FAQ's

• What is collegepond?

  Collegepond was incepted in 2003 to guide aspiring young adults to create a future for themselves, through further education abroad and/or career planning. As a corollary to our main mission, we also provide students with test preparation services. To date, Collegepond students have not only attended the most renowned schools, including Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, etc., but have created a presence in the corporate world. Many of our students are earning five digit salaries (i.e., in excess of over $100,000) within two years of graduation.

• How does Collegepond counsel students?

  Every student is different and has different set of strengths and goals.  Collegepond begins the counseling process with trying to understand a student’s drive and motivation as well as the student’s forte.  It then proposes different career options and alternatives available that would fit the student’s profile.  Once a career option is identified, Collegepond works with the student to achieve the same, through further education and/or career planning.

• Does Collegepond guarantee admissions?

  A strong “branded” education is the first step in creating a successful career.  The most selective and elite the school is, the better the chances for career placement.   Over 70% of Collegepond students attend the top 20 schools for Masters , MBA, etc. and are placed with Fortune 500 companies.  Since these schools do not guarantee admissions, Collegepond neither has a policy to guarantee admissions.  We ensure that we work in the interest of the students to help them achieve their goals.

• How does Collegepond’s counseling work?

  Collegepond’s counseling is highly interactive and one-on-one.  We work around the student’s schedule.  For MBAs and undergraduates, counseling begins with school selection followed by essays and recommendations and thereafter completing the application.  For Masters applicants, counseling begins with writing the Statement of Purpose, followed by school selectiona and thereafter completing the application. 

   Once the student receives admissions, we work with the student to ensure that he is not only prepared for the visa interview but his next course of action (i.e., studying abroad)

• How does Collegepond help with school selection?

  Based on the student’s career objectives, Collegepond will provide a list of schools that are (a) Ambitious, (b) Probable and (c)Definites.  The student will review and the list and Collegepond and the student will create a final list of colleges.  Generally speaking, undergraduate and graduate students will apply to 10 schools, of which 6 will be Ambitious, 3 will be Probables and 1 Definite.  Given the workload required for each MBA application, MBA candidates will generally apply to only 5 schools, of which 3 will be Ambitious and 2 will be Probables.

• How does Collegepond help me write my essays for admissions?

  Collegepond does not write essays for students.  However, Collegeponddoes review the essays and gives valuable inputs.  At the outset of essay writing, Collegepond works with the studentto define a structure and brief for the essays.   The essay writing process is highly iterative.  The number of drafts can vary from 4 to 10 before final submission.

• Does Collegepond write the essays for me?

  Collegepond does not write the essay.  The ownership of the essay rests with the student.  Collegepond does provide sample essays and recommendations to students to help them appreciate the flow and content.

• How many times can I meet my counselor at Collegepond?

  The Counselors are highly accessible at Collegepond either by phone, email, sms or in person.  In order to meet in person, a prior appointment is mandatory.

• Does Collegepond help only students based out of Mumbai?

  No.  Many of Collegepond’s students are located outside of Mumbai.  Collegepond has assisted students in UK, US, France, Singapore, etc. but also students located within India.  Collegepond communicates with students outside Mumbai via Skype and email.

• Does Collegepond guarantee improvement in my test scores?

  Almost every student has shown atleast a 200-point improvement in their scores. Periodic assessment of exams coupled with a holistic approach and proper techniques will guarantee that you will succeed provided you put in the right effort in the right direction.

• Do I need any additional help other than Collegepond for test preparation?

  We provide ample notes and practice questions and exams. They are more than sufficient. We even provide Flash cards. We have a library of books which the students can make use of. Also, we try to make most of the material available online as well for the students to read at their own perusal. If the students want to practice more, we will recommend some books as well.

• If I need additional help for test preparation, will there be someone to help me?

  The tutors are easily accessible via sms or email. We also have a concept of office hours where in a student can drop-in anytime to clear his doubts.

  We also make provisions for students to attend lectures from other batches based on availability.  Also, we are accessible across various branches as well.

  We make sure that all your queries are answered in 24 hours.

• I am doing quite well. I just need to brush-up my skills. Is there any refresher course available?

  We are the pioneers of GRE Crash Courses in Mumbai. We have crash courses(classes done over a period of 2-3 days)  for those who just need to brush up on the concepts followed with a test series.  The classes are designed to make optimum use of the time and resources available. For working individuals, we also have a 2-day weekend course