FAQs

Check out a few of the most common questions. Hopefully you can find the answer you’re looking for. If not, let us know and we’ll do our best to find out for you.

WHY SHOULD WE CHOOSE YOUR SERVICE?

This is a growing and sometimes confusing 'industry'. Many services will put you in the care of a fresh graduate or perhaps a former admissions officer who has worked at one or two institutions. Both may seem attractive for different reasons but neither have extensive experience of working with 16-18 year olds on this journey in the context of their school and its academic demands. Moreover, such admissions counselling is often focused only on the application year and is an 'add-on' to SAT Prep or Tuition services. Martin Campion's deep experience in this field is supplemented by his ability to advise students on their academic needs and, as a father of three former international school students, he understands family concerns and the Hong Kong dimension. His awards from the Council of International Schools and Yale should give you peace of mind in terms of the quality of the service you'll receive. See also the Testimonials page.

CAN THIS PROGRAM GET ME INTO A 'TOP' COLLEGE?

If you are asking if Martin Campion has advised students who have gone on to highly selective institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Cambridge and Oxford, the answer is 'Yes', many times. However, in every case, it is the student who got him or herself in, not the adviser or the program. There certainly is advice to be given and Martin is very familiar with the demands of such applications and what these colleges are looking for. Others will build a mystique around such applications and have you believe that there is some 'secret' to getting in. The admissions officers at such institutions, many of whom Martin knows well, will tell you firmly that there isn't, and will often add that their college isn't for everyone: that 'top' doesn't necessarily equate to most selective but means 'top' for you as an individual.

DO WE REALLY NEED THIS SERVICE?

The quick answer is 'No'. That might surprise you, as it would be in our interest to convince you that we are indispensable. Ideally, bright students with the support of their high school and the advice that colleges willingly give, should be self-sufficient in their research, decision-making and their applications. That's a perfect world or perhaps the world 30 years ago, when students would often only consider a small number of colleges in one country or even one state. The reality today is that, as with other aspects of our lives, the choices out there can seem overwhelming and some students will need help in making sense of it all, focusing their research and managing their time, in the face of unprecedented distractions and other commitments. Parents may not feel that they have either the time or the expertise to support their son or daughter to the extent that they would like.

It might actually save you money! This service may introduce the student to HE options that cost less in themselves or to scholarships and other means of financial support that might not have been otherwise apparent.

Ultimately, you are purchasing the 'peace of mind' that, more or less, no stone has been left unturned.

DO YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?

Far from it! I learn something new about higher education every day and that's one reason I find my work so interesting. I never hesitate to say "I don't know" when that is the case - students come to respect that.

On occasion, I may recommend that the student receive specialist guidance from a third party (e.g. a subject specialist for a mock interview or for art portfolio advice). There may or may not be an extra fee involved depending on the nature and length of that service. The student is under no obligation to accept this recommendation but will understand that it will be made in his or her best interests. Parents will be fully informed of any such recommendation where it involves an extra cost or alternative location.