UNIVERSITY BOUND
Expert Advising.
Admissions Success.
Are you University Bound?
We are.
And we believe that higher education should provide students the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Our company was founded by independent educational consultants and international high-school guidance and careers counsellors who, as professionals and parents, have worked extensively inside a university admissions system that is complex 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 explore, prepare, and apply with knowledge and confidence to achieve great choices and admissions success.
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Admissions Notes
11 June 2025
Rethinking the 'Balanced' Uni List
Students applying to university hear again and again and again about the importance of building a “balanced” list of choices. It’s rule Number 1 for getting an offer. But in the US, 2025 was another unpredictable and competitive year, with many students mystified about offers they didn't receive, and eye-popping competition in unlikely places. The culprits? Application inflation has redefined the admissions process, making many “safe” schools no longer so. Highly popular majors at many lesser-known universities have admissions rates that, in some cases, are comparable to acceptance rates for similar programs at the most selective schools. And the popularity of early deadlines has changed timelines and strategy. "Alignment" is the term of the moment. Students need to do detailed research, think deeply about their goals and priorities, and apply to a wider range of schools than before. See this post for guidance.
What Does 'Deferral' Mean?
UK Clearing: Help Is on the Way!
Are you disappointed with your UCAS offers? Don’t worry. UCAS has a process called Clearing to help match students unhappy with their offers with universities that still have places to fill. And lots of students use it to find excellent matches at loads of UK schools. Clearing runs from July 5 – October 20 2025. (IB results are released this year on July 6.) It is available to students who: are applying to UK schools after June 30, didn’t receive any offers (or none they wanted to accept), didn’t meet the conditions of their offers, or who have declined their firm place. The process usually requires that students call the university directly to express their interest and qualifications. If a vacancy is available and they meet entry requirements, they may need to commit quickly. In this sense, Clearing can feel a bit like speed dating, but with an up-front 3-year commitment! Research and preparation are key. Start with this UCAS guide, and contact us to help.
Comms 101: Beyond the Eye-Roll
High school students are always told to develop their communication skills. But what does that actually mean?? Yes, the phrase relates to the ability to speak or write effectively, but it also refers to an ability to interact with another person or audience to make one's meaning clear. This post explains some of these interactive and interpersonal aspects of the communication skillset. Students can work on these skills inside, outside, and beyond the classroom, in every conversation, every day. After all, what good is an important opinion or an interesting idea if you can't communicate it effectively? It's what makes us stronger students, applicants, and colleagues, and better humans.for future employment.
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Raise Your Hand, Raise Your Game
If you're a student who is happy to go to school but prefers not to participate in class, guess what: it turns out that participation is important. This is because it is a form of active learning, and active learning helps students be engaged and motivated in class. And being engaged in your learning makes knowledge relevant, which is empowering, and helps knowledge stick. The benefits continue. Countless studies show that students who participate in class develop essential core skills like presenting a point of view, thinking on your feet, problem-solving, doing group work, and thinking critically about information. These are skills for success in school, and at uni, but also skills for life. Especially in a shifting labor market, they will help students succeed as they transition from uni to job to career. And, more good news: participation is learnable. You can do it. It can be hard at first, but the rewards now and for the future are huge. Learn to raise your hand, and raise your game. See this post for more.
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UK Unis Hand Out More Offers
The UK’s more selective universities have made more offers to applicants this year, likely surpassing last year’s levels, according to UCAS. Current data show a 3% increase over the 2024 cycle, when a record 2 million offers were made. However, numbers of applicants increased only by 1% this year, meaning that students are receiving more offers than last year, not that more students are attending uni. Figures from the past two cycles show that applicants with multiple offers tend to accept them from more selective schools, suggesting that the current trend will disadvantage schools lower down in the hierarchy that are already struggling to fill their enrolment targets. Many UK schools are beset by a host of institutional and financial challenges that have recently caused them to reduce faculty and staff and cut courses. Although universities were allowed to make a small increase to domestic tuition fees this year, experts estimate they will be £1.3 billion poorer in the 2025 - 2026 academic year.
Steps to Minimize US Visa Delays
Recent changes in US immigration policies have thrown roadblocks in the way of international students seeking visas to study in the US for the 2025 academic year. Students from some countries or territories, including China and Hong Kong, may be affected more than others, but all international students need to be vigilant regarding their status. Some helpful steps to minimize delays: 1) Ignore hearsay and always refer to official sources for information, foremost the official website of the US embassy or consulate in your country, or the US Department of State’s official website. 2) Begin preparing supporting documents immediately, and start the application process and try and book an appointment for an interview as soon as your I-20 form arrives. 3) Respond honestly and carefully to all vetting procedures to ensure you comply with all legal and procedural criteria for entry. 4) Remember that social media accounts are now subject to review. To minimize disruption, some colleges and unis are offering freshmen deferrals, or options to begin their studies online or at locations abroad. In 2024, seven out of ten student visas issued by the US were granted in the period from May to August.
Study in the Netherlands!
International students looking for excellent educational options should consider studying in the Netherlands. Ignore the rumours about restrictions on international admissions: these universities want you and have amazing programmes to offer. There are research-focused courses that prepare you for a Masters degree and hands-on practical courses designed to launch you into the job market. They are narrow and focused or broad-ranging and multi-disciplinary. They offer opportunities to study elsewhere in the country, study abroad, or elect a minor. They are in towns and near the beach, or in cities like Amsterdam, Maastricht, Rotterdam, and The Hague. They will teach you how to ride a bicycle if you don't know how, and train you in AI and aerospace engineering, global justice, or urban studies. They are affordable, student-centred and globally aware, and offer the experience of a lifetime! Talk to us! We have lots of information.
We provide advising by the hour to address the needs of every family and student.
We also offer targeted packages, described below, to provide extended support and savings.
An initial consultation is free.​​
Building the Profile
Students considering selective schools or foreign study destinations benefit from early planning. The goal is to avoid surprises and missed opportunities, and build a profile that is competitive when application season arrives. Advising can begin pre-IB, pre-A levels, or in sophomore year to guide smart subject and extra-curricular choices and ensure a student is on-track to fulfil entry requirements down the line. This package starts with an assessment and includes several consultations at strategic points during the year to set the foundation for admissions success.
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Junior Year Prep
University preparation for many students starts in junior year (G11, Y12). Students are ready to reflect on their strengths and goals, and starting to plan now will build knowledge and confidence and reduce senior-year stress later. This package provides for a sequence of consultations beginning in the fall or spring. It starts with an assessment to identify goals, and then helps the student develop an application strategy with a focus on ''fit.'' Depending on a student's needs, advising can be targeted to help define a focus and identify a course, select subjects and extra-curricular activities, explore destinations, understand entry requirements, begin research and compiling a list, brainstorm essays, and plan summers and senior year.
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Building the Uni List
​The list is the thing. Whether for medicine, art school, engineering, the UK, the Netherlands, the US, or elsewhere, university admissions are competitive and unpredictable. A ''smart'' list is a hedge against risk and ensures good outcomes. Building the list usually starts in the spring of junior year. It is time-consuming and tedious and demands reflection and research. It also requires strategy, since admissions trends are constantly shifting, and there is so much more to choosing a school than the name. This package is meant to strengthen student confidence by guiding effective research and delivering a tailored and "smart" set of choices.
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Senior Year Check-in
Senior year (G12, Y13) is a balancing act. It starts with a bang and the demands can pile up. Organisation is everything. This compact package provides essential oversight and support to help the student stay aware, on track, and ahead of deadline throughout the application process. It starts with an assessment and checklist, and is followed by a tight sequence of consultations to produce a to-do list and target guidance in the areas where the student needs help most. These may include course or major selection, research, country-specific entry requirements, financial aid, admissions strategy, list-building, gathering supporting materials, writing essays, and reviewing applications.​
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Senior Year Comprehensive
This robust package starts at the beginning and continues until applications are done. It provides tailored advising and support on the entire discovery, research, application, and admissions process, from A to Z.
Essay Coaching
Whether it's 4,000 characters, 650 words or 50, and whether it's a personal statement, a motivation letter, or for the Common App, the essay challenges the student to write for distinction and impact. We offer basic or advanced support because brainstorming a topic, finding one's voice, selecting evidence, and writing effectively are key. And every writer needs a coach.
About Us
Expert Advising. Admissions Success.
Our Mission
University Bound believes that higher education should offer students the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. In a constantly changing university landscape, we aim to help students increase knowledge, build confidence, manage risk, avoid stress, and make healthy decisions. We believe in mobility, access, and opportunity for every student. We are avid researchers who are alert to the latest admissions developments and careers trends, and equipped with experience and expertise to help every student maximise choice and gain admission to a
''right fit'' school.
Who We Are
Joanna Levison is an American expat in Prague, where she has worked as a university admissions and careers counsellor at an international IB school. She has also worked as an adjunct reader of international applications for the University of California. She launched University Bound to help international students and families navigate an increasingly complex and global university application process. She trained as an independent education consultant with the University of California/Irvine, and recently received her counsellor accreditation from Times Higher Education/UK. She has over 20 years of experience in human rights advocacy, international relations, and strategic communications.
Our Approach
University Bound offers individualised one-to-one consulting to help students and families navigate higher education pathways. Our approach is student-centred, research-based, and ethical. We put fit and well-being at the centre of our process. We provide strategic guidance and planning for every step of the research and application process, coaching and feedback on personal statements and essays, and insight into financial aid. We help families assess admissions offers and we celebrate results. We work by the hour and offer customised packages to address every student need.
University Bound Acceptances
UK
Brunel University, London
Cambridge University
London School of Economics
Oxford University
King's College London
Manchester Metropolitan
University of Aberdeen
University of the Arts London
University of Birmingham
University of Bristol
University of Durham
University of Edinburgh
University of Hertfordshire
University of Leeds
University of Manchester
University of Reading
University of Sheffield
University of Warwick
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US
American University
Bentley University
Boston University
College of the Atlantic
Gonzaga University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Haverford College
Ithaca College
Northeastern University
Parsons School of Design
Pratt Institute
Purdue University
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
University of Rochester
University of Southern Florida
University of Washington
U.S. Airforce Academy
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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EUROPE & ASIA
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Bocconi University
Brussels School of Government
Charles University
EHL Hospitality Business School
European School of Business
Glion Institute
Hong Kong University of Science & Tech
IE University, Spain
Jinan University, China
KU Leuven
Leiden University
Nuova Accademia delle Belle Arti (NABA)
Politecnico Milan
Prague School of Finance & Economics (VŠE)
Stockholm School of Economics
University College Utrecht
University of Amsterdam
University of New York in Prague
Vrije University, Netherlands
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