey teams, assuming leadership roles that fostered unity. Her affable nature seamlessly integrated her into the team, forging lasting bonds with her peers.
Offer:
From: International School Hong Kong
Interests: Sports, architectural design, coding, robotics
Personality traits: Naturally introspective and humble, grounded and reliable, adaptable and composed in the face of change
Application Journey
01. Self-Discipline
“Self-discipline” is the first keyword for Student Z. Due to allergies, he started football at three and began swimming at seven on a doctor’s advice. This change led to significant rewards, including an invitation to join the Hong Kong Swimming Team in April 2022. However, this posed a dilemma: joining meant sacrificing other activities and rest time, and compressing his academic schedule as he prepared for U.S. high school applications.
After discussions with the guidance team, Student Z accepted the challenge. A detailed application schedule was created, helping him manage his time efficiently. He developed excellent time management skills, balancing early morning training, school, and more training after school. He used his 2.5-hour daily commute to study, ensuring he completed 25 hours of swimming training weekly without neglecting academics.
The structured schedule, combined with long-term exercise habits, helped him maintain regular sleep patterns, providing a solid foundation for his demanding application season.
02. Experimentation
“Experimentation” is Student Z’s second keyword. Personal experiences in interviews and presentations are more impactful than mere statements of interest. The guidance team encouraged him to broaden his experiences beyond sports. He participated in makerspace learning, woodworking, 3D cutting, an online course on eco-friendly car making, and programming. He led a cross-school team to design robots, winning second place in the First Lego League.
Despite the pandemic, his hands-on skills, knowledge exploration, and teamwork experiences grew, transforming him from a “stereotypical STEM student” to a “versatile polymath.”
03. Challenge
“Challenge” is the third keyword. Though exempt from TOEFL and with optional SSAT during the pandemic, Student Z aimed for high SSAT scores. Initially finding SSAT challenging, he followed a meticulous study plan, using fragmented time to memorize vocabulary and practice reading. His hard work paid off with excellent SSAT results.
04. Transformation
“Transformation” is the fourth keyword. Initially shy and hesitant, Student Z became confident and articulate in interviews. The guidance team identified this weakness early, emphasizing interview tasks, mock interviews, and meetings with admissions officers. Their support and his effort led to significant growth, resulting in high praise from admissions officers and successful interviews with top schools.
Top schools admired not just his swimming talent but his consistent self-discipline and effort. As Yohji Yamamoto said, “Be a free and self-disciplined person, living seriously with the determination to succeed.” Every effort deserves respect, showing the value in accomplishing challenging tasks.
Offer:
Interests: Music, architecture, painting
Personality traits: Creative thinking, strong self-motivation
Application profile: Aspiring architect dreaming of playing the clarinet on the moon
Application Journey
01. Childhood Dream of Architecture:
Since childhood, I’ve harbored a dream of becoming an architect, a passion that continues to grow. My fascination with architectural design blossomed through extensive travels, particularly inspired by Chongqing’s unique “8D Mountain City” style. Unlike conventional skyscrapers, Chongqing’s architecture integrates seamlessly with its natural landscapes of mountains and rivers, crafted through the locals’ adaptive creativity. This blend of nature and modern innovation left an indelible mark on me.
Under Foundation’s expert guidance, I attended Exeter’s summer school, deepening my architectural understanding. Encouraged by mentors, I embarked on creating a 3D model, choosing Chongqing’s Liziba Light Rail Station as my subject. This iconic structure, where light rails traverse through buildings, captured my imagination and posed significant technical challenges. Utilizing diverse architectural software and my artistic skills, I completed the intricate 3D model. Presenting this project during interviews affirmed my commitment to architectural excellence, envisioning these designs as future urban landmarks.
02. Clarinet Journey and Musical Passion:
For six years, mastering the clarinet has been central to my life’s narrative. Reflecting on Hegel’s analogy of music as “liquid architecture,” I recognize profound parallels between music and my architectural aspirations. Devoting extensive hours daily to practice—beginning with fundamental exercises and gradually mastering complex pieces—has cultivated both discipline and artistry within me.
At Foundation, my musical prowess was recognized, prompting the integration of music with charitable endeavors aligned with High Meadows’ community ethos. Through numerous charity concerts benefiting autistic children, I’ve witnessed music’s transformative power firsthand. These experiences fortified my dedication to using music as a medium for social good, believing in fostering inclusive communities and supporting children’s development through artistic expression.
03. Lessons from Application Experience:
My journey as a “successful applicant” to top boarding schools has taught me invaluable lessons. Contrary to popular belief, boarding schools don’t seek flawless applicants but rather individuals who authentically embody their passions and potential. Embracing my imperfections, such as my initial lack of athleticism and the perseverance needed to secure leadership roles, has underscored the importance of personal growth and resilience.
Each boarding school evaluates applicants through distinct lenses, seeking diverse qualities beyond academic excellence. There’s no universal formula for success; authenticity and personal growth are paramount. Sharing my insights with aspiring applicants, I emphasize the significance of being true to oneself throughout the application process, focusing on individual strengths and contributions rather than conforming to perceived ideals of perfection.
Offer:
From: International school in China
Application profile: Chaotic but Warm-hearted Tech Guy
Application Journey
01. Applying to U.S. High Schools is Like Leveling Up in a Game; I’m Not Afraid to Start Over.
This isn’t my first time applying to U.S. high schools, and past failures have shaken my confidence. During my previous attempt, I had to switch consultants at the last minute, starting with FGE Advisor very late in the process. With limited time, the results were less than ideal.
However, FGE Advisor never stopped encouraging me. Under their guidance, I optimized my engineering project—a boat designed to clean river garbage, inspired by observations during the pandemic. Initially flawed, I upgraded it comprehensively one summer, improving programming, redesigning the hull, and adding water quality testing features. FGE advisor also helped me create a detailed video presentation for my applications. This boat represents my dedication to science and my concern for environmental issues, documenting my growth over two application seasons.
02. A New Meaning for “Chaotic but Warm-hearted Tech Guy”
FGE advisor and I dug deep to highlight new personal traits. My application profile, “Chaotic but Warm-hearted Tech Guy,” summarizes my core activities: researching General Tso’s Chicken and its link to immigration history, and designing a portable electronic guide dog inspired by my father’s eye surgery.
Initially puzzled by the popularity of General Tso’s Chicken, FGE advisor encouraged me to explore its story, leading to a deeper understanding of Chinese American history and cultural integration. This dish symbolizes a successful cultural export, helping Chinese immigrants in North America.
The idea for a portable electronic guide dog stemmed from caring for my father during his recovery from eye surgery. This experience highlighted the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. Though my initial design had flaws, FGE advisor encouraged me to candidly discuss these in my application, which was well-received by admissions officers.
03. Rooted in the Community, Using a Spirit of Service to Impress Admissions Officers
I maintain excellent grades across all subjects, though not an academic prodigy, and my sports and music experiences might seem ordinary. Despite this, FGE advisor emphasized showcasing my community involvement and service spirit. I promoted a freshman orientation program, became a mentor, participated in school tours, and engaged in volunteer running activities with visually impaired individuals. These experiences reflect my commitment to engineering and public service.
I contributed my engineering talents and helped new students transition smoothly, demonstrating my interaction with my community and my enthusiasm. These efforts have given me confidence because they are ingrained in my daily life, representing my persistence.
Offer:
From: International School in Singapore
Personality traits, interests, and hobbies:
Application Journey
01. Connection with Foundation
Student C’s family has known Foundation for many years. Foundation helped Student C’s sister with her application and she was successfully admitted to her dream school.
Therefore, when Student C decided to study abroad, her parents immediately thought of Foundation. Her mother said that she didn’t hesitate to decide because the professionalism, practicality, and care for the children shown by the Foundation team left a very deep impression on her. “So, we felt very reassured to entrust our second child to Foundation!”
02. Application Deadline Approaching, No Time to Delay
Student C decided to study abroad in November, only three weeks before the application deadline for American schools. Time was tight, and the task was heavy. At that time, Student C didn’t have any language test scores yet. To meet the deadlines, even before signing the formal contract, our consultant teachers quickly helped Student C schedule a TOEFL Junior test. After the initial family meeting, the timeline was immediately created and application plan for Student C based on her actual situation, so her family could clearly understand what needed to be done at each stage.
03. Discovering Shining Points and Cultivating Confidence
Often, studying abroad applications require showcasing the strengths and evaluate on one’s weaknesses. Besides identifying a child’s weaknesses and finding ways to improve them, it’s even more important to discover and amplify their strengths so that admissions officers can see the child’s unique qualities.
When creating a personal profile for Student C, we brainstormed with her mother to think about which activities could highlight her existing traits and enhance her profile for the application. They proposed several suggestions and plans based on Student C’s various qualities.
04. Overcoming Challenges and Successfully Completing the Application
The interview was unanimously considered the most challenging part of the application process.
We provided comprehensive interview training and guidance. During the interview period, we accompanied Student C throughout, offering professional coaching for each interview. She helped familiarize Student C with each school’s characteristics and questions before the interview and conducted reviews and analyses after each interview to address weaknesses and make improvements. Her mother’s trust and support also made the application process smoother.
05. Good Parent-Child Relationship: The Source of Strength for the Application
The support and encouragement from Student C’s parents played a crucial role in her successful admission to her dream school, alongside her own efforts.
In the parent-child relationship, Student C’s parents acted more like cheerleaders. They carefully observed and discovered her strengths, praised her efforts, and provided direction when she faced setbacks and failures.
Her father even set aside time each week to exercise with her and talk about interesting events of the week. This positive family education style gave Student C enough security to communicate with others and try new things.
Offer:
From: International school in China
Application Journey
01. Transforming into a Little Entomologist to Explore the Unique Charm of Nature
Unlike most children who fear insects, my mom says I’ve shown a strong interest in them since I was a toddler. Whenever I saw an ant, I would squat down to observe it. If I found a cicada about to shed its shell, I would bring it home and carefully take care of it as if it were a treasure.
Because of my love for insects, I began reading many books related to them from a young age. Over time, I have become familiar with more and more insects, able to accurately name them and describe their habits. I have also learned courage and resilience from their survival strategies.
As I grew older, I wasn’t satisfied with just learning about insects from books and TV. I began searching for various insects in my surroundings. My parents respected my interests and arranged nature exploration camps for me during holidays, allowing me to connect fully with nature. During that time, I always brought a bug net with me and carefully observed under trees. Little did I know then that my interest in insects would become a great asset in my application to American high schools.
Now, apart from eating, sleeping, and attending classes, my favorite activity is tending to my “insect corner” at home. I have built an “ant castle” and enjoy observing their daily routines. Though it is a long process, I find joy in it.
During the application process for American high schools, my advisors at Fandisin thoughtfully selected a field ecology course at Andover Summer School, tailored to my interest in insects. This course satisfied my curiosity and gave me a taste of boarding life. My advisors also encouraged me to actively communicate with teachers during summer school to lay a solid foundation for my future applications.
This summer was undoubtedly one of the best I have experienced. During the interview process for American high schools, my advisors suggested that I show my collection of butterfly and beetle specimens to the admissions officers, which greatly piqued their interest.
02. Passionate About Drama, Sparking a Drama Trend at School
Drama is another one of my interests. I volunteered to play the lead role of Oliver Twist in our school’s annual play, “Oliver Twist,” receiving unanimous support and encouragement from my advisors at Fandisin.
To ensure the perfect performance, I needed to train in acting, singing, and dancing. The musical numbers were particularly challenging, especially as the entire performance was in English. This was a significant challenge for me. However, my parents and the Fandisin advisors provided immense mental support.
During team collaboration, I felt a strong sense of responsibility from my classmates. Their energy and repeated rehearsals allowed us to make continuous progress. Working with students from different grades towards a common goal also deepened my understanding of teamwork.
The final performance, which was lively and deeply moving, received unanimous praise. Some students were so engrossed in the play that they stayed behind after it ended, reluctant to leave.
03. Committed to Rowing, Embracing the Spirit of Sports!
Rowing is not just a sport for me; it has been a part of my growth. From my tender hands gripping the oars to my calloused hands wiping sweat, each milestone achieved with hard work has proven the value of my journey in rowing.
My rowing experience was not smooth. As a skinny child, my first impression of rowing training was how exhausting it was. However, driven by curiosity, I persisted, despite the painful blisters that followed each session. Each setback and failure made me stronger and more confident, teaching me to face challenges with an indomitable spirit.
Reflecting on this journey, it seems all I did was strive forward. Now, as I occasionally pause, I realize I have rowed thousands of miles. From knowing nothing to becoming proficient, the details may have blurred, but the feeling of working with teammates towards a common goal is something I have truly experienced. The sports spirit I gained from rowing supported me through the ups and downs of the American high school application process, and I believe it will continue to benefit my studies and life in the future.
Offer: The University of Pennsylvania
From: US Boarding School
Susan’s Mother’s Sharing:
Early planning is crucial for navigating the complexities of applying to American universities and maximizing success. Without ample preparation, securing admission to top-tier institutions becomes daunting. Reflecting on my daughter’s experience applying to Penn, I often field inquiries from parents curious about the approach.
I stress the importance of long-term strategic planning. Regardless of consultancy quality, rushing preparations undermines outcomes. Achieving competitive standardized test scores, maintaining a strong GPA, and cultivating a robust extracurricular portfolio necessitate years of careful cultivation.
Crafting compelling application essays, which illuminate a student’s unique qualities and experiences, demands substantial foresight and refinement. Initiating preparations as early as 9th or 10th grade affords students the necessary time to develop academically and personally, ensuring they present their best selves to admissions committees.
Foundation stands out as a trusted partner in this journey. Their seasoned consultants provide invaluable guidance on selecting rigorous coursework, participating in enriching summer programs, and engaging in impactful extracurricular activities. Their holistic approach ensures students receive tailored support throughout their academic endeavors.
Beyond academics, I advocate for nurturing a child’s “underlying logic” — their innate drive and values — over fixating on academic rankings and achievements. Encouraging children to explore their passions and develop as individuals fosters long-term fulfillment and resilience. I believe that children from economically stable families, like those born in the 2000s and 2010s, should pursue their ideals and personal growth rather than solely focusing on academic competition, unlike previous generations constrained by survival pressures.
In essence, fostering an environment where children can authentically thrive and explore their potential is paramount. Understanding and supporting their unique paths to happiness and success empowers them to navigate life with confidence and purpose. This philosophy underpins my daughter’s journey and my approach to family education, advocating for authenticity and personal growth above all.
Offer:
From: Bilingual School in China
Activities:
Application Journey
If you review my application, you’ll find an impressive array of awards from high-level mathematics competitions that challenge participants globally, showcasing my extensive mathematical knowledge and strong logical thinking. Initially, I wasn’t drawn to mathematics, but high grades motivated me to explore deeper.
My interest blossomed during a summer school focused on physics and mathematics research in sophomore year. Engaging in complex experiments that demanded advanced mathematical tools fascinated me, igniting a profound interest in the subject’s rigorous problem-solving aspect.
Throughout high school, I pursued several international mathematics competitions, realizing their content surpassed standard textbooks, expanding my thinking and knowledge significantly.
In my 2020 applications, UC Berkeley stood out as my dream school, known for its stellar mathematics program and vibrant academic environment shaped by luminaries like Shiing-Shen Chern, whose legacy in mathematics education inspired me.
Essays proved pivotal in my application journey, offering a platform to articulate how my passion for mathematics evolved through competitions and deepened my career aspirations.
Guided by the Foundation team, I meticulously crafted my application, focusing not just on essays but also on extracurricular choices and academic planning to present a well-rounded candidacy.
My advice to applicants echoes the importance of a solid academic foundation complemented by meaningful extracurricular engagements, underscoring their role beyond mere embellishments in the competitive admission landscape.
Offer: University of Chicago
From: Bilingual School in China
Activities:
Application Journey
From the beginning, I participated in activities for the Economics program, such as the Business Competition and the Economics Challenge. However, after discussing the difficulty of the economics program at the University of Chicago with Wilson, my FGE college advisor, I decided not to apply for economics and chose to apply for the psychology program instead. Without any prior knowledge of psychology, I began to explore the subject from scratch through various online classes, systematic study of AP Psychology, and summer school in Chicago.
My connection with UChicago actually started in 10th grade when the FGE team guided me to attend summer school there. Through this experience, I knew it was somewhere I wanted to be. Even though UChicago would be challenging, I still wanted to give it a try.
I realized that even though I had decided on a major that I loved, my activities and competitions were just things my advisors and parents asked me to do. I began to reflect on my initiatives. In the end, I used the last summer to transform what I was asked to do into what I wanted to do.
For the supplemental essay, I chose the short and abstract prompt “What’s so easy about pie?” I spent the entire day brainstorming and eating pies. In the end, my advisor Hua and my essay teacher Ray helped me combine my academic activities with what UChicago is looking for to create an outline for the essay, which successfully got me into UChicago.
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Offer:
From: International school in China
Activities:
Application journey:
Offer:
International Relations at John Hopkins University (Bachelor’s to Master’s Programs)
International Relations at University of Michigan
From: US High school
Activities:
Application Journey
As a child born in the US and raised in China, my multicultural background made me aware of societal and political disparities from a very young age. Guided by my FGE advisor, I learned about the international relations programs at many American institutions, and I believe that my studies will help me achieve my goal of promoting human rights equality in this globalized society.
To achieve this vision, the FGE advisory team helped me plan and supported me until the fall semester of my Grade 12 year. During this time, I organized the Interfaith campaign on campus to advocate for religious equality and published journal articles on human rights to promote the cause. These activities strengthened my decision to major in International Relations.
I also came into contact with some ex-offenders at an event and realized that it is very challenging for them to be re-employed. Initially, I was skeptical when I first engaged with them. However, I did not alienate them and initiated some conversations. To help them reintegrate into society, I designed a set of teaching materials on employment and actively organized skills training sessions through major public welfare organizations.
I secured my internship thanks to our school inviting NGO experts to give lectures every week. FGE’s advisors encouraged me to take the initiative to ask NGOs if they could offer me a suitable internship. After several failed attempts, I was able to secure the internship of my choice. Meanwhile, I also reached out to the faculty members of the program I was interested in. I had the opportunity to communicate with Cornell professors offline, and some of them provided me with reading lists related to my major, paving the way for my academic journey.
Offer: Northwestern University
From: International school in China
Activities:
Application journey:
Driven by my passion for the humanities and writing, the FGE advising team helped me explore programs and nurture my affinity for media. Their guidance led me to top humanities programs, and attending the Iowa Young Writer’s Studio and the NYC Summer Academy improved my writing skills. With FGE’s support, I had complete autonomy in finalizing my school choices and joined their campus tour across the U.S., ultimately choosing Northwestern University for Early Decision.
Balancing my roles as Student Council president and Drama Club vice president with academics was challenging, but FGE consultants taught me to embrace new perspectives for problem-solving. Their ongoing guidance helped me coordinate our annual drama production and serve as an ambassador for a charitable organization. FGE’s strategic support improved my application profile, and with Hua and Carol’s guidance, I used anecdotes in my essays to connect with admissions officers. I am deeply grateful to my mother for her unwavering encouragement in crafting compelling essays.
