Student Development Program
Grades 8–10 Need More Than College Admissions Counseling
Colleges with competitive admissions want to understand the person behind the application. At the same time, students need a different approach to career exploration in an AI-driven world where career paths are becoming less predictable. UPI addresses both through a structured, school-like program with a dedicated advisor, specialists, milestones, and assessments—well before the college application process begins.
WHY EARLY GUIDANCE MATTERS
Most alternatives begin with a counselor. UPI begins with the student.
Make Better Decisions Earlier
More thoughtful choices about academics, activities, summers, and career direction.
More Time to Course-Correct
Adjust direction before college applications become urgent.
Protect the Parent-Student Relationship
Students may be more receptive to an objective advisor, reducing parent-child friction.
Most alternatives begin with a counselor. UPI begins with the student.
The UPI Development Journey
Student Development
Develop the person behind the application
College Admissions
Translate that foundation into competitive college applications
Personal Storytelling
Build self-reflection and learn to express your story
Career Direction
Career exploration for an AI-driven world
Parent Education
Guidance for parents, especially those educated outside the U.S.
What’s Included at Each Grade Level
| Program Component | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Planning | |||
| Extracurricular & Summer Planning | |||
| Counseling | |||
| Career Exploration | |||
| SAT/ACT Strategy | |||
| Progress Reports & Assessments | |||
| UPI Activity Partner Network | |||
| Personal Storytelling | |||
| Parent Education |
Every yearIncluded in Grades 8, 9 and 10
- Academic Planning — Included in Grades 8, 9 and 10
- Extracurricular & Summer Planning — Included in Grades 8, 9 and 10
- Counseling — Included in Grades 8, 9 and 10
- Progress Reports & Assessments — Included in Grades 8, 9 and 10
- UPI Activity Partner Network — Included in Grades 8, 9 and 10
- Personal Storytelling — Included in Grades 8, 9 and 10
- Parent Education — Included in Grades 8, 9 and 10
Added laterGrade 10 only
- Career Exploration — Grade 10 only
- SAT/ACT Strategy — Grade 10 only
“We enrolled our son early because we realized the college admissions process is complex, and we did not want to leave things to chance. UPI has provided consistent, structured, and personalized guidance around academics, summer planning, extracurricular activities, career exploration, and overall college readiness.”
Program Fee
$1,750–$8,000 per school year