#26. Ivy Select
IvySelect is a boutique college admissions consulting firm specializing in guiding high-achieving students toward acceptance at Ivy League and other top-tier universities in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. The firm has distinguished itself in the competitive landscape of admissions consulting through its commitment to personalized, strategic planning and maintaining a notably low student-to-counselor ratio. This approach ensures that each client receives individualized attention throughout the application process. IvySelect's methodology centers on developing tailored strategies that effectively highlight each student's unique strengths and aspirations, helping them stand out meaningfully among thousands of qualified applicants competing for limited spots at elite institutions.
Ivy League Admissions
Services Offered
IvySelect provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to navigate the complexities of the college admissions process:
Admissions Counseling:
Strategic planning to enhance credentials, improve academic records, and position students effectively for top-tier college admissions.
Standout Strategies:
Assistance in identifying and maximizing unique "hooks" that differentiate students from other applicants, including defining standout academic and extracurricular activities.
College Essay Help:
Expert guidance in crafting compelling personal statements and supplemental essays that authentically convey the student's voice and experiences.
Application Assistance:
Support in managing all application components, including resume development, application tracking, and meeting critical deadlines.
Interview Preparation:
Coaching to enhance interview skills through mock interviews and constructive feedback.
Recommendation Guidance:
Strategic advice on selecting and approaching potential recommenders to secure strong endorsements.
The firm also offers specialized services tailored to niche applicant needs, including guidance for international students, candidates for B.S./M.D. joint programs, student-athletes, transfer students, and medical and law school applicants.
Team
IvySelect is led by Director Michael Goran, a nationally recognized college admissions counselor known for his frequent contributions to media discussions on elite college admissions. While the firm does not include any former Ivy League admissions officers, Goran brings decades of experience guiding high-achieving students through competitive application processes. The team comprises professionals with backgrounds from elite institutions, offering students a combination of strategic insight and academic familiarity with top-tier universities.
Reputation
IvySelect has developed a respected reputation based largely on client testimonials and the leadership of Michael Goran. Although the firm has no verified online reviews to date and holds an Ivy League Advantage Factor of 1, anecdotal feedback from families—including praise from a parent of a Harvard admit—speaks to the firm’s impact. Goran’s national profile and long-standing success record provide credibility, particularly for families seeking personalized support through the elite admissions process.
Pros
Specialization in Elite Admissions: IvySelect focuses specifically on Ivy League and top-tier universities, offering deep expertise in these highly competitive admissions processes.
Personalized Attention: The firm maintains a low student-to-counselor ratio, ensuring each client receives tailored guidance and comprehensive support throughout their application journey.
Comprehensive Service Range: IvySelect offers a full spectrum of services, from initial strategic planning to interview preparation and application assistance, providing holistic support.
Experienced Leadership: The firm is led by a nationally recognized counselor with extensive experience in elite college admissions, bringing valuable expertise to client engagements.
Cons
Limited Public Information on Team Size: While the firm's leadership is well-established, specific details about the number of consultants and their individual backgrounds are not readily available, creating some opacity regarding capacity.
Potential Cost Considerations: As a boutique firm specializing in elite admissions with a low client-to-counselor ratio, IvySelect's services may come at a premium price point, potentially limiting accessibility.
Online Presence
3.00
Review Score
1.00
Team Score
1
Ivy Advantage Score
1
Total Score
1.40
To understand how we evaluate admissions consulting firms, please refer to our detailed Methodology page, which outlines our assessment criteria and scoring process.