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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

    Honors Programmes and Colleges at US Universities Explained

    Honours programmes can offer the academic intensity, close faculty relationships, and prestige many students seek—often within universities that admit a wider range of applicants. This guide explains how honours colleges work, who they suit best, and why they’re worth serious consideration when building a US university list.

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    Articles

    Dutch Universities: A Guide for UK Students

    Studying in the Netherlands offers UK students an academically rigorous, English-taught university experience in a highly international setting. This guide explains the Dutch university system, application process, and the key differences between research universities, universities of applied sciences, and university colleges—so you can decide if the Netherlands is the right fit for you.

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    An ivy-covered historic university building, representing the traditional architecture of Oxbridge colleges.
    Articles

    What’s Better for Me: Ivy League or Oxbridge?

    Choosing between the Ivy League and Oxbridge isn’t about rankings alone. This guide breaks down the real differences between the US and UK university systems—so you can decide which environment, curriculum, and admissions philosophy suits you best.

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    Articles

    Joint Degree and Multiple-Country Programmes

    From dual-campus degrees to truly global study paths, joint and multi-country programmes allow students to earn internationally recognised qualifications while living and learning across the US, UK, Europe, and Asia—an ideal option for globally minded applicants seeking academic flexibility and cultural immersion.

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    Three high school students smiling as they review college application papers outdoors on a school campus.
    Articles

    What timeline should I follow for US college apps?

    Applying to US universities is a long-term process that rewards early planning. From GCSEs and extracurriculars to testing, essays, and deadlines, this step-by-step timeline breaks down exactly what UK students should be doing in Years 10–13 to build a strong and manageable US university application.

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    Articles

    Applying to Oxbridge and the US: Can You Do Both?

    Many high-achieving students consider applying to both Oxbridge and highly selective US universities—but the reality is complex. This article breaks down the workload, differences in academic fit, and competing timelines to help students decide whether a dual application strategy truly makes sense.

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    Articles

    Applying for SAT/ACT Extra Time/Accommodations?

    Students who receive extra time or exam adjustments at school may qualify for similar accommodations on the SAT or ACT—but the process is complex, time-sensitive, and easy to get wrong. This step-by-step guide explains how UK and international families can secure extra time, choose the right test, and avoid costly delays when applying to US universities.

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    Articles

    US University Applications: School Documents You Need & How to Prepare Them

    School documents play a critical role in US university admissions, yet they’re often misunderstood or under-prepared. This guide explains how transcripts and school profiles should be structured, what admissions officers actually look for, and how UK and international schools can present students’ achievements in the clearest possible context.

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    Articles

    Choosing between the new digital SAT and the ACT

    With the SAT now in a digital format, many students and families are unsure whether the SAT or ACT is the better choice. This guide explains the key differences, timelines, and strategic considerations for UK and international students applying to US universities.

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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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