Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. Why should I opt-in for a paid consulting service like Auctus for applying to colleges? What unique advantages will it entail? 

Investing in our consulting service offers invaluable support and expertise throughout the college application process. Our team provides personalized guidance to enhance your chances of admission to top institutions. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including:

  • One-on-one consultations to identify your unique strengths and craft a compelling application narrative.
  • Helping in college selection and creating a tailored college list suited to your profile.
  • Classes, resources and tips for preparing for standardized tests (SAT).
  • In-depth essay outlining and editing to ensure your personal statement and supplemental essays effectively showcase your achievements, passions, and potential.
  • Interview preparation to help you articulate your goals and experiences with confidence.
  • Ongoing assistance to navigate the complex application landscape, meet deadlines, and make informed decisions.

Our experienced consultants, many of whom are students at prestigious universities, leverage their insider knowledge to provide strategic advice tailored to your needs. By partnering with us, you’ll gain a competitive edge and the peace of mind that comes with expert support every step of the way.

2. What distinguishes Auctus from other consulting firms in Bangladesh?

Unlike most of the “agencies” in Bangladesh, Auctus is not a typical agency that operates on a commission basis with state universities. We are a consulting firm dedicated to helping you present yourself effectively to admission committees.  

In contrast to other similar consultancies, our team consists of members from top American institutions – working with a very small number of students, ensuring quality support. Due to this setting, we are able to dedicate a great deal of time and attention to each applicant – 250+ hours on average across the application season.

Competition for admission to top US institutions is fierce, especially for international students seeking scholarships. These colleges typically admit only one or two students from Bangladesh each year, and sometimes none at all. Acceptance rates for international applicants requiring financial aid are consistently in the single digits, making the admissions process exceptionally challenging.

That’s where our expertise comes in. Our goal is to help you present the best version of yourself to the admissions committee, maximizing your chances of securing a coveted spot at these elite institutions. Our team has a deep understanding of the complex admissions landscape and the specific challenges faced by Bangladeshi students. By leveraging our expertise and personalized approach, we help you navigate the process with confidence and position yourself as a competitive candidate for admission and scholarships at top US colleges.

3. Why should I trust Auctus for my college application? What experience do you have?

Choosing Auctus for your college application journey means you’re trusting mentors who have themselves gotten in and have successfully guided other students into top US universities like Harvard, MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, Tufts,  New York University, Williams, Amherst, UIUC, UCLA, UCSD, University of Michigan, UNC Chapel Hill, Colby, Haverford, the University of Rochester, Bryn Mawr, Hamilton, Bates, Vassar, Lafayette, Connecticut, Franklin and Marshall, and many more. Our mentors have not only been through the process themselves but have also helped others get into prestigious schools.

We bring a lot of experience from our 4+ years of working with admissions. We’ve collected useful insights and resources that will help make your application stand out. By joining us, you’re getting a team that’s committed to making your application the best it can be. We’re here to help you navigate the application process with confidence, ensuring your success in reaching top universities.

4. How will Auctus assist me in enhancing my extracurricular activities and honors list?

At Auctus, we go beyond just advising; we actively work with you to strengthen your profile. Based on your interests and strengths, we’ll guide you towards extracurricular activities that can make a significant impact. We’ll also point you towards competitions that can add valuable achievements to your honors list. Plus, we’re here to provide you with resources and samples to help you prepare effectively for these competitions. Our goal is to ensure your activities and honors reflect the best of your capabilities, making your application more competitive.

5. How will Auctus help me with standardized tests like the SAT?

At Auctus, we have access to top quality resources for SAT preparation, including but not limited to:

  • Subscriptions to paid SAT resources
  • Mock Tests (topical)
  • Classes conducted by top SAT scorers (if you join the cohort early)

Our methods work. In our Class of 2029 cohort, our students achieved great success on the SAT with the help of these resources, with the highest score being 1600/1600 and the median being 1500/1600.

6. The fees required for the program seem like a large investment. Will it be worth it?

When considering the financial investment in our services, it’s essential to evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI). While our fees may seem substantial upfront, the long-term benefits can be truly transformative.

Consider this: securing admission to a top US college with a scholarship can be life-changing. The total cost of attendance for four years at these prestigious institutions typically ranges from 4 to 5 crore BDT. By investing in our services, you significantly increase your chances of receiving a scholarship that covers a substantial portion, if not all, of these expenses. In this scenario, your ROI would be exceptional – probably one of the best investments you will ever make.

Additionally, the fact that we are proudest of is that around 70% of our students this year were gap-year candidates and/or reapplicants, and the majority have secured admissions to top-tier colleges with significant scholarships. Our support has helped these students convert earlier rejections into acceptances to elite colleges.

Moreover, the benefits extend far beyond the financial aspect. Graduating from a top US institution opens up a world of opportunities, including access to elite graduate programs, high-paying jobs, and a valuable network of accomplished professionals. The long-term value of this education and the doors it opens cannot be overstated.

We believe that investing in our consulting services is not just a short-term expense, but a long-term investment in a student’s future success and well-being. The potential returns, both financial and personal, make it a smart choice for families who are committed to helping their children achieve their academic and professional dreams.

7. There are cheaper alternatives to Auctus. Why shouldn’t I join them instead?

There are cheaper alternatives in the consulting market. However, unlike them, we are not selling pre-recorded courses, or organizing one or two sessions by our mentors and then letting you do all the work. At Auctus, we are with you on every step of the way, from helping you design your Common App essay to assisting with college lists, we are with you right till you get the visa stamp!

Plus, unlike other consulting firms, we don’t admit 100+ students. We typically work with a small cohort of only around ~20 students. This ensures maximum engagement and quality work. 

Moreover, our mentors are exclusively from top colleges – Williams and UPenn. So, you will be getting help from people who have not only gone through the process themselves but made it to the absolute top. This is the Auctus quality guarantee – we will never have mentors from a non-top college! (T10 University & Liberal Arts College)

8. I am unable to afford the program fees. Should I still apply?

Yes! At Auctus we are committed to ensuring that finances aren’t a barrier to any student who wishes to join our cohort. Our main goal is to have talented Bangladeshi students at top US colleges. This is why we have started the Feynman Fellowship to be awarded to students with exceptional minds. Students in this program will receive up to 100% fee waiver to join our student cohort. Some of our Feynman Fellows from the Class of 2029 have made it to some of the finest institutions in the world.

9. Can you guarantee admission and/or full scholarships?

We cannot guarantee admission and/or scholarships as most colleges are need-aware and requesting significant scholarships can impact your chances.  Specifically, financial aid and/or scholarships are determined by a variety of factors, primarily depending on the family’s financial situation. However, we are committed to giving our best efforts to assist you.

10. Is it possible to pay the fees in installments?
Yes, we accept our payment in 2 installments. Details about the payment will be provided after you are accepted to Auctus.

11. What if I don’t get in? Are the fees refundable?

At Auctus, we like to be optimistic, and hope 100% of our students get in. However, due to reasons unforeseen, if a student doesn’t get in, the student will be given another opportunity to apply in the next application cycle with us at no additional cost. Alternatively, if a student chooses not to reapply, we are more than happy to refund them half of the fees.

12. How accessible is the Auctus team for assistance?

You can rest assured that you’ll receive timely responses and adherence to deadlines from our dedicated mentors. We prioritize accessibility and will be available via a messaging platform throughout your application journey. We typically reply within 12 hours at max.

13. How can I reach out for further questions or concerns?

If you have any more questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at auctus.ac@gmail.com or on Facebook or on Instagram. We are here to assist you and provide any additional information you may need.

14. What does the application process to Auctus look like? 

The application process consists of the following:

  • First, you must fill up the Google Form linked here. Our team will review it thoroughly and get back to you with a reply ASAP.
  • We then invite selected candidates to meet the team for a Zoom chat.
  • Shortly afterwards, we make our final decisions and let you know of your status. 

15. Do you provide assistance for and have experience with Canada and UK applications?

Yes! We provide assistance for Canada and UK applications for an additional fee. 

In the Class of 2029 cohort, we secured admissions to top UK and Canadian institutions like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh, and University College London.

16. Can we have a face-to-face conversation with the mentors before admission to discuss our queries?

Yes! As mentioned above, we will offer selected candidates an interview to speak with the mentors and answer any queries they may have.

17. What is your mission statement?

From Dreams to Degrees: We aim to help Bangladeshi students get admitted into top tier universities with significant scholarships.

18. Who is eligible to apply to Auctus? 

All students who are planning to apply in the 2025-26 application cycle to the United States/UK/Canada and are planning to start university in Fall 2025. Typically, this will mean that you will finish your high school studies (HSC/A-levels) by the summer of 2025 or 2026.