Holistic Application Review
Holistic Application Review
Every student’s journey is unique. Universities recognize that academic achievements should be considered alongside personal experiences, educational opportunities, community involvement, talents, and individual circumstances. That is why many institutions use a holistic admissions process to gain a complete understanding of each applicant.
More Than Grades and Test Scores
A strong application reflects more than academic performance alone. Admissions officers also evaluate factors such as:
Leadership and extracurricular involvement Community service and volunteer work Special talents and achievements Personal experiences and challenges overcome Essays and personal statements Academic potential and overall fit
These elements help universities understand the full story behind each applicant and their potential for future success.
Personalized Guidance Every Step of the Way
At GPGS, we take a holistic approach to university advising. Before recommending an institution, we carefully evaluate each student's academic background, interests, career goals, strengths, and personal circumstances.
Because no two students are alike, every university search and selection process is tailored to the individual.
Finding the Right University Fit
Our goal is not simply to help students gain admission. We help students identify universities where they will thrive academically, socially, and professionally. By matching students with institutions that align with their goals and aspirations, we increase the likelihood of long-term success.
Free Consultation & Assessment
Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions a student will make. Our complimentary consultations and assessments provide students and families with expert guidance before they commit to costly application and admission decisions.
Let GPGS help you navigate the admissions process with confidence and find the university that is right for you.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria
Our partner universities seek students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and diverse experiences. They recognize that a diverse student community creates a dynamic learning environment and enhances the educational experience for all.
At GPGS, we conduct a thorough and personalized evaluation of every student to help identify the universities and programs that best match their academic achievements, career aspirations, interests, and long-term goals.
Scholarship opportunities are a key part of our process. Before any application is submitted, we pre-qualify students for potential scholarships, financial aid, and funding opportunities to maximize both admission success and affordability.
Our goal is simple: help you gain admission to the right university while maximizing your scholarship potential.
✅ Free Student Pre-Qualification
Discover your university options and scholarship opportunities before you apply.
Get Pre-Qualified FREE Today!
Evaluation Process
Evaluation Process
University admission is more than grades and test scores. Leading universities use a holistic review process that considers a student's academic achievements, personal experiences, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and overall potential for success.
The admissions landscape is constantly evolving. Universities regularly refine their admissions standards and processes to reflect changing student populations, academic priorities, and institutional goals. As a result, every application is evaluated individually, with careful consideration given to the unique strengths and circumstances of each applicant.
A successful admissions review balances objective factors, such as academic performance, with subjective factors, including personal growth, leadership, community involvement, and future aspirations. This approach allows admissions professionals to make informed decisions while maintaining consistent standards.
At GPGS, we follow these same principles. Our experienced team conducts a comprehensive evaluation of each student to identify their strengths, assess university fit, and maximize both admission and scholarship opportunities. Through personalized guidance and strategic planning, we help students present the strongest possible application and achieve successful outcomes.
Why Choose GPGS?
Personalized student evaluations University and program matching Scholarship pre-qualification Strategic application planning Holistic admissions guidance Proven student success
Start your journey with a FREE evaluation and discover the universities and scholarship opportunities that are right for you.
Applying to University
Applying to University
Education is one of the most important investments in a student's future. Choosing the right college or university can be challenging for both students and parents, especially when faced with numerous academic programs, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, and career pathways.
At GPGS, we simplify the university admissions process through personalized guidance, strategic planning, and professional support. Our experienced advisors help students identify universities and academic programs that align with their academic achievements, career aspirations, interests, and financial goals, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.
We work closely with students and families throughout every stage of the admissions journey, including university selection, application preparation, scholarship identification, admissions counseling, and enrollment planning. Through our extensive network of university partners and years of higher education experience, we help reduce the stress and uncertainty often associated with applying to university.
We are committed to ensuring that no student is left behind. Whether you are beginning your university search or preparing to submit applications, GPGS provides the knowledge, resources, and support needed to achieve your educational goals.
Understanding University Admission Requirements Universities evaluate applicants using a holistic admissions process that considers multiple aspects of a student's academic and personal profile. While admission requirements vary by institution, the following factors are commonly considered:
Primary Admission Factors • Strength and rigor of academic coursework • Academic performance, grades, and GPA • Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CAPE, and CXC)
While academic credentials are important, universities also assess a student's overall potential for success both inside and outside the classroom.
Additional Admission Factors • Personal statements and admissions essays • Leadership experience • Extracurricular activities • Community service and volunteer involvement • Letters of recommendation • Special talents, achievements, and awards • Career aspirations and academic goals
A competitive university application demonstrates not only academic ability but also character, leadership, initiative, and a commitment to personal growth.
Why Choose GPGS? • Personalized university advising • University and program matching • Scholarship identification and pre-qualification • Professional application support • Admissions strategy and planning • Guidance for local and international university applications
Take the first step toward your future. Contact GPGS today for a FREE University and Scholarship Evaluation.
University Placement Services
University Placement Services
Our placement services are dedicated to matching each student with the best possible academic program and institution. To facilitate the placement process, GPGS works with a full range of colleges and universities across the United States, Canada, among many other countries.
GPGS places students with a complete range of academic disciplines taking into consideration the student's career profile, academic history, and the state or country they wish to study in. GPGS allows staff members to develop strong relationships not only with admissions counselors, but also with professionals in academic departments. GPGS utilizes these extensive admissions and academic connections to the utmost benefit of the students being placed. To advise students about the best possible program options, GPGS placement specialists keep abreast of the rapidly changing specializations and trends within each field of study. Through an annual review of admissions information and other advising resources, GPGS placement specialists help students articulate their study objectives and identify academic programs that will best suit their study plans and future careers.
In addition to the standard placement process outlined below, GPGS has a proven track record of handling the following:
- Placements for those students seeking a winter, spring, or summer admission.
- Fast-track placements into degree and non-degree programs for those candidates identified late in the admission season.
- GPGS facilitates late placement by pre-identifying schools that will entertain late applications and/or reserve seats for qualified applicants.
- Placement in educational systems throughout the US States, and countries like Canada, among other countries.
- ‘Self-placed’ student assistance for those candidates who have previously applied to colleges and universities.
- GPGS implements a stage process that will match the student to the program and university.
This process covers:
- Career Assessment/Aptitude Assessment
- Application Material and Requirements
- Selecting and Applying to Universities
- Finalizing Placements up to four (4) schools (optional)
- Continuous follow-up with Universities
- Student Feedback
GPGS Guarantees
Whatever your grade, GPGS can help find you a university place. Once you are accepted into our testing program, you’ll be given an assurance based on your academics, taking into consideration what and where you want to study subject to obtaining specified grades. However, we recognize that not all students will meet these entry requirements. Once that is determined, we will guide each and every student in the right direction of university enrollment.
GPGS is linked with a network of university partners and has been designed to assist you in securing a university place that suits your needs and abilities.
Need a back-up plan?
GPGS provides that assistance. If a university application deadline has passed, or you change your mind about accepting an offer, or are unable to achieve a higher grade needed for a scholarship, we guarantee you can still get a university place.
Once students obtained a high school diploma or completed high school and took the desired college test, universities are able to review your profile and search for students who meet their entry requirements.
You’re then given full acceptance or provisional offers by these universities, and can then decide whether or not to accept their offers. GPGS staff will be on hand to advise on which offer best suits your needs.
International Student Scholarship
International Student Scholarships
Although many of our partner and non-partner universities are based in affordable locations, studying abroad can be expensive. To help with the costs of living and studying, we assist with a number of scholarship opportunities for international students.
Scholarship from GPGS
GPGS is keen to reward your hard work and academic excellence. GPGS will embark on a charity drive to assist each of our students and reward them with an international student scholarship to help with your academic fees if you receive grades of 80% or above in any college test, i.e., SAT’s, GRE. This will be based on sponsorship and availability ONLY.
University Scholarship
Universities offer a range of scholarships over a four-year period or for the time you remain enrolled at the school. Our students receive from Full Scholarships to Partial Scholarships which is dependable on our students’ academic portfolio. Students are also eligible for a range of scholarships upon progression to your university. Many of our partner and non-partner universities offer scholarships to the best performing postgraduate and undergraduate international students when they progress at their institution. Do you want a Full Scholarship? Ask us how!!!
Government-Funded Scholarship
Many international students dream of receiving a government scholarship to study abroad. Competition for these scholarships is often extremely competitive. Our students have in the past earned open scholarships. Students are also guided on how to apply for external scholarships and grants through the relevant governmental ministries and agencies. We would be happy to assist with external funding!
Athletic Scholarships
Athletic Scholarships
Athletics is also a key element at universities. If you are a talented athlete then there are many more scholarships available for which you can apply - doing something you enjoy can actually help pay your way through university!
To successfully land an athletic scholarship and get your university education paid for, you are going to have to get a plan together. Do you know how many scholarships are available in your sport? Do you know when the recruiting process starts? Do you know how good you have to be to get sport scholarships? Ask us how!!!
Using our FREE initial consultation session, you will find everything you need to be recruited and how to start and continue the placement process at GPGS. We work in sports and have helped athletes find full scholarships, partial scholarships, and even walk-on opportunities. It really comes down to knowing where college athletic scholarships are, where you measure up against other scholarship athletes, and doing more than other recruits to beat them out for a sports scholarship.
GPGS offers excellent paid recruiting services that can really make the difference when searching for a sports scholarship. Going through the recruiting process alone doesn’t work for everyone, and paid services can provide the extra boost when looking for a college or university athletic scholarship. In fact, we partner with many schools and coaches, and there is a big difference between free do-it-yourself and a full-service recruiting network.
Find out what your chances are, before making any decisions. GPGS is ready, are you!!!
GPGS Foundation Grant
GPGS Foundation Grant
In support of the company’s commitment to education, the GPGS Foundation Grant Program provides scholarships for post-high school education for children from Trinidad and Tobago. Awards are in support of undergraduate study and are presented on a merit-basis and on financial need. A neutral, third-party evaluate applications on the basis of the students’ academic, and extra-curricular accomplishments.
We believe every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, and our donors tell us they agree. In fact, education is their top social concern. Because our donors’ concerns are important to us, and because we know that our future success, and that of the global economy, depends on an educated workforce, we strive to help kids do well in school.
Throughout the years, we have seen the smiles, the tears, and the rewards which are a few reasons why we continue to give back to our nation's youths. GPGS continues to maintain that same philosophy since it all started in 2005.
Our decision to work with donors like you was a smart one. Our partners have endorsed our commitment to higher education and we continue to value your concerns.
Why Give?
“Education is the future of this world. You never know who you’re going to help, just like you never know who’s going to become that next great teacher, or that next great scientist, or someone who will affect the future so drastically.”
Ways to Give
Give an unrestricted gift towards the GPGS Foundation Fund to support the most needed priorities such as student academic programs assistance and GPGS Scholarship Fund. You can also designate a gift to a particular cause or student.
Cheques By Mail
To send a gift by mail, please download our giving form. All checks should be made out to GPGS and mailed to: Global Placement & Guidance Solutions Ltd., Attn: Gift Processing, 7C Pro Queen Street, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago.
Direct Deposit
Accepted! Please make deposits or transfers to any: First Citizens Bank Limited, Global Placement & Guidance Solutions Ltd., Details: Gift Processing, Account Number: 1445790.
Thanks for your gifts, and we look forward to your continued sponsorship!
VISA Services
Visa Services
GPGS is a private company with a team of highly experienced personnel and specialists who assist clients who want to apply for a visa for international travel. GPGS provides fee-based services to advise, assist and represent our clients through the often-complex visa application process. All decisions for granting of a visa remain with the sole discretion of the issuing country subject to lodging a valid application using the free forms available and meeting the relevant criteria. GPGS is not affiliated with any embassy and acts independently in the interests of our clients.
Visa Categories:
Study Visas Student Visa allows international students to study at any ' world-renowned universities, colleges, high schools, elementary schools or other academic institutions. Countries welcome hundreds of thousands of students from around the world to study and improve their skills.
Tourist Visas This visa allows you either a single or multiple entries to the applying country and to stay in that country for a period of time determined by immigration.
Family Visas Family Visa category provides citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to sponsor their family members to join them. With strong family-based visa policies, for example, the US remains a destination of choice for families seeking to live happily together in the United States.
Work Visas Work Visa categories are designed to attract people from all industries to occupy key positions at companies. Some Work visas allow for extended visa options that may lead to permanent residency like in the US.
Business Visas Business Visas are designed to attract successful business people to direct and manage their trade or investment in a foreign country. Most countries have international treaty agreements, an excellent international reputation, and access to major economies like Canada and the emerging markets of South America. With a Business visa, you will have access to grow your business using the wealth of resources and support from that country’s economy based on what they have to offer.
Who decides if I will get a visa? Your visa application will be processed and decided by the relevant visa issuing body of the country you wish to travel to. Neither GPGS nor any of our staff play any part in or influence the outcome of your visa application. If any member of staff employed by GPGS claims to be able to influence your application, you should inform our director as soon as possible.
Payments and Refunds
Payments and Refunds
Payments
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Cheque
- Direct Deposit (any First Citizens Bank - Account Number: 1445790)
Refunds
Test-takers are encouraged to take the test for which they registered. If you are unable to test, you can transfer to a future test date (for a change fee). If you do not want to transfer your registration, you can contact our office to request a cancellation of your registration. Fees are refundable only under specific circumstances:
- The client advises GPGS five days in advance before the start of classes
- Exam Registrations cannot be canceled and/or refunded later than 30 days before test day (partial refund)
- Placement fees are Non-refundable once work has started on a student's file
IMPORTANT: If you choose to cancel/refund your SAT registration, you will no longer be able to test and should not attempt to test using your original registration. Test scores from this original registration will not be reported.
Tips from the Experts - GPGS FAQs
Frequently asked questions:
Q: When should i start the application process if i am interested in studying abroad?
A: You should start the application process at least one year before your planned arrival at a college or university. The academic year generally starts from September to May or June. So if you plan to enroll in September 2016, you should contact us in March, April, or May of 2015.
Q: What are the best colleges or universities?
A: "Best" is a relative term. In the US alone, there is a very wide range of colleges and universities offering diverse opportunities. What is best for you might not be best for another student. It is not advisable to go by so-called ranking only. GPGS assists you in making a list of your own priorities, self-assessment, and then we research to find the "best" college or university for you.
Q: How does one select a college or university?
A: GPGS assists all students with the selection process. Easy right, no! Once students are assessed considering their academic and career goals; type of institution they want (specialized, liberal arts, technology, religious affiliations, single-gender); the availability, level, and quality of programs in their fields of interest and specializations; the geographical location and setting; climate; cost; scholarships; diversity; student and faculty ratio; and student life and campus activities.
Q: What do colleges and universities look for when making their admissions decisions?
A Colleges and universities look for a variety of factors, such as a good academic record, English language proficiency, acceptable standardized test scores, and effective statement of purpose or essay, strong letters of recommendation, proof of financial support, and other program-specific requirements.
Q: What is the cost of higher education abroad?
A: The cost to study at a US college or university is anywhere from $30,000 to more than $80,000 plus per year. This includes tuition, fees (including a computer, lab, other facilities usage) food, and on-campus or off-campus housing. Additional expenses include books and supplies, transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Q: What is the academic year for colleges and universities abroad?
A: The academic year usually runs from mid-August to the end of May the following year. However, this varies for each institution. An academic year may be divided into semesters, quarters, or trimesters. In addition, many schools provide a summer term of six to eight weeks. Most schools have at least two main breaks during the academic year; two to four weeks in December and/or January and a week in the spring (often called spring break).
Q: What scholarship opportunities do I have?
A: Scholarships are very competitive at the undergraduate level. GPGS assists all of its students with finding the best scholarship offer given to top students during the application process. Students may also benefit from scholarships that are awarded externally through government agencies or country-based funding.
Our Approach
While there can never be a guarantee in the admissions process, we support students in their quest for their preferred schools. We encourage our students to be realistic and to seek a challenging and personally satisfying direction.
Each member of our team has specific areas of educational expertise; through our collaborative team approach, we bring that shared knowledge base to bear on each student's behalf.
We help parents too!
- find the highest-quality colleges and university within their son's or daughter's range
- organize the admissions process
- motivating the student to assume appropriate responsibility during the process
- serving as an accessible, impartial resource throughout the process
- providing accurate, up-to-date and objective information
- and mediating within the family, as necessary.