Pro Bono College Counseling for Veterans

Pro Bono College Help, College Admissions Help, Veterans and College Admission

Ivy Coach is firmly committed to helping our American veterans, like the wonderful young man to the left of this photo.

Ivy Coach’s mission in our pro bono work is to help veterans of America’s military earn admission to our nation’s elite universities. Too often, our brave veterans lack access to expert college counseling that can help them secure entry to the country’s most prestigious universities. Too often, America’s veterans don’t realize that these institutions are within reach.

Beginning in 2015, Ivy Coach dedicated our entire pro bono college admissions practice to veterans of the five branches of America’s military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps., Air Force, and Coast Guard, who seek to optimize their case for undergraduate admission. By offering free college counseling to this underserved group, we hope to drive transformative social impact and build an enduring bridge toward educational opportunity for those who have served our nation in uniform.

Serving those who have served our nation is Ivy Coach’s social responsibility and is integral to our mission. It’s why, at a minimum, we are committed to offering free college counseling to veterans through 2030. We are committed to being in the service of America’s veterans.

Quick Facts on Ivy Coach’s Free College Consulting for Veterans

A soldier salutes at sunset with overlayed text advertising Ivy Coach's pro bono services for veterans.

By the Numbers

56

Number of America’s Veterans Helped Since 2015

11

Number of Elite Universities to Admit Our Veterans

5

Ivy Coach’s Remaining Available Slots for Veterans in 2023

Columbia & Dartmouth

The two elite universities that we deem the friendliest to America’s veterans.

 

Ivy Coach Testimonials from American Veterans

Soutrik Bhattacharya, Columbia University, Class of 2019

“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

William Wang, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2020

“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

Pablo Chavez-Hernandez, Columbia University, Class of 2021

 

“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, Class of 2021

Daniel Park, Princeton University, Class of 2023

“My name is Daniel Park and I am currently an active duty soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Since 2016, I’ve been serving as a 68X, behavioral health specialist. I had a blast in the Army and met some great people, but I knew I wanted to continue on with my education once my enlistment came to an end. I set my goals high and started doing research into some top colleges but having been away from that environment for a while, I needed some help. That’s when I found out about Ivy Coach’s pro bono program for veterans and reached out. Ivy Coach helped me frame my military experiences and qualifications in a way that was most translatable to college admissions. I had a story I wanted to tell, and Ivy Coach helped me share it. So thank you Ivy Coach, thank you Brian. I appreciate you.”

– Daniel Park

Princeton University, Class of 2023

Nyatan Bol, Manchester, New Hampshire

“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

Shamus Nolan, Seattle, Washington

“Serving is something I’ve always been passionate about. So I proudly enlisted in the Navy to sacrifice my time and energy. I was fortunate to be deployed three times while sailing on more than a dozen warships and going to over twenty countries throughout Africa and Europe. That being said, I wish to do more than just wear a uniform. Now that I’m out, I wish to continue to serve by continuing my education. After searching through the limited resources online, I discovered Ivy Coach. Ivy Coach has a reputation for helping students earn admission to top colleges. They effectively helped me tell my stories about the streets of corrupt third world African nations and the hallways of my many hours volunteering at the Seattle VA Hospital. Brian Taylor understands the sacrifices of our veterans and the role we play in our nation’s narrative. I am thankful that Ivy Coach offers their expertise to America’s heroes.”

– Shamus Nolan