Our dedicated consultants include graduates from some of the top 25 universities globally, including Oxbridge, the Ivy League and more.
Our country specialists have in-depth knowledge about leading universities, their ethos, application requirements and processes, in the US, UK, Canada, Europe, India, Singapore and more.
Our expert team of counsellors are affiliated with professional organisations such as IECA, IC3 and IACAC and are Certified College Consultants.
Birgit experienced a baptism of fire starting her career as a guidance counsellor as the world closed down due to COVID. As the pandemic threw up unexpected IB results, unknown outcomes and confusion, she level headedly steered our families to some of the most successful placements we have ever had. Bringing strong research skills and the perspective of a mother whose own children are at this stage of life, Birgit takes the lead in guiding the students in really positive directions and finds just the right place for each and every student - whatever challenges they may face. Her practical no-nonsense attitude and commitment to ensuring the very best for every DSB student mean all are in excellent hands. You are encouraged to reach out to her whenever you want answers or to discuss the whole subject of universities. She has the extensive Red Pen team behind her, so if she doesn't know the exact answer - she knows someone who will.
The journey to college is a process that starts in grade 8 and continues through your child's high school years. Guidance counsellors start interacting with students and their parents when they select their IGCSE subjects, keeping their strengths and interests in mind. The counsellors may provide guidance on, or encouragement to participate in extracurricular activities, helping students further develop a well-rounded profile so that they stand out in a competitive undergraduate landscape. As a school, we always believe that learning is dynamic and your pathway to university is not straight. The counsellors enable students to explore different options and encourage their participation in activities offered in the school, in India and even abroad that will help inform their choices. They regularly disseminate information on summer schools and other interesting programs that can help with this. As students progress through grade 10, they and their parents may meet several times with the guidance counsellors to help them choose their IB subjects. The guidance counsellors will cross-reference with their teachers to ensure that the advice they give is best suited to the individual student. During the 2 years of the IB Diploma Programme students are encouraged to talk about their goals and aspirations with the guidance counsellors. They will work tirelessly to support them through the research, and application process, and will provide the back up if there are any difficulties arising from their final results. At DSB the Red Pen Counsellors offer every student individualised support and guidance. There are no stock answers or standardised approaches - each student gets the help they need and is assured a placement at a university from which they will truly benefit. The proof is in the outcome. In a world where some 30% of students drop out of university only one or two have done so from all the DSB graduates.
