FAQs
What do you help with?
USApplicants provides support across the three core areas of US university admissions: SAT I & II/ACT Tuition, College Advice, and Application Mentoring. We specialise in guiding students though the whole process, but are always flexible to specific needs.
How do you compare to other American tuition and advice services?
Our service is both highly personalised and highly personable. Our tutors have all been through the process themselves, and are closer in age to the students than others on the scene. We’re all friendly and aim to make the process as enjoyable as possible. As part of our bespoke service, we do not ask our clients to sign contracts or commit to a number of hours. We are there for you – when and how you need us.
How much do your services cost?
Most families who are serious about quality one-on-one support for US-focused training find that our rates are very competitive. Please do not hesitate to initiate a conversation with us by sending us an email.
Do you offer SAT testing?
We do not offer any official SAT testing. Students must register with The College Board for both the SAT I and SAT II, which are taken at official test centres on official test days.
However, we do offer a mock SAT proctoring service, designed to emulate test day conditions as much as possible.
Can you get my child into an “Ivy League” university?
USApplicants’ main mission is to honestly inform and advise to give all students the best possible shot at gaining admission to their best-match school(s). Like their UK counterparts, US universities, especially the internationally renowned ‘name’ schools, are incredibly competitive; the admissions process is complex and nuanced beyond any formula. As such, we hope you understand that it would be both misleading to you and unfair to the student to give any guarantees beyond fulfilling our mission.
We live outside of London. Can we still receive at home tuition?
We generally offer tuition in the Greater London area. However, depending on where you live and your requirements, we do have tutors who are happy to travel. For holiday stints in the country or abroad, we can provide residential placements. Alternatively, online tuition may also be an option. Please get in touch with what you have in mind and we will work with you to find a happy solution.
When should I start?
Some of our clients call looking for last-minute advice, while others establish contact with us two or three years before their child is ready to begin the application process. We are flexible to all situations and needs.
We recommend based on our experience that the optimal time to establish first contact with us is the summer before GCSE exam year (age 15/16), with the aim of starting a programme in earnest during A-levels.
My son/daughter is an academic/sports/music/arts prodigy. Can you help with scholarships?
Although USApplicants do not provide guarantees, our tutors have aided students applying for all forms of scholarships. We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor make our approach to your child’s specific talents/interests, and use them to the best possible advantage.
Do you give advice on visas?
We give top-line information on visas, but you will need to contact the American Embassy to progress this when the time comes. Be forewarned that it can be a bit of a process, so budget plenty of time for dealing with bureaucracy.
How do you select your tutors?
USApplicants has a rigorous selection procedure. Tutors are all interviewed face-to-face by our directors, and are selected for appropriate experience, teaching talent, and plain kindness. We tap into networks of young, enthusiastic, and bright American recent graduates based in London. Many of our tutors have been teaching for years, yet they can still maintain sympathy for just how confusing and competitive the application process is, having completed it not too long ago themselves.
Beyond their own experience and methods, USApplicants tutors have access to a “best approaches” guideline for each subject. We don’t have one set curriculum; rather, by sharing what works for other students and tutors, we aim to provide support for all standards and personalities. We encourage our tutors to work as a team with each other and with USApplicants Headquarters, so you get the shared wisdom and tactics of more than just one expert.
Do I have to sign a contract for a specific number of hours?
No. Unlike other organisations, we don’t ask you to sign contracts or commit to a certain amount of hours. Whether you need a single refresher session or regular meetings over the long term, we’re here to help. We also believe in constant accountability and reporting: If the student is progressing more quickly than expected, we will adjust the planned hours accordingly. In this way, we are respectful of your time and pocketbook!
Do you provide teaching materials?
We have some teaching materials at our HQ and also on our website, but strongly recommend that every student has their own materials. The big blue College Board Official SAT I Study Guide book (complete with 10 practice tests) is a good place to start, as is The Fiske Guide to Colleges to aid in school selection.
Can you help me choose which universities to go to?
Absolutely! Our favourite past-time is waxing lyrical about our experiences and those of our friends/family/colleagues. The resources section of our website contains a useful document on US-UK university choices -- it is a collection of the thoughts and experiences of our top tutors.
We speak to students extensively about academic, geographical, extracurricular and social considerations, and how these manifest themselves in the daily life of different colleges. As much as you are searching for the right fit, the right university is searching for you. Matchmaking is our business!
Can you advise me on SAT II choices?
Yes. Our tutors’ experience covers all 20 SAT II exams options and we will advise students based on their ability and experience in the subjects. Very often, GCSE, AS, and A level courses have an impact on the SAT II a student chooses to take.
Can you help with other American entrance exams (ISEE, GRE, LSAT, etc.)?
Perhaps! We have a very multi-talented group of tutors, and at any given time, it is entirely possible that we have someone who can suit your needs. Please get in touch to let us know what you’re thinking.
Where do I start?
Read through this website and familiarise yourself with our process. The next step is to email us the details of your needs, to which we will respond right away. We can then start building a programme that’s perfectly tailor-made for you.
Do you offer online tuition?
USApplicants is able to provide limited Skype tuition for SAT and Application work. We recommend this option for students who already have an in person relationship with their tutor, but we are happy to discuss completely remote course offerings. Students in remote parts of the UK or the world beyond have benefited from access to our top calibre application advisors. SAT tuition is made possible by our innovative teaching software, which combines video and audio streaming, desktop and file sharing, digital pens and an interactive whiteboard.
Please do drop us a line if you would like to know more about online SAT and application tuition opportunities offered by USApplicants.