What we offer
Services
Comprehensive Package
(Freshman through Senior Years)
Ivy Mentors offers families comprehensive guidance through the college application process. Some clients start Freshman year; others start in Sophomore or Junior years.
Request a ConsultationThe process includes:
- Initial Student and Parent Surveys
- Extended Kick-Off Meeting
- Review of Summer Plans, Course Selection and Extracurriculars
- Summer Program Essays
- Applicant Strategy Development
- Planning School Visits
- Testing Plans for SAT/ACT with Tutor Recommendations
- Resume/Activity List Development
- College Fit Survey
- Development and Revising of College List
- Early Decision Strategy
- Personal Statement Brainstorming and Development
- UC PIQ Essays
- Supplemental Essays By School
- Honors/Specialty Program Essays
- Letters of Recommendation Guidance
- Review of Common Application
- Mock Interviewing
- Support with Letters of Continued Interest for Waitlists
- Assistance in Making Final Decisions
Essay Only Packages
(Juniors & Seniors)
Ivy Mentors guides families who want to focus on the personal statement, supplemental essays and resume/activity list. Many families choose this option and want to ensure that essays stand out and are memorable to admissions readers.
This is a highly structured process that begins with an extended brainstorming meeting and includes timeline planning to ensure applicants cross the finish line with high quality.
Request a ConsultationCommon questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ivy Mentors do?
Ivy Mentors is a boutique college admissions consultancy based in Los Angeles. It guides a limited number of families each application season through the college application process, from building a college list to submitting final applications.
Who will my child actually work with?
Your teen works directly with Alex Leventhal, the head of the firm and a Harvard MBA. Ivy Mentors does not assign work to junior consultants, essay specialists or contractors.
When should we start working together?
Some clients start in freshman year, others in sophomore or junior year. The Comprehensive Package is designed to run from freshman through senior year, but families join at the point that suits them.
What is the difference between the Comprehensive Package and the Essay Only Package?
The Comprehensive Package covers the full process: strategy, course and extracurricular planning, testing plans, college list development, all essays, interviews and final decisions. The Essay Only Package is for juniors and seniors who want to focus on the personal statement, supplemental essays and resume or activity list.
Do you help with University of California applications?
Yes. UC Personal Insight Question (PIQ) essays are included in the Comprehensive Package.
Do you work with families outside Los Angeles?
Yes. Alex is based in Los Angeles and works with college and graduate school applicants from all over the world.
Do you advise on graduate school admissions?
Yes, through a separate practice. Alex began his consulting career helping applicants to the top MBA and law schools, which continues at prepmba.com.
What are Alex's qualifications?
Alex holds a BA in Philosophy from Haverford College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has worked in admissions consulting for over 20 years, is a member of the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA), and has completed coursework in the College Counseling Certificate program at UCLA.