Ivy Coach Student Testimonials

“Ivy Coach came in and they helped me prepare essays that showcased my skills and experiences from the military as well as highlighted my unique demographic, an Indian American veteran of the U.S. Army.”

“My name’s Soutrik Bhattacharya and I’m a three-year veteran of the U.S. Army, a journey that took me to South Korea as well as Alabama. As my Army contract came to a close, I knew I wanted to go to a top-level university like Columbia, Dartmouth, Yale. But I was a couple of years out of high school and there really weren’t a lot of resources out there to help me…so I thought. Ivy Coach came in and they helped me prepare essays that showcased my skills and experiences from the military as well as highlighted my unique demographic, an Indian American veteran of the U.S. Army. They helped me apply to my absolute top choice school, Columbia, as well as several other really competitive schools at that level. They did it completely pro bono, which was most appreciated. About a week ago, I found out I was accepted to Columbia for the fall and I could not be more excited to head there!”

Soutrik Bhattacharya Columbia University, Class of 2019

“[Ivy Coach] helped me a lot with the process, especially with the essays and honors/achievements, and how to fill out my school applications, etc.”

“Hello everyone, my name is William Wang. I’m currently a 91Bravo (91B) in the United States Army, a light wheel mechanic. Going to a university has always been one of my biggest dreams ever since I came to the United States. When I enlisted in the Army, my dream was to become an officer and I realized I wouldn’t be able to do so without a degree. That’s when I started researching online and eventually found Brian Taylor, owner of Ivy Coach. Through him, I was able to achieve a lot of things I wasn’t able to do before. He helped me a lot with the process, especially with the essays and honors/achievements, and how to fill out my school applications, etc. I would recommend him to any veterans out there interested in pursuing a higher education degree. He really walks the walk unlike many organizations out there. Brian Taylor provided really generous help without any charge and I really appreciate his offer and his time. Thank you.”

William Wang University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2020

“Without Ivy Coach’s help, I would not have even dreamed of applying to America’s top colleges.”

“My name is Nyatan Bol and I’m currently serving on active duty in the United States Army where I serve as a Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist. My job has taken me all over the globe, most recently to Europe. My family and I fled Sudan in 1998 in the middle of the civil war, because of that experience, my family has always prioritized education as a pathway to success. Without Ivy Coach’s help, I would not have even dreamed of applying to America’s top colleges. Brian walked me through the process and was patient, understanding and provided a wealth of knowledge on the college admissions process. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Brian, and I am appreciative of all of the wisdom he imparted upon me throughout this process. There are a lot of resources for veteran’s applying to college, but the team at Ivy Coach is second to none. Thank you Brian and Ivy Coach for all of your support and help throughout the college admissions process — I couldn’t have done it without you!”

Nyatan Bol Manchester, New Hampshire

“I was able to get in contact with Ivy Coach, where I met its director, Mr. Brian Taylor. He explained that the work ethic, experience, and values the military holds so dear are the same ones that the most prestigious universities are looking for in their applicants.”

“My name is Pablo, and I’m currently a lab technician stationed at the United States Army Research Institute of Chemical Defense. As unfortunate as it is, all good things must come to an end, and although I’m sad that I’m leaving the Army in the next couple weeks, I’m beyond ecstatic to say that last week, I received my acceptance letter to attend my dream school this fall. It’s still pretty hard for me to comprehend the fact that it’s really happening. I’m really going to an Ivy League school. For the most part, everyone knows these universities are only for the most elite students, but I’d never picture myself as the type of student they were looking for. I’m not a legacy, in fact I actually am the first one in my family to go to college.

I had good grades in high-school, even took AP classes and everything; but I kind of wish someone took the time and showed me how to apply to schools. I didn’t know what Common App was, I had no clue where to even begin when it came to ordering transcripts. I felt just as lost as I did 5 years ago when it came to applying to schools the first time.

Fortunately, I was able to get in contact with Ivy Coach, where I met its director, Mr. Brian Taylor. He explained that the work ethic, experience, and values the military holds so dear are the same ones that the most prestigious universities are looking for in their applicants.

Everyone has their own story, and Mr. Taylor helped me tell mine. It felt great being able to write about growing up working on farms, my experience working in research, and what I was planning to do with the school’s resources you can’t find anywhere else. It made me remember why I was applying in the first place, and what was once a scary process was now making me more motivated to apply. Words can’t begin to describe how thankful I am to Mr. Taylor and Ivy Coach for everything they’ve done for me, all pro bono too!

With their help, I’m proud to say I will be attending Columbia University this fall and finishing my undergrad in environmental science, taking full advantage of the epitome of urban ecology. Thank you Ivy Coach, for everything!”

Pablo Chavez-Hernandez Columbia University