education consulting
Welcome to Coopers International
Choosing the ideal college or university can be a pivotal decision in your life, and the process of exploring all of your options is one full of excitement, curiosity and challenge. When you add in the complexities of juggling application procedures, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
With over a decade of international experience, I am committed to providing you with the unwavering support and expert guidance needed to empower you throughout every step of this journey. Whether you are a high school student exploring the myriad options available, or a parent seeking experienced and professional counsel, I can help you to identify the educational institutions that will help you to grow, thrive and succeed, providing the resources and advice necessary to make assured, informed decisions.
Having access to dedicated, comprehensive and individualized counseling allows you to approach your research, essays, applications and interviews with confidence and clarity, and gives you the power to take control of your future.
Your academic dreams, aspirations and successes are my foremost priority.
I look forward to connecting with you!
About Valery
Over the past thirteen years, working in top-tier international schools in America, Asia and Europe, I have helped guide students from a variety of backgrounds to realize their academic and personal aspirations, navigating them through the intricacies of the college application process.
My professional journey encompasses volunteer work, school counseling and support, and networking with admission officers from colleges and universities around the world, which has included visiting over 200 institutions. All of this affords me a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of college admissions.
I hold Master’s degrees in both Psychology and Education, and maintain up-to-date professional memberships, including with both NACAC and IACAC. I am also currently serving on the IACAC Communications Committee. I have worked as Head of Counseling at Tier 1 international schools and, for the past three years, I have been a mentor to other counselors.
I remain dedicated to staying well-informed about the ever-evolving landscape of global higher education, ensuring that the counsel I provide is tailored to support the needs of each family.
Services
College and University Selection
Selecting your ideal college or university is a major step in your academic journey, and I am dedicated to providing you with comprehensive guidance in making this choice. Every individual has their own needs and priorities, and when determining the environment that will best support your college experience, location, climate, extra-curriculars and campus culture can be just as important as academic fit.
By working together to explore every facet, I can help you to understand what each institution has to offer, and develop a college list that sets you on the path to academic and personal success.
Application Process
Navigating the college application process can be a complex journey. By working with a small number of families, I provide comprehensive, step-by-step guidance that will make it more manageable. This includes creating a well-structured, personalized timeline to ensure you stay on track with your preparations and meet each milestone and deadline along the way. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, I aim to alleviate stress and help you stay organized. From crafting an initial list of potential colleges and universities to finalizing your applications, your personal roadmap will help you to take control.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Understanding the financial aspects of college can open the door to a new world of opportunities. From merit-based scholarships to need-based grants and specialized awards, I can help you to understand the various types of scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and diverse sources of funding available to you. By understanding how to access both general sources of funding as well as those tailored to your field of study, background, and individual achievements, you can ensure that you are well-informed about the financial resources that can make your college dreams a reality.
Standardized Tests
Choosing the right standardized test is a key factor in supporting your application. I offer insights into the differences between tests like the SAT, ACT, IELTS, and TOEFL, helping you understand which one aligns best with your strengths and goals. By exploring these options and adding them to your personal timeline early in the application process, you can ensure that you have adequate time to prepare and maximize your chances of admission.
Course Selection
Whether you are a high school student just beginning your academic journey or a current college student looking to refine your course selection or transfer to a new institution, I can help to ensure that you are on the right track. By providing personalized advice tailored to your academic interests, career aspirations, and the specific requirements of your desired colleges and universities, you can make the course selections that align with, and pave the way toward achieving, your long-term goals.
College Essay coaching and building Personal Statement
Set yourself apart by crafting a compelling and authentic narrative. Among all aspects of the college application process, the college essay and personal statement stand out in that it requires a unique approach. My insights are designed to help you find your voice and tell your story. I provide advice on selecting a captivating topic, structuring your essay, and showcasing your experiences and aspirations, as well as feedback on how to refine your writing to ensure that it captures your essence while resonating with admissions officers. My aim is to empower you to create a personal narrative that leaves a lasting impression.
Extra Curricular Activities and Resume/CV Building
Creating an impressive extracurricular resume is essential to stand out, and I’m here to provide you with valuable suggestions to achieve just that. I will guide you in choosing extracurricular activities that align with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals, as well as advice on how to showcase your commitment and achievements, ensuring that your resume reflects your dedication and passion. A well-rounded extracurricular profile can capture the attention of college admissions committees, and be the critical factor that determines your success.
Interview Preparation
There’s no getting away from it – college interviews can be nerve-wracking! By providing you guidance on what to expect in both virtual and in-person interviews, as well as essential tips and strategies, you can enter the space feeling confident and prepared. You will also receive advice on how to research the college, develop insightful questions, and make a lasting impression. By completing practice interviews and arming yourself with techniques to manage interview anxiety and effectively communicate your strengths and aspirations, you can make the most of this opportunity and ensure that you approach college interviews with poise, confidence and authenticity.
Resources
I offer a comprehensive array of resources, planning tools, and checklists to ensure that you are well-prepared for your college journey. These resources are designed to streamline the college application process and provide you with a clear roadmap to success. From application timelines and document checklists, to personal reflection strategies and guidance on standardized testing and financial aid, I will provide you with the essential tools you need to stay organized and informed. By equipping you with these valuable resources, I aim to make your college application experience as smooth and efficient as possible, reducing your stress and increasing your chances of gaining admission to the college or university of your dreams.
Student Athletes
Navigating the transition from high school to college athletics is a complex journey that requires strategic planning, expert guidance, and personalized support. In addition to the comprehensive services that include identifying best-fit colleges, essay coaching, and application guidance, I will outline the recruiting strategies and develop a customized action plan with you for communicating with the coaches and what that should look like.
*As a note, it is best to start planning for specific sports recruitment process in grade 9.
Transfer Students
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. I help you navigate the transfer process whether it’s transferring to another college down the road or to a university outside of your home country. I provide guidance on finding your major interests and passions, as well as identifying personal priorities when looking a new college home.
Emotional Welbeing and Resilience Support
Navigating the college admissions process can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, often invoking mixed feelings; along with excitement and anticipation may come panic, distress, and anxiety. As a seasoned school counselor trained in solution-focused therapy, I provide dedicated emotional wellbeing and resilience support to help students manage these challenges. My approach is tailored to each individual’s needs, focusing on practical solutions and positive outcomes. Together, we will work on building coping strategies, enhancing self-confidence, and ensuring a balanced approach to the admissions journey, empowering students to thrive both academically and emotionally.
Exploring your needs
Whether you are just getting started and looking to understand your options, or you have a clear goal in mind and are in need of a comprehensive plan of support, I can help to maximise your chances of success. As an independent counselor, my greatest value lies in providing individualized solutions and support. Your journey will be shaped by the regions you are keen to explore, but every session is bespoke and tailored to your needs.
I also offer an hourly rate, if you are looking to fine-tune individual aspects of your application.
Reach out today to book a free consultation to discuss how I can support you.
Testimonials
It was a blessing to have a counselor that cares for me not only just as a student but also as a person. Thank you for your wonderful guidance and support during the stressful university application process. Your attention to detail and your dedication to help students in achieving their dream was truly remarkable. It was such a pleasure to have you during my high school journey!
Working with Valery was amazing and made a huge difference in getting me into Dartmouth. Right from the start, she gave me personalized advice and tons of support, helping me figure out what made me stand out. Valery’s guidance and feedback on my essays and the overall application were immensely helpful, turning my ideas into a great story that caught the admissions committee’s attention. Valery really knew the ins and outs of the process and always believed in me, which boosted my confidence a lot. I’m so grateful for Valery’s help and couldn’t have asked for a better guide through this journey.
Ms Cooper was very important to our family during the process my daughter engaged in university applications.
One of her best skills, which called my attention, is how easily she can make deep connections with the students, assessing their needs and helping them to choose the best university for each profile.
She is highly effective in understanding and reinforcing their self-esteem.
She expertly supports the students and their family to navigate smoothly through this hard process with knowledge and expertise.
My daughter got in excellent universities and is very fond of Ms. Cooper!
I dearly recommend her!!!!!
I met Ms. Cooper when she was my dean and college counselor in high school in São Paulo, BRA. Since day one she was eager to help and very passionate about her students. During our time together, I had the pleasure of having multiple meetings with her to help me find my path and what college would best fit me and my lifestyle. I’m so glad Ms. Cooper had my back during this (very) stressful moment in my life, and she is undoubtedly a person whom I hold to the highest respect and admiration. She is kind, invested and passionate about helping us to find our best match. Can’t recommend her enough!
The college application season was a very stressful time for me personally, but Valery was a game-changer! I could always go to her office and ask her any question, and she was always very patient and approachable. She was very familiar with the application processes for multiple countries and had in-depth knowledge of what different colleges were looking for, which was why she could offer insightful advice tailored to my unique preferences and strength. But most importantly, Valery deeply cared about me and every student she worked with. She was like a friend and a mentor who I enjoyed being around with and who I learned very much from. Till this day, we are still in touch. I would highly recommend Valery to any student. You would get much more than what you expect.
Valery is someone who truly cares with her heart. She listened and attended to my needs. She has been tremendously helpful during multiple application seasons, not only providing professional advice as well as attentive and personal support at each step of the way, but she is also exceptionally talented at making space for and holding the many complex emotions during these pivotal and often stressful times. Her rich experience, and professional approach coupled with her kindness and attentiveness make her an unparalleled choice.
Contact
If you are interested in finding out more, reach out using the form below, or send me an email on contact@coopersinternational.com to set up an initial call.
Memberships
