When to start planning for college?

Research in the U.S. suggests that the concept of college-going should begin as early as 6th grade, and at the latest, by 9th grade. The American College Counseling Association also recommends that schools, students, and parents start planning for college applications beginning in 9th grade. This includes planning high school courses, preparing for standardized tests, and familiarizing themselves with college-level coursework.

 

Additionally, U.S. college admissions officers advise that students should begin addressing college-related matters no later than 18 months before their high school graduation.

 

From A. LEAGUE’s experience, the ideal time to start preparation is when transitioning from 8th to 9th grade. 10th grade is also an appropriate time for extracurricular planning. 11th grade still allows for adequate time to prepare for tests. Application preparation should begin in the summer after junior year.

What makes A. LEAGUE unique?

The professional qualities of a consultant are developed through years of experience and continuous learning. Whether through further education or internal training, the A. LEAGUE team never stops improving. After all, education is an investment, and we must continually refine ourselves in order to keep giving.

 

“Good things come from a solid foundation, and quality comes from a strong source.”

 

At A. LEAGUE, each student is personally guided by our professional consultants — we never outsource. We do not only accompany students through their growth process but help them apply to schools; we continue to support them until they step foot on campus for their first day of university. This ensures that parents can confidently send their children abroad.

 

Additionally, A. LEAGUE maintains strong relationships with a wide range of high-quality institutions, both domestically and internationally. From high schools and tutoring centers to immigration services, overseas real estate agencies, multinational banks, and family offices, we are equipped to provide comprehensive family planning services to parents.

What is A. LEAGUE's consultation process?

We offer all families a one-time free initial consultation. During this meeting, the consultant will first get to know the student and then propose some simple recommendation, explaining our guidance methods and processes. Once the student and parents decide to work with A. LEAGUE, the consulting team will create a personalized plan for the student and guide them through the execution of the plan, step by step, until the final goal is achieved.

How does A. LEAGUE charge for consulting?

A. LEAGUE's Senior-Year Admissions Consulting requires a one-time fee, covering all services with no additional charges, regardless of the number of schools applied to, their rankings, consultation time or frequency, or the number of essays and revisions.

 

For preparatory in earlier years, the Pre-College Counseling requires annual fee. We provide real-time support to students through communication apps and regular meetings.

 

The consulting fee does not include third-party expenses incurred during the counseling process, such as school application fees, exam registration fees, or score report sending fees.

 

Why is there such a large difference in consulting fees between different companies?

A. LEAGUE: While the consulting fees for typical study abroad agencies may be low, they often come with many restrictions and additional charges under various services. Some agencies may also emphasize "free consulting" but recommend students to less resourceful partnered universities, earning commissions from those institutions. We believe that high-quality education can reduce the chances of students taking detours, save time, and provide them with the best resources to improve their academic performance.

 

Do you offer discounts on consulting fees?

A. LEAGUE: Education does not come with discounts. We provide the highest quality for your child because we know our service is critical for your opportunities.

 

Do you offer group discounts for siblings or friends?

A. LEAGUE: Since each student receives individualized counseling, an increase in the number of students means an increase in consultant workload. In order to ensure that our consultants' expertise and time are used effectively, we treat each child equally.

Does A. LEAGUE assign consultants?

Who will be my child’s consultant? What if they don’t get along?

A. LEAGUE: We work a close-knit team, and every child is guided by the entire team. Each consultant possesses different areas of expertise. We ensure that students receive guidance from at least two strategic lead consultants, two senior execution consultant, one literary consultant, and intermediate-level consultants. Each consultant provides support based on their specialized knowledge. Even if a student doesn’t have direct contact with a particular consultant, that consultant still participates in team discussions and contributes behind the scenes, ensuring a more comprehensive plan for the student.