University Applications
Study in the USA
Comprehensive guidance and preparation to support students applying to universities in the USA.
Why Choose Our US Application Support?
- 25+ years of experience
- Ivy League success rate 4.5x the average
- 75% first-choice university acceptance rate
- 1-1 mentoring from expert advisors
- Improve SAT scores by 250+ and ACT scores by 7+
Our US & Ivy League applications support is delivered by A-List Education, globally trusted experts in US application consultancy.
US University Application Support
Dukes Plus Can Help You Study in the USA
At Dukes Plus, we specialise in helping ambitious students stand out in the highly competitive US admissions process.
With personalised application mentoring, expert SAT and ACT preparation, and guidance from Ivy League graduates, we’ve built a track record of exceptional results: 75% of our students are accepted by their first-choice university and our Ivy League success rate is 4.5x the average.
Whether you’re applying to the Ivy League, other top US universities, or selective liberal arts colleges, we provide tailored support that highlights your unique strengths and story. From application strategy to test prep and essays, we help every student approach the process with confidence.
Book a free consultation today and take the first step towards studying in the USA.
Average SAT score improvement
First-choice university rate
Ivy League offers in 2025
Ivy League acceptance rate
Average ACT score improvement
Not sure where to start?
Book a Free Discovery Call
Start the conversation with a free 15 minute discovery call. In this meeting one of our admissions experts will be able to discuss your circumstances and tailor your application journey to your requirements.
Comprehensive Application Support for the USA
By working with Dukes Plus, you’ll receive expert guidance for every part of the complex US university application process:
Our US admissions consultations provide personalised advice on navigating the American admissions system, helping you understand deadlines, requirements, and application strategies. Whether you’re targeting Ivy League universities or highly selective non-Ivies, we’ll create a clear, tailored roadmap to success.
Applying to study in the USA is about more than grades. Our mentors — including Ivy League graduates — help you showcase your academic strengths, extracurricular achievements, and personal story through compelling essays, recommendations, and application materials. 75% of our students get into the first-choice university, and our Ivy League success rate is 4.5x the average.
We offer the highest standard of SAT and ACT preparation to help you achieve top scores. From intensive workshops to 1-1 tutoring, our support is designed to deliver measurable score improvements, giving your application a competitive edge. Our average student improves their SAT score by 250+ points, and their ACT score by 7 points, after a 25-hour tuition programme.
US universities place strong emphasis on personal essays and supplemental questions. We guide you through every step of essay planning and editing, ensuring your authentic voice comes through while meeting the high expectations of top-tier admissions offices.
Selective US universities look for well-rounded applicants with exceptional interests and achievements. We provide guidance on how to develop and present your extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and passions to stand out in a competitive pool.
How do you apply to study in the USA?
Applying to US universities is a holistic and often highly personalised process. Unlike the UK’s centralised UCAS system, most American universities manage applications individually, though many use platforms like the Common App or Coalition App to streamline submissions.
You’ll typically submit your academic transcripts, standardised test scores (SAT or ACT, if required), essays, recommendation letters, and evidence of extracurricular involvement. Many universities, especially selective ones, also ask for supplemental essays to understand your interests and fit for their institution.
Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency (through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test). There is also a visa application process to go through for international applicants. University application deadlines vary widely, with Early Decision/Early Action rounds in November and Regular Decision in January.
With a complex mix of academic, personal, and extracurricular requirements, careful planning is essential if you want to study in the USA. At Dukes Plus, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Book a free consultation to get started.
What are the best universities in the USA?
If you want to study in Ireland, some of the country’s most prestigious and high-ranking If you want to study in the USA, you’ll find some of the world’s most prestigious and competitive universities, offering exceptional academics, research opportunities, and a distinctive liberal arts approach to education.
- Ivy League Universities – The eight Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Dartmouth, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania) are globally renowned for their academic excellence, selectivity, and influential alumni networks. They consistently rank among the world’s top universities and are a major draw for students looking to study in the USA.
- Top Non-Ivy Universities – Elite institutions outside the Ivy League, such as Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), University of Chicago, and Duke University, are also consistently ranked in the global top 10–20, known for cutting-edge research, innovation, and world-class faculty.
Dukes Plus has placed students at all of these universities and many more. Our Ivy League success rate is 4.5x the average and our ‘Ivy Plus’ success rate is 3.5x the average.
Testimonials
FAQs
Most US universities manage applications individually, though many use platforms like the Common App or Coalition App to simplify the process. You’ll typically need to submit transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and proof of extracurricular involvement. Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) and English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) are often required.
The US system is holistic, meaning admissions teams look beyond grades to consider extracurricular activities, leadership, essays, and recommendations. There is no single centralised application like UCAS; instead, each university has its own deadlines and requirements, making expert guidance invaluable for those who want to study in the USA.
Many selective universities still recommend or require SAT or ACT scores, especially for international applicants. Even at test-optional schools, strong scores can strengthen your application. Dukes Plus offers 1:1 ACT and SAT tutoring, with students improving their SAT scores by 250+ points and ACT scores by 7 points on average.
Essays are a crucial part of US applications. In addition to the main Common App essay, many universities require supplemental essays to assess your fit for their programmes. We provide tailored guidance to ensure your essays reflect your personality, strengths, and ambitions authentically and effectively.
We’ve supported students in earning offers from top universities across the country, including the Ivy League (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and more), as well as elite institutions like Stanford, MIT, and Duke. Our Ivy League success rate is 4.5× the average and our Ivy Plus success rate is 3.5× the average.
We recommend beginning preparation 18–24 months before enrolment. This gives you time to research universities, plan testing, write essays, and build a strong extracurricular profile. Early preparation is especially key if you’re targeting Ivy League or other highly selective schools.
Why Dukes Plus?
Dukes Plus is a provider of university application support, life-changing career and university experiences, day camps, tuition, and summer schools.
By selecting Dukes Plus as your chosen provider, you are guaranteeing that you’ll multiply your chances of application success. We have a huge network of over 2,000 vetted admissions tutors who are experts when it comes to consultancy, mock testing & interviewing, industry-leading resources, and more.
We specialise in applications to Oxbridge and top UK universities, Ivy League and top US universities, and Medicine and Law applications.
Whether you are looking to test-drive your dream career working with industry leading professionals, or wanting to study at Eton or an Oxford college for the summer, we provide innovative and life-changing experiences that will enable you to make better life choices.
We have an extensive database of tutors which can deliver personalised fully-managed tutoring services to students at any level. We provide online tutoring, SEN tutoring, tutoring for those that are gifted and talented, and tuition for those preparing for any exam from 4+, up to the 13+.
We run the UK’s number one multi-campus summer school where students can learn languages and subjects at some of the UKs top educational institutions. We also provide holiday activity camps such as Ultimate Activity, Ultimate Tech, and Ultimate Sports camps.
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