"Early Cultivation" Program for US High School Applications
Pinnacle Strategy collaborates with multiple A+ ratings high schools on the Niche website, assisting students in selecting schools based on their individual circumstances. While students are attending high schools in the United States or Canada, we provide a variety of high-quality college application preparatory programs, a secure and comfortable accommodation environment, and international student support services.
Academic Support
- Select appropriate courses and schedule study plans
- Provide continuous support in language and coursework
- Visit prestigious schools, understand the environment, and set academic goals for further studies
- Create an outstanding profile in preparation for college applications
Daily Security
- Safe and comfortable living environment
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Home-to-school liaison to facilitate instant communication
- Immerse yourself in an all-English environment
International Competence
- Participate in diverse activities to develop leadership skills
- Integrate into social life and gain a deep understanding of local culture
- Engage in outdoor sports for physical fitness and teamwork experience
- Communicate with people from all over the world and cultivate international thinking
Campus Map of U.S. and Canada
Advantages of Pinnacle Strategy
Resources provided by the "Early Cultivation" Program for US High Schools
- Massive resources for applying to US high schools, in-depth cooperation with high-quality US high schools
- Supported by an authoritative high school database, customized application plans more efficiently
- Customized expert guidance with a clear and open application process
- Local branches in the US provide full support by closely taking care of students’ academic and daily life
Simple, Flexible, and Convenient Application Materials
- An application applicable to all partner schools
- Rolling admissions, no application deadlines
- Flexible language requirements
- Fast application process
Top-tier high schools (A+/A ratings on Niche.com)
Focus on student achievement and college preparation
Support from both Chinese and American teams at all times
Excellent student services
Prime location
Diverse housing options
Successful Admission Cases
Classmate A
Brown University
Admitted to Brown University
Student situation: Vick Forest University 3.9
SAT1530, TOEFL 115
Classmate A
University of Pennsylvania
Admitted institution: University of Pennsylvania
High school enrollment: Meigao
Academic background: SAT 1520+, GPA3.95
Classmate N
University of Southern California
Admitted institution: University of Southern California
High school enrollment: Meigao
Academic background: SAT 1500+, GPA3.9
Classmate I
University of Virginia
Admitted institution: University of Virginia
High school enrollment: An international high school in Chengdu
Academic background: SAT 1450+, GPA3.7, TOEFL 100+
Classmate J
Vanderbilt University
Admitted institution: Vanderbilt University
High school enrollment: an international high school in Beijing
Academic background: SAT 1420+, GPA3.78, TOEFL 105+
Classmate H
Washington University in St. Louis
Admitted institution: University of Washington, St. Louis
High school enrollment: Meigao
Academic background: SAT 1480+, GPA3.8
Service Process
The service process of Pinnacle Strategy is as follows:
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Collecting information
Understand students’ academic background and application requirements
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Consultation service
Consulting director would evaluate the feasibility of different programs based on the information we collected, and provide Q&A sessions
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Setting our plan
Sort out preliminary plans; select schools/programs; determine application directions; meet our application teams; sign contracts; pay deposits; start cooperation
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Long-term guidance
Follow up with course enrollment at school and our tutor team that is in charge of GRE/GMAT will customize a study plan
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Schedule planning
Regular follow-up on the student learning, internship, and research planning progress to ensure timely and appropriate improvements
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Resource coordination
Internal referrals for internships at famous domestic and foreign companies, PBL (Project-Base Learning) for scientific research at famous universities, direct access to international journals
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Personalized essay
Second round of information collection, brainstorming for essay ideas, strategy development provided by admissions officers, drafting essays tailored to different school applications by experienced teams
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Application submission
Assistance with online applications and answering queries; provide one-on-one interview coaching; communicate with schools as needed, and personalized follow-up until receiving offers
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Admissions & selection
Provide students with comprehensive analysis and suggestions on choosing the final school for enrollment after receiving offers; apply for I-20
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Post-admissions services
Guidance on visa application, vaccination, and physical examination, school registration; application for residence halls or rental housing, etc.
Host Family
International Student Dormitory
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Pinnacle Strategy and other intermediary agencies?
Compared with domestic schools, US schools not only seek academically excellent students but also desire those who are confident, independent, and possess both academic and social abilities. In this case, when going to the United States, adapting to a different environment and quickly integrating into the new environment would not be a problem. So it is important for students to demonstrate a positive disposition and express their opinions effectively during interviews. Pinnacle Strategy provides comprehensive guidance and coaching to students throughout the process of applying to American high schools, including how to stand out during interviews and leave a lasting impression on admissions officers. Families with intentions to study abroad are encouraged to inquire for more details.
What test scores are required to submit when applying to American high schools?
Common requirements include the TOEFL English test, SSAT for private high school entrance tests, and Vericant oral interview scores. Although the top-ranked high schools in the US are highly competitive and require almost perfect standardized test scores, many private schools do not require extremely high scores, and some even offer exemptions. It is important to note that excellent scores do not guarantee admission to top-tier high schools in the US because many Chinese students meet the minimum admission requirements of schools. The key to admission lies in how much you can distinguish yourself from other applicants. In situations where students have similar scores, the interviewer's evaluation during the interview will play a significant role in the decision-making process. Let the school feel your passion and love. An outstanding essay is also crucial during the application process as it serves as a channel for students to communicate with the school. Pinnacle Strategy collaborates with experienced counselors in the industry, who understand the characteristics valued by private high schools to assist students in crafting outstanding essays.
Is it better to stay with a host family or live on campus when studying in a US high school?
Boarding schools often offer more comprehensive facilities, rich extracurricular activities, and superior faculty and student bodies, but it comes with the cost of higher tuition fees and academic pressure. For those who are day students, schools will usually match them with a corresponding host family, which is generally cheaper than renting off-campus housing or living in dormitories. Staying with a host family also helps international students integrate into local life more quickly and improve their English proficiency. As host families, rigorous background checks are mandatory, including a healthy family structure and no criminal records. Follow-up is conducted after students move in to ensure their safety.
If I want to apply to US high schools, when should I start preparing?
The best time to enroll is in 9th grade, which corresponds to the third year of junior high school in China. This is the transition period for most US students entering high school, so it is a good opportunity to adapt to a new environment and make new friends. If you miss this time period, it is also possible to apply for admission in 10th or 11th grade, although the workload will be heavier, as AP courses and SAT exams will soon be required. Schools generally do not accept students in 12th grade. It is recommended to start the application process one year in advance to give the student ample time to prepare. If you are eager to study abroad, there are also schools that have year-round admissions. The earlier students go to the United States, the more helpful it will be for them to apply to ideal universities in the US, because they will have enough time to learn English (such as ESL courses), enhance their background, and become familiar with the education system in the US.
