Hello, this is TJ, CEO of Alpha Advisors.
In recent months, we’ve seen a significant increase in inquiries from families aiming for overseas university admissions. Common concerns include:
“What should we start with?”
“Wouldn’t it be safer to go to a top local university instead?”
“Is studying abroad even worth it anymore?”

After over 17 years of working with families around the world, we’ve identified three key strategies that every successful applicant’s family shares. This article breaks them down in detail. If even one is missing, admission chances drop significantly. But if you implement all three, your child’s potential expands exponentially.

Now is the perfect time to aim high and go all-in on top global universities. Don’t miss this opportunity—read until the end!

At Alpha Advisors, we offer free one-on-one consultations to help unlock your child’s full potential. With our proven know-how, we’ve supported students with a 100% admission success rate to global universities, including highly competitive scholarship programs.

Let us help your child win—at admissions, at scholarships, and in life.
Get in touch with us today!

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Alpha Advisors supports over 500 clients annually, ranging from age 2 to those in their 60s, in areas including undergraduate and graduate admissions, MBA programs, boarding schools, career transitions, test preparation (TOEFL/IELTS, GMAT/GRE, SAT/ACT), and entrepreneurship.

Our track record includes successful admissions to world-class institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, University of Chicago, Wharton, Columbia, NYU, LBS, Cambridge, and Oxford.

We also provide career support after graduation, with successful placements in top global companies like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Mitsubishi Corporation, Itochu, McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Google, Amazon, and many more. Especially in the most competitive sectors—investment banking, consulting, global trading firms, and Big Tech—Alpha boasts top-tier results in Japan and abroad.

Whether it's college admissions, job hunting, MBA applications, boarding school, or professional transitions—Alpha is here to help you win. Start with a free consultation today!

Why Choose an Overseas University Now? Aren’t Local Universities Enough?

The reason so many families are now shifting toward international universities is simple: Relying on brand-name domestic universities no longer guarantees career success—especially without strong English proficiency.

【Reality Check: What Happens After Getting Into a Top Local University】

・Even graduates from Japan’s most prestigious universities struggle to get offers from global firms
・Employers increasingly value “international experience,” “English fluency,” and “proven success in global environments”
・You can’t gain these just by scoring high on entrance exams
・Without English, even graduates from elite universities often end up in low-paying domestic sales jobs (starting at ~$27K/year)
・Graduates from lesser-known overseas universities, however, land jobs at global firms and start at ~$70K/year
・In fact, many global employers now favor international grads over domestic ones, regardless of school name

These are the raw truths we've learned at Alpha Advisors, being on the frontlines of global university admissions and career support. We've worked with many students who attended top domestic universities but struggled during job hunting. Many come to us saying, "I wish I had understood the importance of studying abroad much earlier..." On the other hand, students who studied at overseas universities have shown overwhelmingly superior outcomes in the job market. We’ve seen numerous successful cases of students transferring from Japanese universities or starting from U.S. community colleges and landing offers from top global companies like Mitsubishi Corporation and Goldman Sachs.

This is precisely why Alpha strongly recommends studying abroad as early as the undergraduate level, before job hunting even begins. We’re not just career coaches — Alpha provides comprehensive support across all career pathways: study abroad, transfer, exchange, and more. Our proven results speak for themselves:

・Accepted to Ivy League and top universities including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale
・Admitted to prestigious liberal arts colleges like Amherst and Williams
・Offers from top UK universities including Cambridge and Oxford
・Numerous recipients of competitive scholarships such as Yanai Foundation, Sasakawa Foundation, and Yoshida Foundation

The career gap between domestic and overseas universities has become undeniable. That’s why Alpha advises: going abroad is no longer optional — it’s essential. Study abroad experience is no longer a "nice to have." It's the minimum requirement for securing top-tier jobs today.

The 3 Strategies Every Parent Must Know for Successful Global University Admissions

Now that you understand the importance of studying abroad, what exactly does it take to succeed? In this section, we explain the three key strategies parents must know to help their children gain admission to top global universities.

1. Set a Long-Term Goal Early

The biggest key to success in overseas admissions is setting a long-term goal as early as possible.

・"My child is still in 7th grade — they don’t know what they want yet."
・"Isn't doing the IB enough for now?"

We hear this all the time. But without a clear and compelling story, it’s impossible to stand out. Admissions officers aren’t just looking for high grades or prestigious credentials — they’re seeking students who can answer: "Why do you want to study this? What kind of future do you want to build?"

At this stage, it’s okay to start with a hypothesis. For example, if your child is interested in AI, they might set a preliminary goal like:

・"I want to use AI to solve social issues"
・"I want to reduce educational inequality through AI"

From there, reverse engineer the necessary skills and experience:

・What kinds of extracurricular activities should they pursue?
・Which high school or university would best support their goal?
・Which subjects should they excel in?

The key is starting from the goal and working backward. Without a clear goal first, your child’s actions — from course selection to extracurriculars — will lack consistency. Whether they get into a top university often depends on whether they can operate within this framework of goal → strategy → execution.

2. Strategically Build Academics and Bonus Points

Of course, this doesn’t mean academics can be neglected. Overseas admissions require a well-rounded, strategic approach that includes excellent grades, strong test scores, and high-impact extracurriculars.

・Aim for straight A’s (even in IB or international schools)
・Start preparing for SAT/TOEFL in elementary school and aim for high scores by middle school
・Extracurriculars (volunteering, research, internships, entrepreneurship) must align with your child’s passion and goals

One common pitfall we see is overreliance on popular activities like Model UN. While valuable, they’re no longer differentiators — and often pursued without real passion.

So what truly gets evaluated? It’s proof of passion and purpose. Your child needs to identify what they care deeply about, and then turn that into action. That’s why setting the goal first is so important. Activities disconnected from that goal won’t just fail to add value — they may actively drain your child’s motivation.

3. Let the Professionals Handle School and Scholarship Selection

University admissions are a war of information. Relying on rankings or hearsay is risky and often misleading. Even among top schools, the campus culture, teaching style, dorm life, and career outcomes vary drastically.

Cost is another critical factor. Studying abroad can be expensive, and without scholarships, financial sustainability becomes a serious concern. Scholarships also act as a signal of excellence that can strengthen job opportunities later on.

At Alpha, we never recommend schools just because they’re famous. Instead, we offer:
・Insider information from alumni and faculty networks
・Support for highly competitive scholarships (Yanai, Sasakawa, Yoshida, etc.)
・Customized visit planning and admissions strategy development

Choosing the right advisor is just as important. Many schools and local tutors focus solely on domestic university entrance exams. They may offer little support for SATs, TOEFL, or strategic extracurricular planning.

That’s why working with professionals who understand global universities inside and out is the single most important decision you can make in your child’s admissions journey.

3. Leave School and Scholarship Selection to Professionals

Choosing the right university abroad is all about having the right information. Relying on rankings or online reviews alone can be very risky. Even within the Ivy League or among top liberal arts colleges, the academic atmosphere, faculty engagement, dorm life, and career outcomes can differ dramatically. Moreover, financial planning is essential. Studying abroad can be costly, and without leveraging scholarship opportunities, it may become unsustainable. Scholarships, in many cases, are also seen as endorsements of excellence, providing significant advantages during job hunting later on.

At Alpha, we never recommend schools simply because they’re high-ranked or famous. Instead, we base our recommendations on:
・Insider insights from alumni and faculty networks
・Support for winning competitive scholarships like the Yanai, Sasakawa, and Yoshida Foundations
・Campus visits and fully customized admissions strategies

We build what we call "winning strategies" that connect personal motivation with tangible results.

Also, who you choose to guide you through this journey matters. Many high schools and cram schools in Japan focus exclusively on domestic university entrance. As a result, their advice is often limited in scope, especially when it comes to TOEFL, SAT prep, or meaningful extracurricular planning.

That’s why it’s absolutely essential to work with experts who truly understand global university systems—like our team at Alpha.

Common Misconceptions Parents Should Avoid

When pursuing admissions to overseas universities, many families unknowingly operate on incorrect assumptions. Here are the most common and potentially damaging misconceptions:

(1) "Doing the IB should be enough" is a dangerous myth

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is indeed a respected academic program in global admissions. However, thinking that simply completing the IB guarantees admission to a top university is a serious mistake. Even with high IB scores, it’s not enough on its own. Universities in the U.S., U.K., and other countries evaluate applicants based on:

・A clearly articulated reason for choosing a major (“Why this major?”)
・Consistency and impact in extracurricular involvement
・Leadership and demonstrable influence in group activities
・Personal storytelling in application essays

While strong IB performance is important, it must be complemented with strategic activities and clear goals. Without those, applicants risk blending into the crowd.

(2) "Let’s apply to both domestic and overseas universities just in case" often backfires

We understand the instinct to keep options open. But this “insurance policy” mindset often leads to strategic failure. The application processes for domestic and international universities differ fundamentally:

・Domestic universities focus on national exams and written academic tests
・Global universities evaluate English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS), SAT scores, essays, and extracurricular depth

Since preparing for both requires different strategies and timelines, trying to juggle both usually results in underperformance on both fronts. Additionally, this mindset often translates into vague essays and unclear goals, weakening applications to global universities.

If your child is serious about studying abroad, it’s far more effective to commit fully and focus all resources on that path.

(3) Don’t choose for them—help draw out their passion

Here’s the most important message: parents should not decide their child’s academic path. Instead, your role is to help your child discover what they care deeply about and guide them in turning that into a mission.

For example:
・Even if you suggest a major in AI because “it’s the future,” it won’t matter if your child isn’t genuinely interested.
・Pushing them into business just because “it’s lucrative” won’t work if they’re more passionate about international relations or public policy.

The key is to identify what excites your child and help them channel that passion into action. At Alpha, our one-on-one guidance draws out each student’s core motivation, then ties that to essays and activities that resonate with global admissions officers. You don’t need to have all the answers as a parent. Your job is to empower your child to find theirs. And that journey starts with an early, strategic conversation—with the right professionals.

What Can Parents Do Now to Help Their Child Succeed in Global University Admissions?

As we’ve discussed so far, getting into a top global university isn’t about luck or chance — it requires strategic planning and preparation. We see too many students starting with vague ideas like "I’ll just do the IB" or "Maybe Model UN is enough," without a clear direction. This often leads to inconsistent essays and weak applications that result in rejection.

On the other hand, students who define a long-term goal early — even if it’s just a hypothesis — and work backward to identify the skills, experiences, activities, and school choices needed to reach that goal, often gain admission to top universities much more smoothly.

The biggest differentiator in college planning isn’t grades — it’s how students think. That’s why it’s crucial to have a professional by their side throughout the journey. What really matters is this: "What excites my child? How can that passion be transformed into something meaningful for society?" If your child can answer these questions with clarity and confidence, they’ll be highly sought after by top universities and global companies.

Start early. Be strategic. Talk to a pro.
Not sure where to begin? Wondering if it’s too late? Just want to hear some advice? Whatever stage you’re at, we welcome your questions.

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Why Alpha is the Ultimate Choice for Global University Admissions

For the past 17 years, Alpha Advisors has helped hundreds of students gain admission to top-tier boarding schools (like Andover, Exeter, Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, and Choate Rosemary Hall) and elite global universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge.

For students in middle school or younger, and their families, we offer highly personalized education consulting focused on overseas universities, boarding schools, and high school transitions — through our "Alpha Private Coaching" and "Alpha Intensive" programs.

Our Support Includes:

・Admissions strategy consulting
・Personal analysis and long-term goal setting
・School selection guidance
・Essay and resume support
・Recommendation letter planning
・Interview preparation
・Scholarship application support
・SAT/ACT/SSAT test prep
・TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo/Eiken English exam prep

For university students, we also provide strategic guidance for graduate admissions, study abroad programs, and transfer pathways. With Alpha’s proprietary admissions methodology and expert coaching, we guide students of all ages — from preschoolers to professionals — to success on the fastest and most effective path.

If you're serious about studying abroad or securing competitive scholarships, we recommend starting with a consultation session through our "Education Strategy Advisory" — led by Alpha founder TJ (former Sumitomo Corporation → University of Chicago MBA → Goldman Sachs Investment Banking Division). Together, we’ll map out a concrete education and career plan.

We’re here to help your child achieve academic excellence and build a global career — with everything we’ve got.

Book a Consultation Now!

We’re receiving a high volume of inquiries, so don’t wait! Many families say, "We wish we had reached out to Alpha earlier…"
Get advice from professionals who understand what school teachers and local tutors often don’t — real global careers.

https://global.alpha-academy.com/

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