Universed was founded by Rana Hanna, an independent educational and admissions consultant. Over the years she has guided students into their top-choice universities such as the University of Cambridge, the Architectural Association (AA), University College London, Parsons School of Design, the London School of Economics and Imperial College, among many others.
Rana was born on the grounds of the school founded by her father and spent much of her early childhood learning about the education process, both behind the scenes and in the classroom. She left during the Lebanese civil war and attended schools in the United States, England and France. After graduating with an M.Phil from the University of Oxford, she pursued a writing and editing career that spanned over 20 years. She also holds a certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the University of California Irvine.
As a parent herself, Rana understands the anxieties that can pervade the university application process and the strain it can put on the parent/child relationship. She aims to turn the road to higher education from a path that is often fraught with indecision and anxiety to a creative journey filled with inspiring awareness and confident self-knowledge.
“Many students think they know who they are meant to be but are unable to articulate their feelings, that’s precisely how I can help! Every student has a university and a course that fits and is unique to them. The goal is to help them fulfill their potential.”
Rana enjoys keeping fit and spending time with her family, friends, and her dogs. She firmly believes that if everyone lived with a Labrador, there would be world peace.
We are independent, bias-free, and not affiliated with any service provider.
- PRE-ADMISSION COUNSEL
Review student’s present and future academic potential.
Analyze student’s interests, goals, strengths, and weaknesses.
Plan and map a higher education strategy.
- SELECTION and SHORTLIST
Identify college and/or university fit and develop a shortlist.
Review specific requirements for each choice.
Advise on standardized testing.
- APPLICATION AND ESSAYS
Oversee the university applications process.
Ensure and verify the quality of all application materials.
Brainstorm and help create the personal statement/essay.
Assist, edit and help finalize all required documents.
- FINAL SELECTION
Help with final selection and college decisions.
Sort through acceptance offers.
Help with final selection and offer counsel for best and final decision.
- POST-APPLICATION FOLLOW-UP
Scholarship applications (if required).
Liaison with the selected colleges/universities.