College LinkQuest

CLiQ with the Right College

The idea behind College LinkQuest (“CLiQ”) was hatched in 2013. It was born out of the realization that the U.S. college entrance process heavily favored the high school students from the International schools like ISM and Brent. Coupled with the fact that the Philippine education system was about to apply the K-12 system, the time was ripe for a program that could assist students from the traditional Philippine schools to bridge the gap towards a quality U.S. college education.

Moreover, while analyzing further the study abroad options available to Filipino high schools students, CLiQ’s business development pioneers discovered that the great majority --- if not all --- study abroad businesses in the Philippines operate under the “education agency” model. This means that the study abroad agency gets paid by college/university “partners” abroad for every student successfully recruited. As a result, the students’ choice of educational institution is limited only to those colleges and universities willing to pay a commission to the agency. Students may end up being enrolled in colleges or universities that do not match their personal and educational needs and preferences. Additionally, the most reputable colleges and universities have no need for an agency’s “help” in recruiting students from abroad, and thus in fact, refuse to deal with such education agencies. CLiQ had to be different.

CLiQ’s goal was to develop a suitable program that focused on the welfare of the individual student rather than that of the commission-paying college. The focus needed to be shifted from a school-centered commission scheme to a student-centered program that placed the child’s needs first and foremost. The overseas college or university needed to match the potential students’ preferences and needs, not the other way around as dictated by the agency commission scheme.

With this end in mind, CLiQ approached veteran ISM and Brent counselor, Mr. Arnold McKenzie, to share the details and processes derived from his longstanding and vast experience as a guidance counselor for both leading international schools. Fondly known as “Mr. Mac” by his students, Mr. McKenzie was primarily responsible for the successful placement of thousands of ISM and Brent students into the best U.S. colleges and universities. It was through his initial insight and guidance that CLiQ built up its college preparation and admission services platform. In fact, Mr. Mac remains on CLiQ’s active advisory council. This council convenes regularly to plot a purposeful and mindful strategy and direction for the company, and to provide professional insight into the counseling service quality and other allied educational matters. Other members of this council include preeminent psychiatrist and psycho-educational expert, Dr. Lucille Montes, successful entrepreneur and businessman, Mr. Mario Antoni Salazar, and Lawyer/Businessman Virgil B. Prieto, CLiQ’s Founder and Chief Mentor.

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