Say Ciao to one of our counselors: Alix Markoff
American colleges and universities can offer unique advantages to the international student. The declaration of major course of study in the junior undergraduate year allots students a two year period to explore disciplines which are not taught in high school, often revealing heretofore unknown aptitudes. Academic merit and athletic scholarships abound. Internship and job placement services aggressively exploit alumni networks. The fluid, inclusive climate of residential campus life fosters brotherly and sisterly bonds which last a lifetime.
Competition for coveted places at American institutions of higher education is fierce, requiring a well-honed plan of action in order to attain a student’s goal. As a college admission consultant, I craft a personalized, artisanal assessment of the talents and requisites of each international student relative to an astute analysis of updated data on college admission trends and forecasts. The 2017 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange released by the Institute of International Education indicates that the total number of international students in U.S. higher education has increased by 85% in the last decade. University rankings by percentage of international students admitted show NYU in first place followed by USC and Columbia University. Boston University and Berkeley also number in the top 15. While return on investment is certainly not the only factor inducing pursuit of the “Made in USA” stamp on a college diploma, it is a compelling one in today’s global economy. U.S. News and World Report, The Economist and the Brookings Institution have tracked the median starting salary of alumni, demonstrating for example that some smaller colleges boost future earnings more than Ivy League schools. All of these factors and more contribute to my identification of the most effective strategy for each international student vis-à-vis individual goals and objectives.
Working with students from over 40 different countries over the span of my career continues to enhance my understanding of the distinct needs of the international student. My academic credentials include a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University at Albany, State University of New York; and a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education / School Counseling and Guidance Services from Hofstra University, New York. I am the School Counselor, College Counselor and Registrar at Boca Preparatory International School in Florida. I have visited over 50 campuses of the total 5,600 colleges in the country. I am in ongoing contact with college admission officers allowing me to stay abreast of their respective preferences and criteria. Creating the right college list is fundamental to finding the perfect fit for each individual. Location and size of institution are essential factors to take into account. Desired colleges are realistically categorized into reach, target and safety schools. For each individual I create a customized step-by-step plan to follow together during the college exploration and application process. The measures I take to ensure my students are college ready include test preparation (PSAT / SAT / ACT / TOEFL), transcript evaluation and translation, interest inventories and essay composition guidance. The college essay gives the student the opportunity to shine in an intimate tete-à-tete with the admission officer. For athletes, I assist with NCAA eligibility and as a liaison with college coaches.
I have achieved a 100% success rate of admission with my international students. I tackle every student dossier with commitment, passion and determination. I look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey.
Sincerely,
Alix Markoff