University applications advice

Whether Russell group or Ivy league, we help international students realise their dreams of reaching the best universities. We provide the support your family needs throughout the process to ensure that each student prepares the best application possible.

4.98/5 based on 398 reviews
20 Years
Trusted in Switzerland & Worldwide
40 Subjects
Across all international programs
18 Years
Tutor’s average teaching experience

Why TutorsPlus?

  • Specialists in helping Swiss international school students

    At TutorsPlus, we know that university choices can be overwhelming for international families. So we offer guidance to help choose from all the options available. From start to finish, we ensure each student submits a competitive application, whether they are applying to universities in Switzerland, UK, European, US and beyond.

  • Entry to top universities in Switzerland & beyond

    Through our range of packages, we help students gain entry to top-tier institutions including EPFL, ETHZ, Oxbridge, the Russell Group, and Ivy League universities. In fact, our students have received offers from top US, UK, and European institutions (Harvard, Yale, Columbia, NYU, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE, St Andrews, NUS, & Bocconi).

  • Our services – pay for as much or as little as you need

    Our services include a thorough overview of all undergraduate systems, discussion on degrees/university options, overseeing applications & tuition for entry tests (SAT/ACT; BMAT; Oxbridge etc), guidance writing the personal statement & additional written work, registering students for visits to chosen universities. Unlimited mentorship throughout the application process.

  • Daniele Labriola

    Teaching experience: 20+ years
    Daniele, BA, UC Berkeley, MLitt & PhD, St Andrews University, has dedicated over 10 years to assisting families and schools, on how best to prepare students for the top tier of higher education. Dr Labriola’s years in Education have taken him across North America, Europe, and Asia, advising and lecturing on higher education. He has published academic articles, as well as contributed essays on university preparation and application, for various media, including newspapers, journals and government-sponsored education organizations such as the Fulbright Commission. LinkedIn
    • University Applications

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Daniele’s testimonials

  • Harvard Graduate School

    Parent
    Dr Labriola was approached by an education professional seeking access to leading universities in the United States of America, to study for post-graduate degrees in Education. Following support with application letters, C.V. preparation, references, and interview preparation (as well as GRE prep tuition). His student ultimately received an offer from the Harvard Graduate School of Education to read for a Master’s degree.
    November 22, 2024
  • UC Berkeley & NYU

    Parent
    A candidate with a weaker academic profile, ambitious to study in the United States, was given intensive guidance, support, and coaching, under the management of Dr Labriola to increase his potential to secure a place at a top-tier university. Through a combination of tuition, mentoring, guidance, and interview preparation, as well as close oversight of admissions essays, and support with references, he secured places at UC Berkeley and New York University to read Philosophy and Economics.
    October 17, 2024
  • Kings College London

    Parent
    Dr Labriola was approached by a successful tech entrepreneur, who had funded a 100M + software firm, who wished to secure places for his daughters are leading schools in the United States and/or the United Kingdom. Mentors were appointed for both daughters to support them during their time at a leading international school, with peripatetic tuition provided as required. Both girls are now thriving at Kings College London.
    August 17, 2024
  • UCLA

    Parent
    A client seeking to apply to top universities in California to study chemistry approached Daniele – himself a graduate of the University of California. Following support with the entire application process, the candidate secured a place at UCLA to read for a bachelor’s degree.
    February 17, 2023
  • EMBA Global Asia Programme

    Parent
    Dr Labriola and his previous consultancy firm was approached by a global executive overseeing a broad portfolio of work in East Asia, seeking access to an executive education programme. Following support with references, admissions essays, course selection, and admissions tests (in addition to interview preparation), the candidate secured admission to the EMBA Global Asia Programme jointly delivered by the University of Columbia in the City of New York, Hong Kong University, and London Business School.
    June 25, 2022
  • University of Oxford

    Parent
    A pupil with no English, but a strong academic background, was under Dr Labriola’s guidance enrolled at a small one-to-one college in Oxford, where he undertook intensive English-language tuition, alongside a challenging programme of A-Levels.  Within 9 months Dr Labriola’s student had secured a place to read Religious Studies at the University of Oxford.
    March 23, 2022

Our University application process

1. Step 1 — Discovery Session

We begin by understanding your academic background, interests, ambitions and preferred study destinations. This helps us create a personalised admissions strategy tailored to your goals.

2. Step 2 — University Shortlist

Together, we develop a balanced shortlist of universities and courses based on your academic profile, career aspirations and likelihood of success.

3. Step 3 — Application Strategy

We create a clear application timeline, ensuring you meet key deadlines, prepare required documents and understand the admissions process for each university.

4. Step 4 — Personal Statements & Essays

Our advisors help you plan, draft and refine personal statements, Common App essays and motivation letters, ensuring your applications reflect your strengths and remain entirely your own work.

5. Step 5 — Interview Preparation

We provide personalised interview coaching, mock interviews and constructive feedback to help you communicate confidently and perform at your best.

6. Step 6 — Final Submission

Before you submit your applications, we review every element to ensure your documents are complete, accurate and presented to the highest standard.

7. Step 7 — Offer Decisions

Once offers arrive, we help you compare your options, understand conditions, make informed decisions and, if needed, advise on results day, Clearing or alternative pathways.

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Frequently asked questions

Can TutorsPlus help students applying to universities outside the UK?

Yes. We support applications to universities in the UK, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Europe and many other destinations. Our advisors understand the different admissions systems and help students prepare applications tailored to each country’s requirements, deadlines and expectations. 

When should I start preparing my university application?

Ideally, students should begin planning 12 to 18 months before their application deadlines. Starting early gives time to research courses, build a strong academic profile, prepare for admissions tests, draft personal statements and complete applications without unnecessary stress. 

Can you help if I’m applying to more than one country?

Absolutely. Many international students apply to universities in several countries. We help students manage different application systems, deadlines and document requirements while ensuring each application reflects the student’s strengths and ambitions. 

Do you help with university admissions essays and personal statements?

Yes. Our advisors help students plan, draft and refine personal statements, supplemental essays and motivation letters. We provide detailed feedback to help students communicate their achievements, interests and goals in an authentic and compelling way while ensuring the final work remains entirely their own. 

Can you help prepare for university admissions interviews?

Yes. We provide mock interviews, personalised feedback and coaching for university admissions interviews. Whether you’re applying to Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, US universities or other competitive programmes, we help you build confidence and communicate your ideas clearly. 

Do you support applications for Medicine, Law and other competitive courses?

Yes. We have specialists who support applications for highly competitive courses including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Law, Engineering, Economics and Oxbridge applications. We also help students prepare for subject-specific admissions tests and interviews where required. 

Can TutorsPlus help students from international schools?

Yes. We specialise in supporting students from international schools following programmes such as the IB Diploma, A Levels, AP, IGCSE, Maturité Suisse and other international curricula. Our advisors understand how these qualifications are viewed by universities worldwide. 

Can you help if my predicted grades are lower than expected?

Yes. We help students develop realistic university strategies based on their academic profile. This may include refining university choices, strengthening other aspects of the application or planning alternative pathways if circumstances change. 

What happens if I don’t receive the university offers I hoped for?

We can advise students after results are released, including reviewing options such as UCAS Clearing, appeals where appropriate, alternative universities, gap years or reapplication strategies. Our aim is to help students make informed decisions under tight deadlines. 

Is university application support available online?

Yes. All university application support can be provided online, allowing students anywhere in the world to work with our experienced advisors through flexible one-to-one sessions. 

How are your university advisors selected?

Our university advisors have extensive experience in university admissions, international education and student guidance. Many have worked with applicants to leading universities around the world and understand what admissions teams are looking for in competitive applications. 

Can parents be involved in the application process?

Yes. We encourage parents to be involved where appropriate. We can include parents in planning meetings and provide guidance on timelines and decision-making, while ensuring students remain responsible for developing their own applications. 

Will you write my personal statement or application essays?

No. Universities expect all application materials to be the student’s own work. We provide guidance, feedback and coaching to help students produce their strongest application while maintaining academic integrity. 

How many sessions do students typically need?

This depends on the student’s goals and where they are in the application process. Some students need a few sessions to refine their personal statement or prepare for interviews, while others benefit from ongoing support throughout the entire admissions journey. 

How do I know if a university is the right fit for me?

Choosing the right university involves more than rankings. Consider the course content, teaching style, campus environment, location, class sizes, career opportunities and student support. Our advisors help students identify universities where they are most likely to thrive academically and personally. 

Should I apply to aspirational universities?

Yes. Most students should include a mix of aspirational, realistic and safer choices to maximise their chances of receiving offers while keeping ambitious goals within reach. 

How important are university rankings?

Rankings can be a useful starting point, but they should not be the only factor in your decision. Course quality, graduate outcomes, placement opportunities, teaching methods and student satisfaction are often more important than overall league table position. 

Can I change my course after I start university?

Some universities allow students to change courses during the first year, although this depends on the programme and available places. It is generally better to choose carefully before applying. 

Should I visit universities before applying?

If possible, yes. Visiting a university can help you understand the campus, teaching environment and student life. If you cannot visit in person, many universities offer virtual tours and online open days. 

What should I look for during an open day?

Pay attention to the teaching facilities, accommodation, student support services, campus atmosphere, career services and opportunities to speak with current students and lecturers. 

How many UCAS choices should I use?

UCAS allows students to apply to up to five courses (or four for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine). We help students use these choices strategically to create a balanced application. 

When should I start preparing my UCAS application?

Students should ideally begin researching universities and courses at least a year before applying. Early preparation gives more time to strengthen personal statements, prepare for admissions tests and meet application deadlines. 

What is a contextual offer?

Some UK universities make contextual offers to students whose educational or personal circumstances may have affected their academic opportunities. Eligibility varies between universities. 

Do universities look at GCSE or IGCSE results?

Yes. Many competitive universities consider GCSE or IGCSE results alongside predicted grades, particularly for courses such as Medicine and applications to Oxford or Cambridge. 

What happens if I miss my offer?

Students may still be accepted, depending on the university and course. Other options include UCAS Clearing, alternative offers, remarks or taking a gap year before reapplying. 

How important is my personal statement?

Your personal statement plays an important role in demonstrating your motivation, subject interest and suitability for the course. Competitive courses often use it alongside academic achievement when making decisions. 

Do I need work experience?

For many professional courses such as Medicine, Veterinary Science and Teaching, relevant work experience is highly beneficial and sometimes expected. Other subjects may value wider extracurricular activities instead. 

What are supercurricular activities?

Supercurricular activities go beyond the school curriculum and demonstrate genuine academic interest in a subject. Examples include wider reading, lectures, online courses, competitions and research projects.  

What is the difference between Oxford and Cambridge admissions?

Although both universities are highly competitive, they have different colleges, interview styles, admissions tests and application processes. Students can only apply to one of the two universities in the same UCAS cycle. 

When should I start preparing my US applications?

Students should ideally begin planning during Grade 11 or the first year of the IB Diploma or A Levels to allow enough time for testing, essays and extracurricular development. 

Do all US universities use the Common App?

No. While many universities accept the Common Application, others use the Coalition Application or their own institutional application systems. 

What makes a strong Common App essay?

A successful essay demonstrates authenticity, reflection and personal growth. Admissions officers are interested in understanding who you are, rather than reading a list of achievements. 

Should I submit SAT or ACT scores?

Many universities are currently test-optional, but submitting strong scores can strengthen an application, particularly for competitive institutions. The best approach depends on your academic profile and target universities. 

How many extracurricular activities should I have?

Quality is generally more important than quantity. Universities prefer sustained commitment and meaningful impact over participation in a large number of unrelated activities. 

What do holistic admissions mean?

Holistic admissions means universities evaluate applicants using multiple factors, including academic performance, essays, recommendations, extracurricular involvement and personal qualities, rather than grades alone. 

Are recommendation letters important?

Yes. Strong recommendations provide valuable insight into your academic ability, character and potential, helping admissions officers understand your achievements beyond grades. 

Can I apply Early Decision or Early Action?

Many US universities offer Early Decision and Early Action options, which have different levels of commitment and deadlines. We help students decide which application strategy best suits their goals. 

What is demonstrated interest?

Some universities consider how engaged an applicant has been throughout the admissions process. Activities such as attending webinars, campus visits and information sessions may demonstrate interest. 

Can international students work while studying in the US?

International students on F-1 visas can usually work on campus and may become eligible for practical training opportunities such as CPT and OPT under specific visa regulations. 

Can TutorsPlus help with applications to universities in Europe?

Yes. We support students applying to universities across Europe, including Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France and many other destinations. 

Can I apply to universities in multiple countries at the same time?

Yes. Many international students submit applications to universities in several countries. We help manage different deadlines, admissions systems and document requirements. 

How do I choose between the UK, US and Europe?

The best destination depends on your academic goals, preferred teaching style, budget, language requirements and long-term career plans. Our advisors help students compare the advantages of each system. 

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