A Lot to Celebrate at Arcus
As this year comes to a close, it has prompted reflection; not only on admissions outcomes, but on what truly enabled students to succeed in a year marked by uncertainty.
Above all, it has been a year that inspires gratitude and pride. Pride in the students we worked with, and in the quiet, serious effort that went into what we accomplished together.
Through early decision and early action, our students earned places at some of the most selective universities globally, including Cornell, Penn, UChicago, Duke, IE, and Bocconi. These outcomes were not the result of quick decisions or reactive strategies. They emerged from sustained academic focus, thoughtful positioning, and time. Time to explore interests, refine direction, and grow into applications with confidence and clarity.
At Arcus, this year reinforced something fundamental: success in admissions is shaped as much by how students prepare as by where they apply. The strongest outcomes consistently came from steady, early preparation, allowing ideas to evolve, interests to deepen, and decisions to be made with perspective rather than urgency.
There has been no shortage of conversation this year about shifts in international education, particularly around the US. From our vantage point, the reality has been more nuanced. Leading universities remain committed to enrolling thoughtful, globally minded students. For those who give themselves time to prepare well, opportunity continues to exist.
Equally important, this year reaffirmed the value of thinking beyond a single system or destination. Students who approached the process with a global lens - understanding multiple pathways and prioritising fit and long-term trajectory - felt more confident navigating their choices.
As we close the year, there is genuine encouragement in looking ahead. Not because the process is simple - it is anything but - but because the fundamentals remain intact. Careful planning matters. Perspective matters. And progress tends to follow when families allow the process to unfold at the right pace.
At Arcus, we are already having early, exploratory conversations with families who are beginning to think about what the coming years might hold. These discussions are rarely urgent, but they often shape outcomes in meaningful and lasting ways.
If you are starting to consider future university pathways, whether near or several years away, we invite you to explore how early, thoughtful planning can make a difference.
Learn more about our approach or get in touch to begin a conversation.
We wish our students, families, and wider community a restful festive season and a thoughtful start to the year ahead.