Simply put, without Dr. Castilla’s help, I wouldn’t have gotten in! His advice, orientation and follow-up were crucial throughout the entire application process. Thanks to him, I was able to get a scholarship from La Caixa which helped me to finance my studies in the United States.
Dr. Castilla helped me to clarify my ideas with regards to my academic objectives and then to express them in a convincing way. He is most familiar with the admissions process of American universities and knows what they are looking and want in a prospective student. He will help you turn your work into a winning formula in order to greatly enhance your chances of getting into the university of your choice. Thanks to him, I was able to get into one of the best universities (MIT).
Rubén García
. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, (MIT), Technology and Policy Program.
Working with Ivy Educational Systems on my college application gave me the edge I needed to stand out from the crowd and helped me sort out which schools were most appropriate for me. Dr. Castilla's advice and consistent support was pivotal during this critical period of my life. He simplified the often overwhelming and intimidating application process and I always left our sessions feeling excited about the future and the progress I had made with his guidance. I will always be thankful for Dr. Castilla's expertise, support, and insight and would recommend the services of Ivy Education Systems to new and returning students. Thanks to them I had my choice of schools and today I am proud to be a student at UCLA.
Elizabeth Leonard. UCLA.
I would highly recommend Ivy Educational Systems to anyone who wants to stand out as they apply to competitive American colleges. Dr. Castilla, the company's director, assists students in understanding the importance of highlighting his or her academic and personal achievements. Indeed, for college admissions officers, it it is essential to differentiate ones self as well as show that one has the intellectual tools to excel as well as make meaningful contributions to their university and society. Throughout the intensive college applications process, Dr. Castilla provides the utmost professionalism and flexible personal attention to his clients.
Perhaps most importantly, he assists students to determine which university will best fit their academic needs, and will challenge them to reach their greatest potential as they pursue their studies whether it is in international studies, sociology, history, creative writing, literature, business or teaching.
Radha Blackman, MA, Columbia University.
PARSA Community Foundation, UNESCO
Assistant Editor "Making a Difference College Guide"
U.S. Fulbright Fellow
As an undergraduate student, it was always clear to me that when I completed my Bachelor’s degree that I would go to New York to pursue a Masters degree. In theory, my objectives were clear, but once I put myself to the task, I realized that in practice, this was going to be really hard. I didn’t know anything about personal essays, recommendation letters, proficiency exams and a lot of other prerequisites that I hadn’t the slightest idea about!
Subsequently, I got into contact with Dr. Castilla through a personal reference at the Institute for North American Studies and I can say that his guidance was pivotal in helping me move forward with my application to American graduate schools. His approach was truly like a fresh breath of air and Dr. Castilla’s help made the difference.
Ultimately, I did reach my objective and studied Arts and Cultural Management at New York University
Thanks, Alexander!
Marc Busquets Figuerola, MA, New York University.
Correspondent and Writer
for Ópera Actual
Dr. Castilla serves students well and effectively enables them to distinguish themselves from among the thousands of college applicants in today's extremely competitive university admissions process. Families eager to find expertise, efficiency and diligence in guiding their children as they apply to college will find that Dr. Castilla owns the skills that will ensure applicants a path that highlights each individual's talents and potential.
Tanya Prime, MA, Columbia University.
US Peace Corps Volunteer
Policy Consultant to the United Nations
Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Dr. Castilla brings an enormous amount of experience, understanding and professionalism when navigating students through the very competetive college application process. He brings very valuable insight to an extremely competitive process. Rest assured, you and your college-bound child will receive high quality guidance through the services provided by the experts at Ivy Educational Systems.
Angela Fernandez, J.D., Columbia University.
Educational Consultant,
Cambridge Education.
As an educator with over 20 years of teaching under my belt, it's exciting to see a new generation of educational consultants doing things differently, and really doing it well. Dr. Castilla is one of these consultants and I highly recommend his services to any that may enquire since it is vitally important for today's students to have the possibility to work with educational consultants who have the expertise and professional training to make consistently competent and well-informed assessments of their educational work.
Peter Lucas, Ph.D.,
New York University.
Guggenheim Fellow.
Author of, Viva Favela: Photojournalism, Visual Inclusion, and Human Rights in Brazil.
Dr. Castilla is a colleague and he is very professional. More importantly, I can affirm that he has distinguished himself as a leading college consultant and his enthusiasm for his work helps bring out the best in his students. As a university professor, I know that this is not always an easy task and knowing how to guide students as they get ready to study in American colleges is challenging. Nonetheless, he motivates his students and has proven pivotal in bringing out the best in them. I know this because he also helped me when I sought a research grant at the University of London. I was successful and would like to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Castilla
for his assistance.
Cristina Fontcuberta, Ph.D. Assistant Professor in Art History. The University of Barcelona.
Hola Alex !!
Soy la madre de Bárbara Oliver y quería darte las gracias por tu implicación en la resolución de todos los temas antes de que Bárbara viajara a New York. En algunos momentos nos pareció que todo era muy dificil y complicado, quizá nos faltaba o no sabíamos interpretar la información exacta de los gastos de alli, residencia, seguro médico y universidad pero también tengo que decirte que al llegar allí todo estaba organizado y ella no tuvo ningún problema.
Hace una semana estuve en NY para verla y está estupendamente, es la mejor decisión de su vida, se ha vuelto en una auténtica "Newyorkina". De la Universidad (NYU) también está muy satisfecha del nivel y de los profesores, el primer día la subieron 2 niveles, recibe felicitaciones de los profesores de sus trabajos y su implicación, independientemente de las clases hay muchas actividades complementarias a las que ella se apunta a todas las que puede. (Marketing, Redacción periodística, Arte, visitas a museos...)
Quería informarte de lo buena que ha sido esta experiencia para ella y agradecerte una vez mas todo tu esfuerzo y dedicación.
Caterina Balcells Gallart
Barcelona
Where, when and how to do go about it? The application process was a mystery to me. In looking back, I realize that I could not have done it without Dr. Castilla’s help. Selecting the best university, the proper courses, housing, where I would live; these are very difficult tasks, especially when one is in another country! In dealing with the actual application, recommendation letters, payment options, and all of the enormous bureaucracy, Alex did a great job in simplifying the entire process in a pragmatic way.
His experience, professionalism and kind treatment will help any student who wishes to study in an American university. I did and owe it to him! Thanks so much, Alex.
B. Oliver Balcells. New York University.
Dr. Castilla was a real blessing to me in my recent applications to law school. I found him to be dedicated and encouraging throughout the year that we worked together. He's truly versed in many disciplines, intimately familiar with many universities, and has a great deal of knowledge about the college admissions game. I just completed my Law Degree at Berkeley and I owe a great deal of that to him. Many thanks!
David Marty, J.D., Berkeley School of Law.
Dr. Castilla's knowledge and expertise about the college admissions process was invaluable in guiding me through what, initially, seemed to be an overwhelming process. He is easily accessible, and full of useful suggestions, several of which were key factors in helping me to decide where to start looking, how to evaluate what schools would be a good fit for me and what schools I could get into.
My experience with Ivy Educational Systems was terrific and included the creation of a plan, a timetable, and guidance at every stage of the writing process. Yet, the best thing was that Dr. Castilla made sure that I was the one who made the decisions about my future. Since becoming a student at Ithaca College in New York, I have volunteered in Peru, studied abroad in both Spain and Mexico, and have spent a semester as an intern at HALT, An Organization for Legal Reform, in Washington, DC. My hat goes off to Dr. Castilla and the folks at Ivy Educational Systems. Thanks a million for helping me get through the college admissions process!
Daisy Tomasselli, Ithaca College.
Dr. Castilla’s skills in international education and knowledge about American universities were key I helping me prepare to apply to programs in graphic design in the US. He helped me resolve all of the issues as I got ready to study in New York at the Pratt Institute. The dedicated members of Ivy Educational Systems were incredibly helpful in guiding me as I put together a professional portfolio of my work; a portfolio that would help highlight my strengths as a designer. Thanks so much, Alex, studying in New York at the Pratt Institute was an incredible experience!
Mar E. Alonso, Pratt Institute.
Hello, Alex!
It’s Diana Martin’s father and I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since we contracted your services for Diana’s studies in the US. As you know, Diana’s dream was to take on post graduate work in the US and, quite frankly, we hadn’t the slightest idea how to do so. Fortunately, we contacted you and what initially appeared to me an overwhelming process was resolved most favorably and I’d like to thank you for your guidance and advice for my daughter.
Diana’s studies at NYU have allowed her to fulfill her dream and have proven to one of the happiest periods in her life! This would not have been possible without your dedication and work. As her father, I’d like to thank you for all of your support and help.
Alfred Martin
