About Uni2be
Basma Soufi & Emma Ghandour
Uni2BE is a partnership, comprising of two educational and career consultants :BE, as in Basma Soufi & Emma Ghandour. Through Uni2BE’s strategically customized approach, students are able to efficiently and effectively navigate the college search and admission journey, maximize their academic potentials, and build a solid stepping-stone towards college life, and – ultimately – the best-fit career path. To enable a smooth process and enhance students’ self-awareness, Uni2BE offers academic coaching sessions inherent in its services, tackling organizational skills, time management, study habits, setting academic goals… all to enable college-bound students to take ownership of this holistic journey
Basma Soufi brings strategic business acumen with a BSc Business Management from The American University of Beirut and an MSc Analysis, Design, and Management of Information Systems from The London School of Economics. She gained certification in Independent Educational Consultancy from UC Irvine. Basma spent her career as a strategic consultant with multinationals, like Andersen and Deloitte, honing expertise in project management, analytical skills, creative thinking, communication, and ethical practice. Her experience in career exploration, crafting CVs, developing extracurriculars, and writing publications seamlessly translates in helping students build strong application profiles.
Emma Ghandour is an education specialist with over 15 years of experience in teaching and administration roles in London and Lebanon. She obtained her BA Psychology and Education from Royal Holloway, and later specialized in Dyslexic Therapy. Emma has served as Head of Primary at a school in London, worked closely with dyslexic students, and consulted schools on early screening and tools for identifying learning difficulties. She gained certification in Independent Educational Consultancy from UC Irvine, and as a life coach, integrates coaching methodology to help students become more self-aware and aligned to pathways optimizing their potential.
Combining Basma’s strategic consulting expertise and Emma’s educational proficiency along with her life coaching skills, they are dedicated partners committed to equitable access to mentoring across Lebanon, with plans to scale their impact further in the MENA region. At Uni2BE, they offer integrated expertise guiding students towards a smooth application process and transition to university life.
What we Believe in
Vision
To be the link for students throughout the Middle East with international educational institutions, by guiding them to reach their potentials and portraying their profile in the best way possible.
Mission Values
Through Uni2BE’s strategically customized approach, students are able to efficiently and effectively navigate the college search and admission journey, maximize their academic potentials, and build a solid stepping-stone towards college life, and – ultimately – the best-fit career path.
Our Services
Bottom-Up Hands-on Guidance Approach
Initial Meeting
To gather information through our 'Prospective Student Questionnaire.
Personality and Career Assessments
Offer, help choose, analyze, and discuss personality and career tests' results with students.
Guidance on Curriculum and Courses
In line with student’s strengths, interests, and academic performance and preferences... keeping in mind the field of study targeted.
The 3 W’s: Where to,
What, & When to apply
In line with the applications of
targeted universities.
Balanced Best-fit College List
Tailor-made, covering ‘Target’, ‘Likely’ and ‘Reach’ schools, according to student’s credentials, while ensuring preference, in terms of location, campus community and curriculum, are met.
Standardized Testing
Guiding students on the how-to work on and enroll in them: SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.
Early Decision - Early Action
Co-deciding on whether to work on Early Decision / Early Action US options; if student is interested, move on to choose student’s best option(s).
Plan The Journey
Working on application process: start with Early Action / Early Decision US applications, Canadian colleges and universities, UK colleges and universities, UC’s pertaining to the US, US Common App, and European universities, finally local universities in Lebanon, (i.e.) AUB and LAU.
Hand-in-Hand through
the Application Process
Working on the college applications, including the personal statement and extra-curricular activities, in addition to the supplemental essays.
Summer Plans & Internships
Exploring the fast-paced changing career market, and the pertaining new majors offered at international colleges, universities, and educational institutions.
CV
Every Uni2BE student will walk out and embark on the college path with a CV / Resume reflecting student's academic background, key activities, and internships. This way, Uni2BE’s student will be able to add on to the resume during the undergraduate degree and onwards...
Frequently Asked Questions
When shall I kick-start my college preparation?
When should we start working with you?
While we can assist students at any stage, starting early offers significant advantages. Ideally, we recommend beginning in Freshman or Sophomore year to allow time for comprehensive planning and profile development. Junior year is crucial for standardized testing, creating college lists, and leadership development. Even if you start in Senior fall, we can still provide valuable assistance with applications and essays. Remember, the earlier you start, the more we can help reduce stress and strengthen your profile!
How many times do you see the students?
At Uni2BE, we believe in regular, consistent support. Typically, we like to see students a minimum of 8 times during their Junior year.
During the application process, we meet as often as needed to ensure all deadlines are met and applications are of the highest quality. This approach allows us to provide comprehensive support while adapting to each student’s individual needs and timeline.
Do you work with students pursuing different curriculums?
Yes, at Uni2BE we understand all academic programs available in Lebanon. This includes the French Baccalaureate, College Preparatory Program (CPP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Lebanese program. Additionally, we are familiar with the Advanced Placement Program (AP) courses and exams. Our expertise across these diverse curricula allows us to provide tailored guidance regardless of academic background.
Do you help students choose summer plans during Junior year?
Yes, we take a close look at the location of each student’s chosen universities, and accordingly suggest summer activities that can enhance their application package. We understand the importance of strategic summer planning in strengthening a student’s profile and demonstrating interest and commitment to their chosen field of study.
What about the application essays?
Well, that is a major part of the application package, and we definitely provide guidance and supervision, however the actual writing of the essay is- solely- done by the student. The refinement is done in-house together with the student to ensure alignment with application requirements.
No limitation as far as essays and drafts are set, however we recommend that students apply to a maximum of 12- 15 universities during the application cycle.
In terms of extracurricular activities, what guidance does Uni2BE offer?
Our approach is holistic; we look at the student as a whole and beyond their numbers, be it grades or scores. Above all, we help students in choosing their personal project that aligns with their character, strengths, and academic focus. During the application process, we ensure that the student’s extracurricular activities align with the university ethos and showcase the extra value s/he will bring to the campus.
When is the best time to apply to university?
The best time to apply depends on several factors, including the specific universities of interest and application plans (Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, etc.)
1. Early applications (ED/EA) are typically due in November of Senior year.
2. Regular Decision deadlines are usually in January or February of Senior year.
3. Some universities have rolling admissions.
We work closely with each student to develop a personalized application timeline that aligns with goals and maximizes chances of admission.
How do I find a university that is a ‘best-fit’ for me?
Uni2BE’s approach and methodology is highly personalized. In general and in a nutshell, the factors to consider are: location, size, culture, facilities, degree, curriculum, selectivity, diversity, exchange programs and industry placement options, alumni, and network. We highly recommend for our students to do in-person or virtual tours of the university in order to enable them to decide if it is a good fit.
What support do you provide post-application submission?
We help students in preparing for interviews by anticipating core questions and preparing ideal answers that align with the student and his/her abilities and credentials. We conduct mock interviews prior to the actual ones.
Additionally, we guide, supervise, and help the student in preparing for entrance exams – although we do not offer tutoring services in this regard. Our academic coaching approach and belief in knowledge-sharing and empowerment help ensure a smooth transition to college. Our students are Uni2BE kids, so our support can extend through the first year in college.
Do you guarantee acceptance to any university?
While we cannot guarantee acceptance to any specific university, our aim is to empower our students and boost their profiles so they present the best version of themselves in their application packages. We provide expert guidance, strategies, and support to maximize each student’s potential and chances of admission to their chosen university.
How much do your services cost?
Our packages are on a location-basis: we have separate location packages and combined ones. The level of service is not an indicator of its cost, as we do our utmost and work according to student’s needs within the timeframe allocated. However, we believe that starting in Grade 11 will ensure a more effective and efficient process.
Testimonials
Contact us
Contact: +(961) 316 0700
Contact: +(961) 384 4855
Email: info@uni2be.net
Madam Curie Street, Koreitem, Beirut, Lb 1136555
