Frequently Asked Questions

We are an education consultancy that helps Kenyan and East African students gain admission to accredited US universities. Our services cover the full journey — university selection, application processing, statement of purpose, visa guidance, IELTS preparation, scholarships, and post-arrival support.

Most students who have completed secondary school (KCSE or equivalent) and meet a university's academic requirements are eligible to apply. Specific requirements vary by institution and programme. Book a free consultation and we will assess your eligibility.

Ideally 18–24 months before your intended start date. Most US university application deadlines fall between November and February for the following September intake. Starting early gives you time to improve test scores, gather documents, and apply to a strong list of universities.

Our programme fees are structured in two instalments. You can view the current fee schedule after booking your initial consultation. Note that embassy fees (MRV fee and SEVIS fee) are paid directly to the US government — they are separate from our fees.

We recommend applying to 8–12 universities: 3 reach schools (competitive for your profile), 4–5 match schools, and 3 safety schools. This balanced approach ensures you have genuine choices rather than depending on a single acceptance.

Many US universities adopted test-optional or test-free policies during the COVID-19 era, and a significant number have made those policies permanent. Check each university's current requirements. For graduate programmes, GRE/GMAT requirements vary by programme.

Requirements vary widely. Many universities admit students with a minimum 3.0 GPA (B average), while highly competitive schools expect 3.7 or above. Your advisor will build a list matched to your actual academic profile, not an aspirational one.

The Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a 500–1,000 word essay explaining who you are, why you want to study this programme, and what you plan to do with your degree. At equally competitive schools, the SOP is often the deciding factor between admission and rejection.

The F-1 student visa is the standard visa for full-time academic study at a US university. You apply for it at the US Embassy in Nairobi after receiving your I-20 form from your university.

You will need: your passport, I-20 form from your university, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, MRV fee receipt, 6 months of bank statements (yours or your sponsor's), employment letters and payslips if applicable, and your visa interview appointment confirmation.

The interview is typically 2–5 minutes. The consular officer will ask about your intended programme, your financial support, and your ties to Kenya (to confirm you intend to return after graduating). Our mock interview sessions prepare you for every likely question.

A denial is not permanent. Common reasons include insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to Kenya, or unclear study intent. We review the denial reason, help you address the gaps, and prepare a stronger reapplication. Many students succeed on a second attempt.

You may enter the USA up to 30 days before the programme start date shown on your I-20. You cannot enter earlier than this.

Most US universities require a minimum overall IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0. Competitive programmes (medicine, engineering, law) often require 7.0 or above. Check each university's requirements when shortlisting.

With structured daily practice, most students need 8–12 weeks to reach a 6.5 band. Improving from a lower baseline (e.g., 5.0 to 6.5) typically requires 3–5 months. We recommend taking a diagnostic test first to establish your current level.

Both are accepted by virtually all US universities. Choose the one you are more comfortable with. Most Kenyan students are more familiar with IELTS, and it tends to have more test centres and dates available in Kenya.

Some universities waive the requirement for students who completed secondary or post-secondary education entirely in English. Many also accept Duolingo English Test as an alternative. Your advisor will identify waiver-eligible schools on your list.

Tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 per year at community colleges to $60,000+ per year at private universities. Add living expenses ($12,000–$20,000 depending on location) and health insurance ($1,500–$3,000). Your I-20 will state the total estimated cost of attendance for your specific university.

Yes, but competition is high. A small number of universities — MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Amherst — offer need-blind admissions for international students, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. Many other universities offer partial merit scholarships. We assess your profile and include the most scholarship-friendly schools on your list.

Yes, with restrictions. F-1 students may work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment requires authorization through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training).

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation (36 months for STEM programmes). It is the primary pathway to US work experience before seeking employer-sponsored status.

The USA has millions of international students studying safely every year. Campus environments are generally safe. Like anywhere, safety depends on the specific city and neighbourhood. We advise on safe areas and help you connect with existing African student communities at your university.

Most universities offer on-campus accommodation for at least the first year — we strongly recommend taking it. It is safer, cheaper, and the fastest way to settle in. We help you apply for campus housing and research off-campus alternatives if needed.

Yes — most students do, typically in the first 4–8 weeks. It is normal and temporary. Our pre-departure briefing and ongoing post-arrival support help you navigate the adjustment, and connecting with your university's African Students Association makes a significant difference.