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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.

    College students walk across a green campus quad surrounded by historic academic buildings.
    Articles

    The Demographic Cliff: What It Means for University Admissions and Higher Education

    The demographic shift predicted for over a decade has arrived, with fewer secondary school graduates affecting university admissions nationwide. As institutions adapt to these changes, students are rethinking the value of a degree. This article explores the trends shaping higher education’s future and what they mean for families and schools alike.

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    Library on the Columbia University Campus with Students on the Front Steps.
    Articles

    Columbia Dual Degree Programmes: Study in the US and Abroad

    Columbia University’s dual BA programmes offer a truly international undergraduate experience, combining two years at a partner university abroad with two years in New York. Ideal for independent, globally minded students, these programmes blend Columbia’s Core Curriculum with focused study in Europe or the Middle East.

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    A US University campus during the summer with students walking around.
    Articles

    US University Summer Programmes: A Guide for UK Students

    From STEM and social sciences to the arts, US university summer programmes offer UK students a chance to experience American campus life, explore academic interests in depth, and gain insight into whether a university is the right fit—long before applications are due.

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    A high school student working on her US college applications at her computer.
    Articles

    How Can Students Ensure Strong US Applications?

    Successful US university applications don’t happen by accident. From taking ownership of the process and securing strong teacher recommendations to planning standardised tests early and staying organised, students who focus on what they can control put themselves in the strongest possible position.

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    Three UK students sitting outside talking about their experiences.
    Articles

    Gap Year Options: How UK Students Can Use a Gap Year Well

    A gap year can be a powerful opportunity for growth, exploration, and clarity before university. From structured programmes and internships to work, volunteering, and travel, this guide explores meaningful gap year options—and explains how UK students can plan a gap year that strengthens US university applications rather than delaying them.

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    A student studies independently at a café, reading textbooks and working on a laptop.
    Articles

    Preparing to Write the Common App Essay

    There can often be significant pressure around the crafting of the Common App essay, which requires students to embrace introspection and storytelling – often new skills for them! This month, expert university admissions counsellor Sam Harris shares her insights on how to prepare for this process in a low pressure way.

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    University buildings on a campus in Madrid, Spain.
    Articles

    Madrid Universities: SLU Madrid, ESCP & IE Explained

    Madrid is an increasingly popular destination for UK students seeking an international degree taught in English. From US-style liberal arts at SLU Madrid to globally focused business education at ESCP and IE, this guide explores the key differences between Madrid’s leading universities and helps students understand which environment may suit them best.

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    A high school student asking his counselor questions about his college applications.
    Articles

    Questions Students Should Ask Their School Counsellors

    Your school counsellor is one of the most important partners in the US application process. By asking the right questions early—from internal deadlines and recommendations to testing and essay support—students can avoid last-minute stress and take real ownership of their applications.

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    A campus tour guide gestures while speaking to a group of prospective students and parents outside an academic building.
    Articles

    Making the Most of your University Visits

    University Coach Carrie Jorgenson discusses the importance of campus visits and how to make the most out of the experience.

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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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