Our Expertise

Curated and Standout Applications

Application Success Starts with Curated Candidate

High School to College Applications

We guide high school students through the college application process, helping them craft standout essays and applications.

  • College List Selection: Helping students choose the right colleges based on their academic goals and personal preferences.
  • Application Completion: Supporting students through the entire application process, ensuring all sections are completed accurately.
  • Personal Statement & Supplementary Essays: Guiding students in brainstorming, writing, and editing compelling personal statements and application essays.
  • Scholarship Applications: Assisting with identifying and applying for scholarships to maximize financial aid.
  • Resumes: Assisting with the creation of a polished, professional resume that highlights achievements.
  • Interview Prep: Offering coaching and practice to prepare students for college interviews.
  • Video Admissions: Assisting students with creating impactful admission videos, including editing and production to ensure the final product is polished and professional.
  • Timeline Management: Creating a clear, organized timeline to ensure all deadlines are met.

College to Graduate/PhD Applications

We support college students applying to master’s and PhD programs, assisting with personal statements, resumes, and interview prep.

  • Application Completion: Supporting students throughout the application process, ensuring every detail is addressed.
  • Personal Statements & Essays: Guiding students in crafting strong personal statements and essays that highlight their research interests and academic achievements.
  • Resumes & CVs: Assisting with the creation of professional resumes or academic CVs to showcase relevant experience.
  • Recommendation Letters: Offering advice on selecting and approaching recommenders to strengthen applications.
  • Interview Prep: Preparing students with mock interviews and personalized feedback.

College Transfers

We help students navigate the transfer process by providing support with application strategies, crafting standout personal statements, selecting the right universities, and managing deadlines. Our counselors ensure that your transfer application highlights your strengths and presents a compelling case for your move to a new institution.

Private High School and Boarding School Admissions

As private and boarding schools become as competitive as colleges, we provide expert guidance to help you stand out in the admissions process, paving the way for future success at top-ranked colleges.

Summer and Specialty Programs

 We help students apply for summer programs and specialized, competitive opportunities, ensuring their applications stand out.

Support for International Applicants

We work with international students and students for whom English is a second language, providing guidance on application requirements, language proficiency, and cultural nuances in the application process.

When to Start

young student writing

High School Students

Many students begin working with a counselor before entering high school to develop passion projects and build their profiles. While starting early is always beneficial, we recommend beginning critical application work in junior year, with focused preparation during the summer before senior year.

three students hanging out on college stairs

College Students

As you near the end of your bachelor’s degree, it’s best to engage an experienced counselor to guide you through the next steps of applying to master’s or PhD programs.

Female student on campus

Competitive Camps & Specialty Programs

As soon as you have details about the program, we can get started. When time is on our side, much can be accomplished to ensure a standout application.

FAQ

  • Do you only help with U.S. applications?

    U.S. applications are our specialty; however, we can also assist if a student has international schools on their list. We’ll guide them in crafting a strong personal statement and a memorable, cohesive application to meet the requirements of those programs.

  • Do you provide mentoring to younger students?

    Yes. We work with younger students as early as 8th grade.

  • When should high school students get started?

    We work with younger students as early as 8th grade, so they enter high school with a clear plan and strong momentum. When students have time on their side, they can make strategic, meaningful strides that accumulate over the years.

    Junior year is an ideal time to start the college application process. The summer before senior year should be spent getting a head start on applications. While students are out of school, much can be accomplished, allowing them to begin their senior year ahead of their peers.

  • Are parents involved in the process?

    For high school or younger students, parents are a critical part of the process. Usually, parents may join the initial call or email the counselor for updates, but the counselor primarily works one-on-one with the student. We also understand that applications can be stressful and may sometimes lead to family tension. This is where the counselor steps in—providing expert guidance, keeping the student on track, and alleviating family stress to make the journey smoother for everyone involved.

  • Why should I hire Curated Candidate if my child’s high school has its own college counselor?

    A high school counselor is not a private tutor—they often manage hundreds of students, making it difficult to provide individualized attention. Additionally, it’s uncommon for a high school counselor to work nights and weekends or provide extensive editing support for essays, as it’s beyond the scope of their role.

    That’s where Curated Candidate steps in. We offer personalized, one-on-one guidance through all aspects of the application process, from crafting essays to managing deadlines. We also accommodate students’ hectic schedules, offering support during evenings and weekends to ensure their applications are polished, cohesive, and stand out.

  • Do you work with Ivy League Candidates?

    Yes, we regularly work with students applying to Ivy League and top 20 schools. However, we also assist students applying to local state schools and a wide variety of colleges. Our experienced team ensures each student is paired with a counselor who aligns with their unique goals and aspirations.

  • Do you work with BS/MD and medical school candidates?

    That is the specialty of our sister brand, Moon Prep. Moon Prep is the leading consultancy focused on Direct Medical Programs and Medical School admissions. BS/MD programs are often more competitive than Ivy League schools, and it’s crucial for applicants to work with a counselor who has specialized expertise in this area, as these applications differ significantly from traditional college applications. The experienced team at Moon Prep is ready to help. You can schedule a complimentary call with them.

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