Are you University Bound?
We are.

And we believe that higher education should provide students the opportunity to explore, grow, and thrive. Our company was founded by people who have contended first-hand with a university admissions system that is complicated and constantly changing. And for international students, the challenges are multiplied. Choosing the right school is a lifetime opportunity and investment. Let us help your student apply with knowledge and confidence to achieve good choices and admissions success.

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Counsellor Notes
20 November 2023

Remembering the P in PSAT

PSAT scores were just released for Y12 and Y11 students. While upwards of 2,000 colleges and universities in the US are test-optional or test-free for 2024 entry, standardised tests may still be required for or enhance the applications of some students, depending upon where and for what course they apply. For these students, the PSAT may help them identify strengths and areas for improvement; results aside, it can certainly help familiarise them with the kinds of questions and time pressures involved. But it shouldn’t cause stress. The results don’t count. The P in PSAT stands for practice. The test is meant only to help students prepare.

U.S. Leads Growth in Applicants to the UK

The UK applications platform UCAS recently published figures on enrolment trends among international students. The figures underscore that demand for higher education in the UK is high, with the volume of international undergraduate applicants forecasted to increase by 46% to 208,500 by 2026. A quarter of those students are expected from China. The USA, together with Singapore, has seen the most growth in applicants to the UK, with an increase of 9% over the last year.

The New UCAS Reference

As part of a broader reform package for UK university applications for 2024 entry, UCAS has announced changes to the school reference. The changes will include a new section focused on extenuating student circumstances and needed support, and reduce the space to report on student achievement. This will put a greater spotlight on how students themselves present their achievements in the personal statement.

University Advising

Our services are available by the hour or in customised packages to address the needs of

every student. An initial consultation is free.

Senior Year Checklist

Starting in spring, junior year, organisation is everything. This package provides essential support to help the student stay on track and ahead of deadline throughout the application process. It starts with an assessment and checklist, and is followed by a schedule of consultations to produce a to-do list and timeline and provide guidance in the areas the student needs help most. These may include research, developing the university list, application strategy, preparing for entry requirements, providing supporting materials and essays, and reviewing applications.

The University List

University admissions are competitive and unpredictable, and so having a smart university list is essential to ensuring good outcomes. There is so much more to choosing the right school than the name! Building the list usually starts in the spring of junior year and demands self-appraisal, reflection and research. It also requires strategy, since admissions dynamics change and student priorities shift. An effective list is a hedge against risk, and an important reminder that there are multiple pathways to achieve personal and educational goals.

Essay Development and Review

Whether it's 4,000 characters, 650 words or 50, the essay that is part of every university application challenges the student to write for distinction and impact. Choosing a topic, finding one's voice, selecting evidence, and writing effectively are key. And every writer needs a coach.

About Us

Expert Advice. Admissions Success.

Our Mission

University Bound offers advising and support to help families and students navigate a university landscape that is constantly shifting. Our approach is individualized, student-centered and ethical. Our aim is to increase knowledge, manage risk, and reduce stress. We are alert to the latest developments in higher education and equipped with insight and expertise to help students maximize their choices and gain admission to a ''right fit'' school.

Who We Are

Joanna Levison is an American expat living in Prague. She launched University Bound to help international students navigate an increasingly complex and global university application process in the U.K., U.S., Europe, and elsewhere, and has advised hundreds of successful students. She has over 20 years of experience in international relations, human rights advocacy, and strategic communications. She has managed mentoring programs for journalists in coordination with the Czech Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Embassy in Prague, and worked at the US State Department in Washington, D.C. She has a Masters Degree in Russian and Eastern European Studies.

Our Services

University Bound offers individualized one-to-one consulting. We help students reflect on the fundamental ''why'' of university and arrive at a personal understanding of ''fit." We provide comprehensive research and strategic guidance to produce an effective school list. We offer planning for every step of the application process, expert feedback on personal statements and essays, and insight into financial aid. We assess admissions offers and we celebrate results. We normally work by the hour to address every student need.