UNIVERSITIES UNIVERSITIES INFORMATION EVENINGINFORMATION EVENING

DR. DEREK M. BLEYBERGDR. DEREK M. BLEYBERGUNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS ADVISORUNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS ADVISOR

collegehelp@gohillel.comcollegehelp@gohillel.com925 1980 ext. 249925 1980 ext. 249

College Guidance ServicesCollege Guidance Services

• Advice to students, parents, guardians about Advice to students, parents, guardians about subject choice bearing in mind future college subject choice bearing in mind future college aspirations.aspirations.

• Centigrade Interest and Ability Questionnaire.Centigrade Interest and Ability Questionnaire.• Advice about examination requirements – Advice about examination requirements –

PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, BMAT, UKCAT, PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, BMAT, UKCAT, LNAT.LNAT.

• PSAT and SAT preparation classes.PSAT and SAT preparation classes.• Advice on college choice.Advice on college choice.• College visits to Hillel Academy.College visits to Hillel Academy.• Information about College Fairs in JamaicaInformation about College Fairs in Jamaica

College Guidance Services 2College Guidance Services 2

• Help with applications:Help with applications:– Completion of application forms;Completion of application forms;– Help with writing of personal statements or Help with writing of personal statements or

application essays;application essays;– Help with writing the resume;Help with writing the resume;– Provision of Hillel Transcripts;Provision of Hillel Transcripts;– Counsellor letters of recommendation;Counsellor letters of recommendation;– Mediation regarding teacher letters of Mediation regarding teacher letters of

recommendation;recommendation;– Completion of financial aid forms, financial eligibility Completion of financial aid forms, financial eligibility

forms, bank guarantee letter etc.forms, bank guarantee letter etc.• Advice on finance and scholashipsAdvice on finance and scholaships

CentigradeCentigrade

• Provided by Cambridge Occupational AnalystsProvided by Cambridge Occupational Analysts• Interest questionnaireInterest questionnaire• 150 Questions150 Questions• Report based on student’s responsesReport based on student’s responses• Overall match – interest compared to related Overall match – interest compared to related

skills / subjects needed to be successful in an skills / subjects needed to be successful in an area of interestarea of interest

• Looks for inconsistencies / contradictionsLooks for inconsistencies / contradictions• Can be taken on lineCan be taken on line• Cost: US$ 50.Cost: US$ 50.• Student can take Centigrade again without Student can take Centigrade again without

additional costsadditional costs

COLLEGE VS. UNIVERSITYCOLLEGE VS. UNIVERSITY

• COLLEGE = Undergraduate courses onlyCOLLEGE = Undergraduate courses only In UK and some other countries, a college refers to In UK and some other countries, a college refers to

a unit within a university e.g. King’s College, a unit within a university e.g. King’s College, Cambridge, or St. Anne’s College, Oxford. In UK Cambridge, or St. Anne’s College, Oxford. In UK colleges of further education and some schools are colleges of further education and some schools are named colleges e.g. Uxbridge College (FE college), named colleges e.g. Uxbridge College (FE college), Marlborough College (secondary school)Marlborough College (secondary school)

• UNIVERSITY = Undergraduate and UNIVERSITY = Undergraduate and postgraduate coursespostgraduate courses

In UK university status indicates that the institution In UK university status indicates that the institution has a charter and can award its own degreeshas a charter and can award its own degrees

CHOOSING A COLLEGECHOOSING A COLLEGE

• Liberal arts vs. specialist collegeLiberal arts vs. specialist college

( business, engineering, art and ( business, engineering, art and design)design)

• Am I absolutely sure I know what I Am I absolutely sure I know what I want to study? That I understand what want to study? That I understand what the course involves? the course involves?

• That I have the prerequisite skills / That I have the prerequisite skills / knowledge?knowledge?

CHOOSING A COLLEGECHOOSING A COLLEGE

• REPUTATION:REPUTATION:– Not for profit vs. for profitNot for profit vs. for profit– Public vs. private:Public vs. private:

• % of students out-of-state% of students out-of-state

• State admissions requirementsState admissions requirements

– ACCREDITATIONACCREDITATION• Only regional accreditation counts for university Only regional accreditation counts for university

accreditation although certain departments may also accreditation although certain departments may also receive national accreditation (e.g. business school)receive national accreditation (e.g. business school)

• Transfer of creditsTransfer of credits

CHOOSING A COLLEGE CHOOSING A COLLEGE

• Can I meet the entrance requirements? Can I meet the entrance requirements? What are the expected SAT scores?What are the expected SAT scores?

What % of applicants are offered places?What % of applicants are offered places?What is the % of international students?What is the % of international students?What % of freshmen return as sophomores?What % of freshmen return as sophomores?What % of students graduate in 4 years, 5 years, 6 What % of students graduate in 4 years, 5 years, 6

years?years?

• Location: What part of the country?Location: What part of the country?• Location: Urban, suburban, rural?Location: Urban, suburban, rural?• Campus vs. city centre: horizontal vs. Campus vs. city centre: horizontal vs.

vertical campusvertical campus

CHOOSING A COLLEGE CHOOSING A COLLEGE

• PROGRAMME OF STUDY:PROGRAMME OF STUDY:– Which majors are offeredWhich majors are offered

•Double major? Triple major?Double major? Triple major?

•Strengths of the department in which you Strengths of the department in which you want to majorwant to major

• SIZE:SIZE:– Number of undergraduate studentsNumber of undergraduate students– Number of international studentsNumber of international students

CHOOSING A COLLEGECHOOSING A COLLEGE

• TEACHING METHODS:TEACHING METHODS:– LectureLecture– SeminarSeminar– TutorialTutorial

• INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:– Compulsory?Compulsory?– For how long? When?For how long? When?

• STUDY-ABROAD OPPORTUNITIESSTUDY-ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES• RELATIONSHIP WITH FACULTYRELATIONSHIP WITH FACULTY

– Ask current studentsAsk current students– How available are faculty members (length of office hours)How available are faculty members (length of office hours)

CHOOSING A COLLEGE CHOOSING A COLLEGE

• Accommodation facilities and policies:Accommodation facilities and policies:– All first yearAll first year– All final yearAll final year– All international studentsAll international students

• SOCIAL FACILITIES:SOCIAL FACILITIES:• Community spiritCommunity spirit• Social life. How much depends or revolves around Social life. How much depends or revolves around

fraternities and sororities?fraternities and sororities?• Sports. Which NCAA division?Sports. Which NCAA division?

IntercollegiateIntercollegiateIntramuralIntramural

CHOOSING A COLLEGECHOOSING A COLLEGE

• Know thyselfKnow thyself

• Study the published materials (can be Study the published materials (can be found in the school library)found in the school library)

• Do not just rely on alumni, or parents, Do not just rely on alumni, or parents, friends etc. Many people tend to friends etc. Many people tend to romantize their experiences.romantize their experiences.

• Open days / visits / virtual toursOpen days / visits / virtual tours

• Talk to students studying thereTalk to students studying there

CHOOSING A COLLEGE CHOOSING A COLLEGE

• COST:COST:– Can vary greatlyCan vary greatly– Tuition and feesTuition and fees– Room and boardRoom and board– Books and suppliesBooks and supplies– TransportationTransportation– Personal expensesPersonal expenses– Bank guarantee needed in order to get a Bank guarantee needed in order to get a

US visaUS visa

UK costs for international UK costs for international studentsstudents

• A person must have lived in the UK A person must have lived in the UK for the three years prior to beginning for the three years prior to beginning a university course to be considered a a university course to be considered a home student for purposes of tuition.home student for purposes of tuition.

• AND during these three years a AND during these three years a student cannot just be at a (boarding) student cannot just be at a (boarding) school to qualify; the family must school to qualify; the family must work or at least own property for work or at least own property for these school years to count.these school years to count.

UK Tuition CostsUK Tuition Costs

• 2009-10 statistics:2009-10 statistics:

• Arts classroom based courses:Arts classroom based courses:– 8,000 to 10,000 pounds sterling per annum8,000 to 10,000 pounds sterling per annum

• Science lab based courses:Science lab based courses:– 10,000 to 15,000 pounds sterling per annum10,000 to 15,000 pounds sterling per annum

• Medicine and other specialist subjects:Medicine and other specialist subjects:– 15,000 to 20,000 pounds sterling per annum15,000 to 20,000 pounds sterling per annum

UK Tuition CostsUK Tuition Costs

• Virtually no scholarships are Virtually no scholarships are available to cover the costs of the available to cover the costs of the tuition fees at the undergraduate tuition fees at the undergraduate level.level.

UK Application ProcessUK Application Process

• UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions ServiceUCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service• Only 5 choices in any one application cycleOnly 5 choices in any one application cycle• Either a similar course at 5 different institutions or maybe Either a similar course at 5 different institutions or maybe

different courses at a smaller number of institutionsdifferent courses at a smaller number of institutions• Simple form to complete on lineSimple form to complete on line• Personal StatementPersonal Statement• School Open ReferenceSchool Open Reference• Results of external examinations most important element in Results of external examinations most important element in

admission decisionsadmission decisions• Conditional offers for students who have not completed Conditional offers for students who have not completed

their secondary schooling – based on total of IB points and their secondary schooling – based on total of IB points and possibly a score in specific subjectspossibly a score in specific subjects

Tuition Costs in CanadaTuition Costs in Canada

• There are different charges for There are different charges for Canadian citizens and international Canadian citizens and international students.students.

• The fees for international students vary The fees for international students vary considerably:considerably:– At University of Toronto or UBC the costs At University of Toronto or UBC the costs

are over Canadian $30,000 per annum;are over Canadian $30,000 per annum;– At other universities the costs may be as At other universities the costs may be as

low as $15,000 to 20,000 per annum.low as $15,000 to 20,000 per annum.

Application Process in Application Process in CanadaCanada• In Ontario, Ontario Universities’ Application In Ontario, Ontario Universities’ Application

Center (OUAC)Center (OUAC)• Other provinces, simple application formsOther provinces, simple application forms• TranscriptTranscript• Predicted IB GradesPredicted IB Grades• Only academic criteria matter for admissionOnly academic criteria matter for admission• Minimum offer usually 28 points, but might be Minimum offer usually 28 points, but might be

higher for more competitive courses (even up to higher for more competitive courses (even up to 40 points!)40 points!)

• Automatic scholarship for achieving certain IB Automatic scholarship for achieving certain IB points at many Canadian universities.points at many Canadian universities.

Tuition Costs in USATuition Costs in USA

• Varies considerably.Varies considerably.

• In-state residents may pay as little as In-state residents may pay as little as $3,500 per annum while out-of-state $3,500 per annum while out-of-state students pay several times more.students pay several times more.

• In-state residents: US citizens or In-state residents: US citizens or permanent residents. permanent residents.

Comparison of in-state and Comparison of in-state and out-of-state tuition fees in out-of-state tuition fees in FloridaFlorida• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical (A & M) UniversityFlorida Agricultural and Mechanical (A & M) University 9,566 9,566 $ 3,264 / 15,186 $ 3,264 / 15,186

• Florida Atlantic UniversityFlorida Atlantic University 20,52520,525 $ 3,344 / 16,409$ 3,344 / 16,409

• Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast University 7,996 7,996 $ 3,656 / 16,174$ 3,656 / 16,174

• Florida International UniversityFlorida International University 29,58429,584 $ 3,466 / 15,865$ 3,466 / 15,865

• Florida State UniversityFlorida State University 31,23131,231 $ 3,355 / 17,403$ 3,355 / 17,403

• University of Central FloridaUniversity of Central Florida 41,05141,051 $ 3,561 / 17,763$ 3,561 / 17,763

• University of FloridaUniversity of Florida 34,53434,534 $ 3,370 / 17,150$ 3,370 / 17,150

• University of North FloridaUniversity of North Florida 14,25014,250 $ 3,491 / 15,134$ 3,491 / 15,134

• University of South FloridaUniversity of South Florida 33,99833,998 $ 3,456 / 16,155$ 3,456 / 16,155

• University of West FloridaUniversity of West Florida 8,334 8,334 $ 3,351 / 16,233$ 3,351 / 16,233

231,000231,000 This distinction between in-state and out-of-state students only applies to state universitiesThis distinction between in-state and out-of-state students only applies to state universities

Florida Caribbean InstituteFlorida Caribbean Institute

• The FCI was created by an act of the The FCI was created by an act of the Florida State legislature to identify Florida State legislature to identify and promote commercial, educational and promote commercial, educational and cultural linkages between Florida and cultural linkages between Florida and the countries of the Caribbeanand the countries of the Caribbean

• Florida State universities can arrange Florida State universities can arrange for Caribbean students to pay in-state for Caribbean students to pay in-state tuition feestuition fees

Private Colleges in FloridaPrivate Colleges in Florida

• Barry UniversityBarry University 5,0535,053 u / gradsu / grads $ 24,500 $ 24,500 tuition feestuition fees

• Eckerd CollegeEckerd College 1,8261,826 $ 30,590$ 30,590• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University 4,5314,531 $ 27,540$ 27,540• Flagler CollegeFlagler College 2,5372,537 $ 13,600$ 13,600• Florida Institute of TechnologyFlorida Institute of Technology 2,5072,507 $ 28,920$ 28,920• Florida Southern CollegeFlorida Southern College 1,6871,687 $ 21,190$ 21,190• Jacksonville UniversityJacksonville University 2,8932,893 $ 22,500$ 22,500• Johnson and Wales UniversityJohnson and Wales University 1,9551,955 $ 21,717$ 21,717• Lynn UniversityLynn University 2,1442,144 $ 28,490$ 28,490• Northwood UniversityNorthwood University 673 673 $ 16,455$ 16,455• Nova Southeastern UniversityNova Southeastern University 5,4035,403 $ 19,500$ 19,500• Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityPalm Beach Atlantic University 2,4712,471 $ 20,210$ 20,210• Ringling College of Art and DesignRingling College of Art and Design 1,1991,199 $ 25,110$ 25,110• Rollins CollegeRollins College 1,7781,778 $ 34,520$ 34,520• Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo University 1,5871,587 $ 17,150$ 17,150• St. Thomas UniversitySt. Thomas University 1,1501,150 $ 19,680$ 19,680• Stetson UniversityStetson University 2,2192,219 $ 30,216$ 30,216• University of MiamiUniversity of Miami 9,9979,997 $ 34,834$ 34,834• University of TampaUniversity of Tampa 4,8874,887 $ 20,682$ 20,682

56,50056,500

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEFINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• MERIT SCHOLARSHIPSMERIT SCHOLARSHIPS– Given for proven abilityGiven for proven ability– IGCSE OR CSEC ResultsIGCSE OR CSEC Results– Quality of the school program. IB diploma Quality of the school program. IB diploma

usually regarded as the most challenging school usually regarded as the most challenging school programprogram

– IB Predicted GradesIB Predicted Grades– SAT Scores!!SAT Scores!!– Extracurricular involvementExtracurricular involvement– LeadershipLeadership

Merit ScholarshipsMerit Scholarships

• Most universities have a number of “bands” and Most universities have a number of “bands” and will place applicants in a band for merit will place applicants in a band for merit scholarship purposes.scholarship purposes.

• For example, at the University of Miami merit For example, at the University of Miami merit scholarships are worth $10,000, $16,000 or scholarships are worth $10,000, $16,000 or $24,000 (maximum).$24,000 (maximum).

• Students who are awarded the maximum Students who are awarded the maximum scholarship might then be invited to apply for a scholarship might then be invited to apply for a Presidential Scholarship which could be full Presidential Scholarship which could be full tuition.tuition.

• Often this involves writing an additional essay Often this involves writing an additional essay and / or going for interview.and / or going for interview.

Need-blind AdmissionsNeed-blind Admissions

• Merit scholarships are awarded ON MERIT and are Merit scholarships are awarded ON MERIT and are not dependent on need.not dependent on need.

• Need-blind admission policies: many schools Need-blind admission policies: many schools admit students without looking at the family’s admit students without looking at the family’s ability to pay (need blind). ability to pay (need blind).

• Some will then fund whatever the cost is for that Some will then fund whatever the cost is for that admitted student to attend.admitted student to attend.

• While there is some argument about which While there is some argument about which colleges follow this policy, the general consensus colleges follow this policy, the general consensus is that only about 8 to 12 schools fall into this is that only about 8 to 12 schools fall into this category. These include the richest institutions category. These include the richest institutions like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Dartmouthlike Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Dartmouth

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• NEED:NEED:– US CITIZENS WITH SOCIAL SECURITY US CITIZENS WITH SOCIAL SECURITY

NUMBER:NUMBER:– FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Establishes the Expected Family Contribution.Establishes the Expected Family Contribution. Cannot be completed before 1 January of year Cannot be completed before 1 January of year

in which college is due to start.in which college is due to start. The EFC is communicated to the colleges.The EFC is communicated to the colleges.

– CSS/FIANCIAL AID PROFILE (called Profile for CSS/FIANCIAL AID PROFILE (called Profile for short). Establishes eligibility for institutional aidshort). Establishes eligibility for institutional aid

– Individual college financial aid formsIndividual college financial aid forms

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• NON-US CITIZENS:NON-US CITIZENS:– Not eligible for federal funds nor for state Not eligible for federal funds nor for state

grants, in most casesgrants, in most cases– If the college offers need-based financial If the college offers need-based financial

support to international students, additional support to international students, additional forms will need to be completed:forms will need to be completed:

– INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION FORM (APPLICATION FORM (WWW.COLLEGEBOARD.COMWWW.COLLEGEBOARD.COM))

– College Application FormsCollege Application Forms

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• Know which colleges give need-based aid to Know which colleges give need-based aid to international studentsinternational students

• See me!See me!• Know which colleges give the most money to Know which colleges give the most money to

international students!international students!• Apply early – by November. Once the money available Apply early – by November. Once the money available

for merit scholarships or need-based aid has been for merit scholarships or need-based aid has been allocated, there is no more!allocated, there is no more!

• Look carefully at the Aid package offered:Look carefully at the Aid package offered:– Grants and scholarshipsGrants and scholarships– LoansLoans– Work-studyWork-study

FINANACIAL ASSISTANCEFINANACIAL ASSISTANCE

• ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPSATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS– Eligibility to participate in Division I and Eligibility to participate in Division I and

II college athletics decided by NCAA.II college athletics decided by NCAA.– Financial aid only available to Division I Financial aid only available to Division I

and II athletes (not Division III)and II athletes (not Division III)– ““Few students receive a partial athletic Few students receive a partial athletic

scholarship, and even fewer receive full scholarship, and even fewer receive full scholarships. It helps to have college scholarships. It helps to have college athletic directors talk with students athletic directors talk with students about financial aid availability.”about financial aid availability.”

Ways to Reduce Costs in Later YearsWays to Reduce Costs in Later Years

• IB Transfer Credits.IB Transfer Credits.

– In 2010 some of our students were In 2010 some of our students were awarded up to 18 credits (out of 30) awarded up to 18 credits (out of 30) because of the results they achieved in because of the results they achieved in their IB examinations. This could save their IB examinations. This could save the student a full semester of college the student a full semester of college study. Some universities will give credit study. Some universities will give credit only for HL subjects, some for both HL only for HL subjects, some for both HL and SL; some for only grades 6 and 7; and SL; some for only grades 6 and 7; others for grades 5,6 and 7; others for others for grades 5,6 and 7; others for 4,5,6 and 7.4,5,6 and 7.

More ways to Reduce CostsMore ways to Reduce Costs

• Honors Program or Honors College. Honors Program or Honors College. – At many colleges the Honors program has At many colleges the Honors program has

many advantages, one of which might be a many advantages, one of which might be a scholarship worth several thousand $. scholarship worth several thousand $. Sometimes students are asked to apply but Sometimes students are asked to apply but generally they must express an interest. In generally they must express an interest. In some colleges, you can only enter after the some colleges, you can only enter after the first semester or even a year, in others you first semester or even a year, in others you can start as an honors student. At most can start as an honors student. At most colleges, you can enter the program during colleges, you can enter the program during the first two years. A student needs to the first two years. A student needs to maintain a certain GPA to remain in the maintain a certain GPA to remain in the program.program.

More Ways to Reduce the More Ways to Reduce the CostsCosts

• Departmental scholarships. Many colleges Departmental scholarships. Many colleges have departmental scholarship have departmental scholarship opportunities which a student only gets to opportunities which a student only gets to hear about once he/she is in a particular hear about once he/she is in a particular department. Often a professor will suggest department. Often a professor will suggest that a student apply.that a student apply.

More Ways to save CostsMore Ways to save Costs

• Residential Assistant (RA). RAs have special Residential Assistant (RA). RAs have special responsibility within a residence – for example, responsibility within a residence – for example, to provide entertainments for their floor, to to provide entertainments for their floor, to control cleaning materials, the vacuum cleaner control cleaning materials, the vacuum cleaner etc. and to ensure that rooms are cleaned, to etc. and to ensure that rooms are cleaned, to help with security and safety matters. In most help with security and safety matters. In most colleges a student applies to be an RA, is colleges a student applies to be an RA, is interviewed and, if chosen, then trained. For interviewed and, if chosen, then trained. For the additional work and responsibility, he/ she the additional work and responsibility, he/ she will be given a room – usually a single room – will be given a room – usually a single room – rent free; in some colleges a free meal plan is rent free; in some colleges a free meal plan is also included. So an RA can save about $5,000 also included. So an RA can save about $5,000 a year.a year.

More Ways to reduce CostsMore Ways to reduce Costs

• Stay on the Deans List. In some colleges, Stay on the Deans List. In some colleges, students who make the Dean’s List as students who make the Dean’s List as exempt from tuition for the next semester.exempt from tuition for the next semester.

• Internships / Coops. At many colleges an Internships / Coops. At many colleges an internship is now compulsory and many of internship is now compulsory and many of the positions pay pretty well. Because it is the positions pay pretty well. Because it is compulsory, the normal restrictions about compulsory, the normal restrictions about working on a student visa don’t apply. working on a student visa don’t apply.

THE APPLICATION PROCESSTHE APPLICATION PROCESS

• Common Application Forms OR individual university / college Common Application Forms OR individual university / college application formsapplication forms

• Application form can usually be completed onlineApplication form can usually be completed online• (College application) essay(College application) essay• College SupplementCollege Supplement• RReesumesume

WE WILL BE SENDING ALL COMMON APPLICATION FORMS AND WE WILL BE SENDING ALL COMMON APPLICATION FORMS AND RELATED MATERIALS –SUCH AS TRANSCRIPTS - RELATED MATERIALS –SUCH AS TRANSCRIPTS - ELECTRONICALLYELECTRONICALLY

• Financial aid forms (parents)Financial aid forms (parents)• Financial guaranteeFinancial guarantee• Application feeApplication fee

APPLICATION ITSELFAPPLICATION ITSELF

• Presentation is everything! Never work on Presentation is everything! Never work on an original application before completing an original application before completing the draft copy with your career the draft copy with your career counsellor. Neatness and clarity are counsellor. Neatness and clarity are important. The appearance and content important. The appearance and content of the application will reflect a great deal of the application will reflect a great deal about you, therefore, it is very important about you, therefore, it is very important that you invest time and thought into that you invest time and thought into each application. Unless otherwise stated, each application. Unless otherwise stated, you should always type your application.you should always type your application.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS THE APPLICATION PROCESS

• TranscriptTranscript

• School Report / Guidance Councellor School Report / Guidance Councellor RecommendationRecommendation

• International SupplementInternational Supplement

( includes predicted grades)( includes predicted grades)

• Teacher letters of recommendation (2 Teacher letters of recommendation (2 or 3). Teachers should be from the IB or 3). Teachers should be from the IB years.years.

TRANSCRIPT TRANSCRIPT

• The most important factor in the college The most important factor in the college admissions decision is your academic admissions decision is your academic transcript ( your grades from grade 10). transcript ( your grades from grade 10). Colleges are looking for strong grades in Colleges are looking for strong grades in an academically challenging programme. an academically challenging programme. Specifically, they will be looking at the Specifically, they will be looking at the types of courses you have taken, the types of courses you have taken, the number of courses, the level of courses number of courses, the level of courses and the grades earned.and the grades earned.

TRANSCRIPT TRANSCRIPT

• IB DIPLOMA: ALL COURSES TAKEN IB DIPLOMA: ALL COURSES TAKEN ARE “HONORS” COURSES AND SO ARE “HONORS” COURSES AND SO THE TRANSCRIPT ALREADY LOOKS THE TRANSCRIPT ALREADY LOOKS STRONG – THE STUDENT IS TAKING STRONG – THE STUDENT IS TAKING THE MOST CHALLENGING THE MOST CHALLENGING PROGRAMME IN THE SCHOOL.PROGRAMME IN THE SCHOOL.

• BUT THE RESULTS IN IB1 (GRADE 12) BUT THE RESULTS IN IB1 (GRADE 12) ARE IMPORTANT!ARE IMPORTANT!

APPLICATION ESSAYSAPPLICATION ESSAYS

• This is the part of the application that This is the part of the application that students sometimes rush to complete. The students sometimes rush to complete. The essay is a critical factor in the admissions essay is a critical factor in the admissions decision and it is entirely under your decision and it is entirely under your control! Take time to think about the control! Take time to think about the message you want to get across to the message you want to get across to the Admissions Committee, and write an essay Admissions Committee, and write an essay that demonstrates your writing ability and that demonstrates your writing ability and makes your application “come alive”. The makes your application “come alive”. The essay is your golden opportunity to let essay is your golden opportunity to let them know more about who you are, what them know more about who you are, what you value and what your future goals are.you value and what your future goals are.

EXTRACURRICULAR EXTRACURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT INVOLVEMENT • The emphasis here is on quality and not The emphasis here is on quality and not

quantity.quantity.– College admission officers are not interested College admission officers are not interested

in a list of ten activities with little time in a list of ten activities with little time commitment and involvement. They are commitment and involvement. They are looking for those students who have invested looking for those students who have invested their time, energy and commitment to their time, energy and commitment to pursuing one or two activities in-depth. They pursuing one or two activities in-depth. They are looking for those individuals that will make are looking for those individuals that will make a real commitment to their college community.a real commitment to their college community.

– Admissions officers are also looking for Admissions officers are also looking for demonstrated leadership qualities. Remember demonstrated leadership qualities. Remember leadership involves being a team player!leadership involves being a team player!

SPECIAL TALENTSSPECIAL TALENTS

• Admissions officers are looking for Admissions officers are looking for unique individuals, students with unique individuals, students with special talents or experiences that set special talents or experiences that set them apart from other candidates: them apart from other candidates: – outstanding musicians, writers, actors, outstanding musicians, writers, actors,

athletes, and editors. Colleges are looking athletes, and editors. Colleges are looking for individuals whose unique talents will for individuals whose unique talents will make significant contributions to their make significant contributions to their college communities.college communities.

SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONSSCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS

• The school recommendation is written The school recommendation is written by your careers counsellor. by your careers counsellor. – As your primary advocates, we try to As your primary advocates, we try to

present an assessment that is fair and present an assessment that is fair and accurate and which emphasises accurate and which emphasises achievements and talents. This achievements and talents. This comprehensive letter includes information comprehensive letter includes information about academics; extracurricular about academics; extracurricular involvement; and, most importantly, a involvement; and, most importantly, a sense of character of the applicant. sense of character of the applicant.

TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONSTEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

• Each college has its own specific Each college has its own specific requirements for teacher recommendations, requirements for teacher recommendations, but in most cases two are requested. but in most cases two are requested. – Some colleges are very specific and ask for Some colleges are very specific and ask for

recommendations from teachers in certain recommendations from teachers in certain disciplines. The teachers you choose to write disciplines. The teachers you choose to write your recommendations should be taken from your recommendations should be taken from your 12your 12thth. and 13. and 13thth. grade level courses and . grade level courses and should be able to speak to your abilities and should be able to speak to your abilities and accomplishments both in and outside the accomplishments both in and outside the classroom.classroom.

RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS

• ALL RECOMMENDATIONS REMAIN ALL RECOMMENDATIONS REMAIN STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL TO ENSURE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL TO ENSURE INTEGRITY. ALL RECOMMENDATIONS INTEGRITY. ALL RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE SENT DIRCTLY TO THE WILL BE SENT DIRCTLY TO THE COLLEGES, TOGETHER WITH THE COLLEGES, TOGETHER WITH THE TRANSCRIPT AND SCHOOL REPORT. TRANSCRIPT AND SCHOOL REPORT. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL A UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL A COPY OF ANY RECOMMENDATION BE COPY OF ANY RECOMMENDATION BE MADE AVAILABLE TO A STUDENT, MADE AVAILABLE TO A STUDENT, PARENT OR OUTSIDE AGENCY.PARENT OR OUTSIDE AGENCY.

OUTSIDE RECOMMENDATIONSOUTSIDE RECOMMENDATIONS

These recommendations are These recommendations are sometimes helpful and can support sometimes helpful and can support your out-of-school activities or work your out-of-school activities or work experience.experience.

LEGACY STATUSLEGACY STATUS

• At many colleges the sons and At many colleges the sons and daughters of alumni receive special daughters of alumni receive special consideration in the application consideration in the application process. Although legacy status is process. Although legacy status is not a guarantee for admission, not a guarantee for admission, alumni children usually get a “second alumni children usually get a “second look.”look.”

INTERVIEWSINTERVIEWS

• Some colleges require or recommend an Some colleges require or recommend an interview while others do not. interview while others do not. – For some colleges, the interview is provided For some colleges, the interview is provided

solely to inform you about the college and solely to inform you about the college and provide you with an opportunity to ask provide you with an opportunity to ask questions. For other colleges, the interview questions. For other colleges, the interview provides admission officers with additional provides admission officers with additional information about you and your future goals. information about you and your future goals. Depending on the college, this information may Depending on the college, this information may or may not be used during the application or may not be used during the application decision-making process. Interviews may be: decision-making process. Interviews may be: face-to-face with an admissions officer; face-to-face-to-face with an admissions officer; face-to-face with a local alumni; a telephone interview.face with a local alumni; a telephone interview.

What criteria do admissions What criteria do admissions officers consider to be the officers consider to be the most reliable indicators of most reliable indicators of success in college?success in college?• School AchievementsSchool Achievements 93%93%

• Test ScoresTest Scores 87%87%

• RecommendationsRecommendations50%50%

• EssayEssay 44%44%

• InterviewInterview 33%33%

• ActivitiesActivities 30%30%

STANDARDISED TEST SCORESSTANDARDISED TEST SCORES

• The amount of weight placed on standardised The amount of weight placed on standardised test (SAT) scores in the admissions process varies test (SAT) scores in the admissions process varies from college to college. from college to college. – Such scores provide colleges with a measure to compare Such scores provide colleges with a measure to compare

students from different schools. As a general rule, the students from different schools. As a general rule, the more selective the college the more important test more selective the college the more important test scores are due to the rigorous and academically scores are due to the rigorous and academically challenging programmes offered by selective challenging programmes offered by selective institutions. It is important to keep in mind that institutions. It is important to keep in mind that standardised test scores are only one of many factors standardised test scores are only one of many factors that college admission officers consider when evaluation that college admission officers consider when evaluation an application. However, these scores are important in an application. However, these scores are important in deciding who gets merit scholarship money.deciding who gets merit scholarship money.

PSATPSAT

• Can be taken once a year only in Can be taken once a year only in October.October.

• All grade 12 students are entered.All grade 12 students are entered.

• US citizens are eligible for National US citizens are eligible for National Merit Scholarships.Merit Scholarships.

• Students find out which questions they Students find out which questions they got right and which were wrong.got right and which were wrong.

• First step towards SAT Reasoning Test.First step towards SAT Reasoning Test.

SATSAT

• NOVEMBER TO MAYNOVEMBER TO MAY– REGULAR SAT PREPARATION CLASSES FRIDAY REGULAR SAT PREPARATION CLASSES FRIDAY

2.202.20

• SAT TEST JANUARYSAT TEST JANUARY• SAT TEST MAYSAT TEST MAY• SAT TEST JUNE (although conflicts with end of SAT TEST JUNE (although conflicts with end of

year exams)year exams)• SAT TEST OCTOBERSAT TEST OCTOBER

What Grade 12 students need What Grade 12 students need to do during this year:to do during this year:

• Research colleges, visit if possible. Research colleges, visit if possible. By the end of the year, have the list By the end of the year, have the list of colleges you want to apply to of colleges you want to apply to readyready

• Take the PSAT and then the SAT so Take the PSAT and then the SAT so that you know which colleges you that you know which colleges you can apply to can apply to