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College Counselling

Expert counselling for every step of the college admissions journey

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ESM Prep UK and UES are now Guidewell Global - welcome!
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A trusted partner through the college admissions process and beyond

Every student’s path to college is unique. Through personalised, multi-year mentorship, students gain the structure, confidence, and direction they need to explore their options, plan effectively, and prepare for life at a US or international college.

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The challenge

When should my student begin preparing?

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What really matters to top US universities?

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How do we balance test prep, academics, and wellbeing without burning out?

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The US and global college admissions process can feel complex and competitive. Between understanding timelines, balancing academics and extracurriculars, and navigating essays, testing, applications, and interviews, there's a lot to manage.

Your Guidewell Global counsellor is your partner throughout high school, offering tailored counselling, mentorship, and academic guidance to help you find purpose in the process and set yourself up for long-term success.

Our role is to provide clear structure and thoughtful answers, guiding your family through each milestone with empathy and expertise.

“I just committed to my first choice college and I am so excited! Thank you so, so much for all of your help and support through this whole process. You made it unbelievably easy and also enjoyable.“

  • College counseling student

  • Class of 2023

  • HOW IT WORKS

    From early exploration to acceptance, decision day, and beyond, we’re with you at every stage

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    Our tailored, multi-year mentorship evolves with each student. From initial planning to final decisions, our college counsellors provide steady, expert guidance.

    Discover & Define Goals

    Every Guidewell Global journey begins with understanding the student — their strengths, interests, and ambitions. Through conversations, assessments, and early planning, we help students set clear goals and create a roadmap that fits their timeline and aspirations.

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    Build a Strong Academic & Extracurricular Profile

    We work closely with students and families to plan courses and identify extracurricular opportunities that reflect authentic growth. Behind the scenes, our team tracks milestones and ensures every detail gets the attention it deserves.

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    Develop a Personalised College Strategy

    Together, we build a college list, testing plan, and narrative that highlight your student’s individuality. Our counsellors manage timelines, coordinate with mentors, and anticipate every deadline.

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    Perfect Every Application Component

    From essays and recommendation letters to interviews and activity lists, we guide students through each detail. Essay coaches and counsellors collaborate to ensure every submission feels authentic and polished.

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    Navigate decisions and next steps

    When results arrive, we continue to guide families through acceptances, deferrals, and waitlists — offering clear, steady support in choosing the best-fit option. Our team also helps plan transitions, connect students with alumni, and prepare for freshman year.

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    Ongoing guidance and peace of mind

    When results arrive, we continue to guide families through acceptances, deferrals, and waitlists — offering clear, steady support in choosing the best-fit option. Our team also helps plan transitions, connect students with alumni, and prepare for freshman year.

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    Book a Consultation

    Start your college admissions journey with Guidewell Global

    Book your consultation today and take the first step toward an application experience that reflects your goals, growth, and potential.

    Book a Consultation
    What to Expect

    Personalised admissions guidance designed to help you define and achieve your goals.

    Hundreds of families have trusted our team to navigate the admissions process with focus and success. Students emerge ready to take on college and beyond — with strong applications and a clear sense of purpose.

    We help our students:

    Learn how to plan strategically and manage complex goals

    Identify and articulate their academic and personal interests

    Build skills to advocate for themselves and make informed choices

    EXPLORE OUR RESOURCES

    Our families often tell us that understanding the US college process feels far easier once they have the right tools in hand. Explore our curated guides designed to help you prepare for your future — from early exploration to final applications.

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    Articles

    What Employers Look For in University Graduates (Beyond Grades)

    As AI and automation reshape the workplace, employers are looking beyond academic results alone. From communication and teamwork to creativity and digital fluency, this article explores the skills that matter most—and how students can start building them before and during university.

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    A student works on a college essay on a laptop at a desk near a window.
    Articles

    Beat the Bot: Why Real University Essays Still Matter in the Age of AI

    As AI tools become more common in university admissions, authenticity still reigns. This article explores why a student's real voice matters most and offers practical advice for crafting a genuine, standout essay.

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    A parent and student sit on a park bench talking about the student’s academic strengths.
    Articles

    Helping Your Teen Connect Their Strengths to a Major That Matters

    Fit to major matters more than ever. A compelling, authentic application can set your student apart in today’s admissions landscape. Help your teen turn strengths into strategy by aligning their interests with a university major that fits.

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    A group of students walking outside on a college campus carrying books and backpacks.
    Articles

    US University Application Trends 2024–25: What Changed and What It Means

    The 2024–25 admissions cycle brought major changes to US university admissions, from testing policy reversals to evolving attitudes toward majors, careers, and campus fit. Here’s what families and students need to understand as they plan ahead.

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    Articles

    From Safety to Selective: Why Public Flagship Universities Are No Longer a Sure Thing

    Once considered dependable “safety schools,” top public flagships are now anything but. In this post, we dig into the surprising numbers behind surging selectivity, why out-of-state applicants are feeling the squeeze, and how families can build smarter, balanced university lists that reflect the new admissions reality.

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    A parent and student review test score data together on a laptop at a kitchen table.
    Articles

    Reality Check: How Do Your Student’s Marks and Test Scores Stack Up Against Their University List?

    As university application season inches closer, now’s a great time for juniors to take stock. How do their marks and test scores align with their dream schools? This guide offers practical tools and perspective to help students calibrate their university list for realistic goals, smart planning, and stronger outcomes.

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    Articles

    Spanish Universities

    Spain is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students, offering high-quality education, global career pathways, and comparatively affordable tuition. This guide explains how Spanish universities work, the key differences between public and private institutions, and what UK students need to know about applications, entry requirements, visas, and funding.

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    Articles

    What We’ve Learned about Test-Optional and Test-Required Admissions

    With several highly selective universities announcing their return to test-required admissions in recent weeks, Jed Applerouth, PhD dives into what we understand now about the future of university admissions testing.

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    A high school student feeling anxious about taking a test at his computer.
    Articles

    Overcoming Test Anxiety for the SAT and ACT

    Feeling anxious about the SAT or ACT is completely normal—especially as testing requirements return at many US universities. This article shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help students manage nerves, build confidence, and approach test day feeling calm, prepared, and in control.

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    See All Resources
    FAQ

    Your college counselling questions, answered

    Short answer: As early as possible! Ideally, students begin working with a Guidewell counsellor two to three years before high school graduation — usually around Year 10 or 11. Starting early allows time to plan academics, explore interests, and build a balanced extracurricular profile without pressure. Families who start later can still benefit from our guidance, but the process becomes more intensive as deadlines approach.

    US admissions take a holistic approach, considering not only academic results but also personal essays, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and interviews. UK universities, by contrast, focus more narrowly on subject mastery and predicted grades.

    Our counsellors help students and families understand both systems — and for those applying internationally, we coordinate strategy across regions to ensure every application is compelling.

    Yes. Each family is paired with a dedicated counsellor who will serve as your strategic guide from start to finish. This consistent partnership ensures consistency, trust, and a deep understanding of your student’s goals. Depending on your service tier, your counsellor may also collaborate with a small team of specialists — such as essay coaches or test prep mentors — to provide fully integrated support.

    Absolutely. Essay development and interview preparation are core parts of our counselling programme. Students receive guidance from brainstorming to final review, learning how to express their story authentically and confidently. We also conduct mock interviews with feedback so students can approach alumni and admissions interviews with clarity and composure.

    Yes. We work extensively with international and expatriate families across the UK, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Our counsellors understand the unique challenges of applying to US universities from abroad — from differing school systems to time-zone-friendly scheduling. We provide tailored guidance on transcripts, testing, and cultural context, helping students present their strongest global profile.

    Our goal is always to help students gain admission to a university where they will thrive — academically, personally, and socially. Many of our students are accepted to Ivy League and other top-tier institutions, but success looks different for every individual. Rather than focusing on rankings, we measure results by fit and readiness for the challenges ahead. Families often tell us the process itself transformed how their student approaches learning and self-discovery.

    We believe one size fits one. Our approach is entirely individualised — built around each student’s personality, pace, and ambitions. We combine the rigour of a structured process with the warmth of mentorship, ensuring every family feels supported from the first consultation to the final decision. Most importantly, our focus extends beyond admission itself: we help students find the college where they will truly thrive.

    Start Your College Admissions Journey with Guidewell Global

    Book your consultation today and take the first step toward an application experience that reflects your goals, growth, and potential.

    Book a Consultation

    Explore our expert insights

    Download our complimentary infographic, Eight Trends in College Admissions, featuring our latest insights on the competitive landscape.

    You’ll also receive occasional insights and updates from our team on how to prepare effectively for the US admissions process.

    Download the Infographic
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