The college application process can feel overwhelming, even when you're only looking at schools in the U.S. For Daniel, that challenge extended across the Atlantic. Considering both his athletic goals and his interest in traveling abroad, Daniel decided to take on the challenge of applying to international schools, and College Solutions was by his side every step of the way.
Challenge
When Daniel first started looking at colleges, he thought he could continue to play field hockey at a collegiate level. However, he quickly learned that, while men's field hockey exists at the high school level in the U.S., college programs are virtually nonexistent. Because of his love for traveling, Daniel was interested in studying overseas. These two things pushed him to explore international schools, but he wasn't quite sure where to begin with the international application process.
How College Solutions Helped
When Daniel started building his college list, his counselor helped him find schools that aligned with both his academic interests and athletic goals. At first, he was looking at well-known international schools like King's College London, Oxford, or Cambridge, but he wasn't sure if they were realistic options. "My counselor helped me put other great schools on my radar," Daniel recounts.
Beyond shaping his list, College Solutions helped Daniel understand the complexities and nuances of the international application process in comparison to the process in the U.S. College Solutions helped Daniel navigate the ways in which international applications differ from American ones and tailor his applications to a different audience.
Daniel's counselor also drew on College Solutions' broad network of experts to find answers and resources. "One of the best things about College Solutions is their network," Daniel recalls. "If my counselor wasn't sure about something abroad, she knew exactly who to ask."
Daniel's writing coach also helped him adapt to different audiences, pointing out the differences in the U.S. system through the Common App vs. the European system through UCAS. Daniel remembers how College Solutions showed him how to "put my essays in different ways that would appeal to different schools."
Additionally, College Solutions helped Daniel polish his personal narrative and highlight details that made him stand out. "College Solutions was able to help me put a shine on even rather simple experiences, especially when I was in competition with a vast range of people."
The Result
Daniel was excited to receive acceptance to University College Dublin and is now in his second year of a three-year accelerated program. After completing his undergraduate studies, Daniel hopes to return to the U.S. for a post-baccalaureate program before applying to medical school. "Going here has been the best thing I could do," Daniel says.
He plays on the men's field hockey team and travels frequently, taking advantage of Dublin as an international hotspot. Daniel values the diversity and the amount of other international students at UCD: He has friends from all over the world. "I think being able to network with so many people of a diverse background is really powerful."
What Daniel Had to Say
"Without College Solutions, I don't think I would've known how to apply. There are so many different components, and you have to appeal to different authorities, especially for international universities. They really helped me see the differences between the U.S. and European systems and tailor my essays to fit. I don't think I could've done that on my own."
What Their Counselor Had to Say
"I had the privilege of working with Daniel for two years, and during that time he became so much more than just a student I advised. He became someone I genuinely looked forward to meeting with. As Daniel toured campuses and reflected on what felt right, I could see his confidence grow. He chose the path that truly fit who he was and who he was becoming. One thing I always admired about Daniel is that he was truly in the driver's seat. I was there to support and guide him, but he showed up, asked questions, stayed engaged, and put in the work. Daniel brought positivity, maturity, and a lot of fun to our meetings. Hearing that he continues to thrive at the University of Dublin brings me so much happiness! Daniel is exactly where he is meant to be, and I'm so proud of him."
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and support our educational admissions services. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more.
