Helping Students Navigate College Admissions Across Borders
International admissions runs in two directions, and Decision Drop works in both.
Applying to college internationally requires more than understanding admissions requirements. Students and families must navigate different education systems, application platforms, grading structures, timelines, testing expectations, and definitions of fit.
Decision Drop helps both U.S. students applying to universities abroad and international students applying to colleges in the United States. For students exploring universities outside the U.S., we help families understand different admissions systems, application requirements, academic expectations, and timelines. For international students applying to American universities, we provide guidance on presenting their academic experiences and personal stories within the U.S. admissions process.
Josh Hudley and Lisa Clay bring firsthand experience from international schools, university admissions, and college counseling programs, helping students navigate applications across Europe, Asia, Canada, Latin America, Australia, and beyond.
Josh developed deep international admissions expertise as Director of College Counseling at Awty International School, an IB and French Baccalaureate school in Houston with a globally diverse student population. Lisa and Josh have also personally visited universities around the world, bringing firsthand knowledge of institutions and admissions systems beyond the United States.
International College Admissions Consultants With Global Experience
U.S. Students Applying to Universities Abroad: Navigating Global Admissions Systems
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Understanding Global Admissions Systems
Universities outside the United States often evaluate students differently than American colleges.
Decision Drop helps students navigate differences in transcripts, academic qualifications, essays, recommendations, deadlines, and application expectations across different countries and regions.
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Experience With Universities Worldwide
Josh and Lisa have helped students apply to universities throughout Europe, Asia, Canada, Latin America, and Australia.
They understand the importance of researching not only admission requirements, but also academic culture, student experience, and long-term fit.
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UK and UCAS Application Guidance
The United Kingdom and Ireland follow different admissions models than U.S. universities, including the UCAS application system and a greater emphasis on academic preparation and intended course of study.
Decision Drop helps students understand these differences and prepare accordingly.
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Building a Global College List
Students do not have to choose between applying only in the United States or only abroad.
Decision Drop helps families build thoughtful college lists that may include U.S. universities, international institutions, or both while considering academics, location, cost, and student goals.
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Beyond Admission: Preparing to Study Abroad
Attending university in another country involves more than being admitted.
Students and families must consider visas, immigration requirements, housing, financial planning, healthcare, and the practical realities of living and studying abroad.
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Understanding International Costs and Financial Considerations
Studying abroad requires careful financial planning.
Decision Drop helps families consider tuition, scholarships, financial aid availability, currency differences, travel costs, and other expenses when comparing international universities.
International Students Applying to U.S. Universities: Understanding American Admissions
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International School Expertise
Students applying from outside the United States often bring different academic systems, grading scales, and educational experiences.
Decision Drop helps international students understand how their IB, French Baccalaureate, and other international backgrounds translate into U.S. college applications.
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Translating International Experiences for U.S. Admissions
Students from outside the United States bring unique academic backgrounds, cultures, languages, and experiences to the college process.
Decision Drop helps students translate those experiences into applications that make sense within the U.S. admissions system, highlighting academic preparation, personal perspective, activities, and individual strengths.
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Understanding the U.S. Admissions Process
Applying to American universities requires understanding holistic admissions, essays, extracurricular involvement, recommendations, testing, financial considerations, and demonstrated fit.
Decision Drop helps international students translate their experiences for U.S. admissions offices.
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A Global Perspective on College Counseling
Lisa and Josh have worked with students from around the world and have visited universities internationally, including campuses in Europe, Asia, and Canada. Their global perspective helps families approach U.S. admissions with confidence and clarity.