We give you a price after the call, because we need to know what is actually required first. The work for a Grade 9 student and a Grade 12 student is entirely different. Payment is staged rather than taken up front. On the free call you get a specific figure and a written list of what it covers.

Three practical differences. First, we do not take the full fee up front — it is split across stages. Second, we put in writing what the service does not include. Third, if a university pays us a commission, we tell you ourselves.

Almost always through one of two routes, because the British system assumes thirteen years of schooling. Some students take a Foundation year; others enter the second year directly through International Year One — going straight into first year is rare. The difference between those two routes is a year of tuition and living costs, so we establish which applies on the first call.

It depends on the country. In the US, very few universities ignore family finances at admission, and getting into those is 3–5%. Europe is different: Italy's DSU system is awarded on family income, and most Uzbek families fall under the threshold. It is an overlooked route, and a far more realistic one.

For Grade 12, September is the last realistic opening, and that means targeting January deadlines in the US or the 13 January UCAS date. For Grades 10 and 11 it is better to start now: test plans, activities and funding paperwork all take time. The best time is today — it is the earliest day you can possibly start.

Every conversation with a student under 18 happens with a parent present or informed. The visa also requires written consent from both parents. Our way of working is built on that basis.