Holistic Application Review
Holistic Application Review
A university recognizes that there is a great variation among applicants' personal circumstances, home, communities and high schools, including those schools' course offerings and grading practices. Admission Counselors, therefore, have a responsibility to consider all factors when evaluating applications and to admit those applicants who are academically qualified and who have demonstrated the potential to contribute to and to be successful students.
An application is designed to facilitate individual holistic consideration. The application does not alter the factors considered in the process (i.e., socioeconomic status, special skills and talents, unusual experiences, etc.), it simply makes it easier for each applicant to illustrate these criteria, and thus facilitate a more complete and personal application review.
Short-answer and essay questions, in particular, help admissions counselors consider the applicant within the context of each applicant's own experiences with family, in high school, in his or her communities and within the context of his or her cultural backgrounds; all factors that can distinguish an applicant's achievements and indicate the potential for success.
At GPGS, we factor all these criteria’s before we make any decision on any university we recommend to any student. Each student is different and would, therefore, mean an individual search and selection process. Assessments/consultations are done FREE, so consider us before making decisions that can cost you a lot during the admission and evaluation process to any university.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria
Our partner Universities seek to recruit, admit and enroll applicants who are academically excellent, accomplished in extracurricular endeavors and broadly diverse. It is the college's and university experience and judgment that this diversity will create a vibrant educational atmosphere and will provide the best educational experience for all students.
GPGS completes a thorough and concise evaluation which will result in students making the best decision on their university choices. Scholarships for each student is also important, which means, we pre-qualify each student before sending in an application. Let's pre-qualify you today, for FREE!
Evaluation Process
Evaluation Process
Admission is more art than science. The admissions process is designed to consider all aspects of an applicant's academic record and personal experiences and is not intended to admit applicants solely on the basis of Grade Point Averages and test scores.
The admissions process is also dynamic; it is continually reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the composition of the applicant pool and the evolution of the university's educational objectives. Universities strive to find better ways to ensure an individualized and holistic review of every application.
The admissions review process tries to balance the subjective and objective components of any review. Admission Counselors can exercise flexibility and professional judgment in their reviews and decisions, but they also must apply consistent standards. Every evaluation retains a focus on academic achievement and the applicant's overall potential for success. At GPGS, we practice these same principles, which results in much success by our students.
Applying to University
Applying to University
Education is the cornerstone of each students' future. Finding the right public or private college or university can be a journey dreaded by parents and students alike. Making a decision in this information age can be quite troublesome, but you must start somewhere, and we are here to assist in this process.
Through our professional services, we will guide both parents and students in order to allow them to make the best decision (s) possible for placement in a college or university. We assist students to an end that will allow for a successful academic career and a highly productive life.
We welcome parents, teachers, and students to contact us. We understand that some schools are unable to meet the numerous needs of all students. So that no student is left behind, we are available to assist in meeting these needs. Our base is broad, based on our recruitment and connections. With GPGS, you benefit from knowledge and experience which reduces the stress of today's admissions process. We look forward to the opportunity to meet with you. Please contact our admissions team to schedule an appointment or for further information about our services.
Universities consider many factors when reviewing your applications. Consider the primary factors before considering your admissions journey:
Primary Admission Factor:
- Quality/rigor of academic courses taken
- Academic Performance/Grades/GPA
- Test Scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, CXC)
While these are typically the most common items that university admissions consider, all parts of your application are important. Some schools place more emphasis on particular pieces than others.
Other Admission Factors
- Essay (s)
- They demonstrate your writing and critical thinking abilities.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Universities want to hear what teachers and mentors have to say about you.
University Placement Services
University Placement Services
Our placement services are dedicated to matching each student with the best possible academic program and institution. To facilitate the placement process, GPGS works with a full range of colleges and universities across the United States, Canada, among many other countries.
GPGS places students with a complete range of academic disciplines taking into consideration the student's career profile, academic history, and the state or country they wish to study in. GPGS allows staff members to develop strong relationships not only with admissions counselors, but also with professionals in academic departments. GPGS utilizes these extensive admissions and academic connections to the utmost benefit of the students being placed. To advise students about the best possible program options, GPGS placement specialists keep abreast of the rapidly changing specializations and trends within each field of study. Through an annual review of admissions information and other advising resources, GPGS placement specialists help students articulate their study objectives and identify academic programs that will best suit their study plans and future careers.
In addition to the standard placement process outlined below, GPGS has a proven track record of handling the following:
- Placements for those students seeking a winter, spring, or summer admission.
- Fast-track placements into degree and non-degree programs for those candidates identified late in the admission season.
- GPGS facilitates late placement by pre-identifying schools that will entertain late applications and/or reserve seats for qualified applicants.
- Placement in educational systems throughout the US States, and countries like Canada, among other countries.
- ‘Self-placed’ student assistance for those candidates who have previously applied to colleges and universities.
- GPGS implements a stage process that will match the student to the program and university.
This process covers:
- Career Assessment/Aptitude Assessment
- Application Material and Requirements
- Selecting and Applying to Universities
- Finalizing Placements up to four (4) schools (optional)
- Continuous follow-up with Universities
- Student Feedback
GPGS Guarantees
Whatever your grade, GPGS can help find you a university place. Once you are accepted into our testing program, you’ll be given an assurance based on your academics, taking into consideration what and where you want to study subject to obtaining specified grades. However, we recognize that not all students will meet these entry requirements. Once that is determined, we will guide each and every student in the right direction of university enrollment.
GPGS is linked with a network of university partners and has been designed to assist you in securing a university place that suits your needs and abilities.
Need a back-up plan?
GPGS provides that assistance. If a university application deadline has passed, or you change your mind about accepting an offer, or are unable to achieve a higher grade needed for a scholarship, we guarantee you can still get a university place.
Once students obtained a high school diploma or completed high school and took the desired college test, universities are able to review your profile and search for students who meet their entry requirements.
You’re then given full acceptance or provisional offers by these universities, and can then decide whether or not to accept their offers. GPGS staff will be on hand to advise on which offer best suits your needs.
International Student Scholarship
International Student Scholarships
Although many of our partner and non-partner universities are based in affordable locations, studying abroad can be expensive. To help with the costs of living and studying, we assist with a number of scholarship opportunities for international students.
Scholarship from GPGS
GPGS is keen to reward your hard work and academic excellence. GPGS will embark on a charity drive to assist each of our students and reward them with an international student scholarship to help with your academic fees if you receive grades of 80% or above in any college test, i.e., SAT’s, GRE. This will be based on sponsorship and availability ONLY.
University Scholarship
Universities offer a range of scholarships over a four-year period or for the time you remain enrolled at the school. Our students receive from Full Scholarships to Partial Scholarships which is dependable on our students’ academic portfolio. Students are also eligible for a range of scholarships upon progression to your university. Many of our partner and non-partner universities offer scholarships to the best performing postgraduate and undergraduate international students when they progress at their institution. Do you want a Full Scholarship? Ask us how!!!
Government-Funded Scholarship
Many international students dream of receiving a government scholarship to study abroad. Competition for these scholarships is often extremely competitive. Our students have in the past earned open scholarships. Students are also guided on how to apply for external scholarships and grants through the relevant governmental ministries and agencies. We would be happy to assist with external funding!
Athletic Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Athletics is also a key element at universities. If you are a talented athlete then there are many more scholarships available for which you can apply - doing something you enjoy can actually help pay your way through university!
To successfully land an athletic scholarship and get your university education paid for, you are going to have to get a plan together. Do you know how many scholarships are available in your sport? Do you know when the recruiting process starts? Do you know how good you have to be to get sport scholarships? Ask us how!!!
Using our FREE initial consultation session, you will find everything you need to be recruited and how to start and continue the placement process at GPGS. We work in sports and have helped athletes find full scholarships, partial scholarships, and even walk-on opportunities. It really comes down to knowing where college athletic scholarships are, where you measure up against other scholarship athletes, and doing more than other recruits to beat them out for a sports scholarship.
GPGS offers excellent paid recruiting services that can really make the difference when searching for a sports scholarship. Going through the recruiting process alone doesn’t work for everyone, and paid services can provide the extra boost when looking for a college or university athletic scholarship. In fact, we partner with many schools and coaches, and there is a big difference between free do-it-yourself and a full-service recruiting network.
Find out what your chances are, before making any decisions. GPGS is ready, are you!!!
GPGS Foundation Grant
GPGS Foundation Grant
In support of the company’s commitment to education, the GPGS Foundation Grant Program provides scholarships for post-high school education for children from Trinidad and Tobago. Awards are in support of undergraduate study and are presented on a merit-basis and on financial need. A neutral, third-party evaluate applications on the basis of the students’ academic, and extra-curricular accomplishments.
We believe every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, and our donors tell us they agree. In fact, education is their top social concern. Because our donors’ concerns are important to us, and because we know that our future success, and that of the global economy, depends on an educated workforce, we strive to help kids do well in school.
Throughout the years, we have seen the smiles, the tears, and the rewards which are a few reasons why we continue to give back to our nation's youths. GPGS continues to maintain that same philosophy since it all started in 2005.
Our decision to work with donors like you was a smart one. Our partners have endorsed our commitment to higher education and we continue to value your concerns.
Why Give?
“Education is the future of this world. You never know who you’re going to help, just like you never know who’s going to become that next great teacher, or that next great scientist, or someone who will affect the future so drastically.”
Ways to Give
Give an unrestricted gift towards the GPGS Foundation Fund to support the most needed priorities such as student academic programs assistance and GPGS Scholarship Fund. You can also designate a gift to a particular cause or student.
Cheques By Mail
To send a gift by mail, please download our giving form. All checks should be made out to GPGS and mailed to: Global Placement & Guidance Solutions Ltd., Attn: Gift Processing, 7C Pro Queen Street, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago.
Direct Deposit
Accepted! Please make deposits or transfers to any: First Citizens Bank Limited, Global Placement & Guidance Solutions Ltd., Details: Gift Processing, Account Number: 1445790.
Thanks for your gifts, and we look forward to your continued sponsorship!
VISA Services
Visa Services
GPGS is a private company with a team of highly experienced personnel and specialists who assist clients who want to apply for a visa for international travel. GPGS provides fee-based services to advise, assist and represent our clients through the often-complex visa application process. All decisions for granting of a visa remain with the sole discretion of the issuing country subject to lodging a valid application using the free forms available and meeting the relevant criteria. GPGS is not affiliated with any embassy and acts independently in the interests of our clients.
Visa Categories:
Study Visas Student Visa allows international students to study at any ' world-renowned universities, colleges, high schools, elementary schools or other academic institutions. Countries welcome hundreds of thousands of students from around the world to study and improve their skills.
Tourist Visas This visa allows you either a single or multiple entries to the applying country and to stay in that country for a period of time determined by immigration.
Family Visas Family Visa category provides citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to sponsor their family members to join them. With strong family-based visa policies, for example, the US remains a destination of choice for families seeking to live happily together in the United States.
Work Visas Work Visa categories are designed to attract people from all industries to occupy key positions at companies. Some Work visas allow for extended visa options that may lead to permanent residency like in the US.
Business Visas Business Visas are designed to attract successful business people to direct and manage their trade or investment in a foreign country. Most countries have international treaty agreements, an excellent international reputation, and access to major economies like Canada and the emerging markets of South America. With a Business visa, you will have access to grow your business using the wealth of resources and support from that country’s economy based on what they have to offer.
Who decides if I will get a visa? Your visa application will be processed and decided by the relevant visa issuing body of the country you wish to travel to. Neither GPGS nor any of our staff play any part in or influence the outcome of your visa application. If any member of staff employed by GPGS claims to be able to influence your application, you should inform our director as soon as possible.
Payments and Refunds
Payments and Refunds
Payments
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Cheque
- Direct Deposit (any First Citizens Bank - Account Number: 1445790)
Refunds
Test-takers are encouraged to take the test for which they registered. If you are unable to test, you can transfer to a future test date (for a change fee). If you do not want to transfer your registration, you can contact our office to request a cancellation of your registration. Fees are refundable only under specific circumstances:
- The client advises GPGS five days in advance before the start of classes
- Exam Registrations cannot be canceled and/or refunded later than 30 days before test day (partial refund)
- Placement fees are Non-refundable once work has started on a student's file
IMPORTANT: If you choose to cancel/refund your SAT registration, you will no longer be able to test and should not attempt to test using your original registration. Test scores from this original registration will not be reported.
Tips from the Experts - GPGS FAQs
Frequently asked questions:
Q: When should i start the application process if i am interested in studying abroad?
A: You should start the application process at least one year before your planned arrival at a college or university. The academic year generally starts from September to May or June. So if you plan to enroll in September 2016, you should contact us in March, April, or May of 2015.
Q: What are the best colleges or universities?
A: "Best" is a relative term. In the US alone, there is a very wide range of colleges and universities offering diverse opportunities. What is best for you might not be best for another student. It is not advisable to go by so-called ranking only. GPGS assists you in making a list of your own priorities, self-assessment, and then we research to find the "best" college or university for you.
Q: How does one select a college or university?
A: GPGS assists all students with the selection process. Easy right, no! Once students are assessed considering their academic and career goals; type of institution they want (specialized, liberal arts, technology, religious affiliations, single-gender); the availability, level, and quality of programs in their fields of interest and specializations; the geographical location and setting; climate; cost; scholarships; diversity; student and faculty ratio; and student life and campus activities.
Q: What do colleges and universities look for when making their admissions decisions?
A Colleges and universities look for a variety of factors, such as a good academic record, English language proficiency, acceptable standardized test scores, and effective statement of purpose or essay, strong letters of recommendation, proof of financial support, and other program-specific requirements.
Q: What is the cost of higher education abroad?
A: The cost to study at a US college or university is anywhere from $30,000 to more than $80,000 plus per year. This includes tuition, fees (including a computer, lab, other facilities usage) food, and on-campus or off-campus housing. Additional expenses include books and supplies, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Q: What is the academic year for colleges and universities abroad?
A: The academic year usually runs from mid-August to the end of May the following year. However, this varies for each institution. An academic year may be divided into semesters, quarters, or trimesters. In addition, many schools provide a summer term of six to eight weeks. Most schools have at least two main breaks during the academic year; two to four weeks in December and/or January and a week in the spring (often called spring break).
Q: What scholarship opportunities do I have?
A: Scholarships are very competitive at the undergraduate level. GPGS assists all of its students with finding the best scholarship offer given to top students during the application process. Students may also benefit from scholarships that are awarded externally through government agencies or country-based funding.
Our Approach
While there can never be a guarantee in the admissions process, we support students in their quest for their preferred schools. We encourage our students to be realistic and to seek a challenging and personally satisfying direction.
Each member of our team has specific areas of educational expertise; through our collaborative team approach, we bring that shared knowledge base to bear on each student's behalf.
We help parents too!
- find the highest-quality colleges and university within their son's or daughter's range
- organize the admissions process
- motivating the student to assume appropriate responsibility during the process
- serving as an accessible, impartial resource throughout the process
- providing accurate, up-to-date and objective information
- and mediating within the family, as necessary.