University Informational Evening

Expectations Expectations The process of choosing the right University or Course is the most successful when we work as a team in the best interest of the student. I am here to facilitate this process for students to find the best match for his or her higher education. Although I will help students in their search, I do hold the students responsible for conducting research on their own.

Why the US and the UK? The majority of our students attend US and UK universities (mostly UK). We are an international school with an English curriculum, therefore students tend to be more interested in English speaking universities. Canadian, Australian and Danish universities have deadlines later in the year and are comprised of a very simple application (usually it is simply a student’s grades). The US and UK have much more complicated and involved systems, which is why we have this informational evening.

Components of the US Application Fill out the common application (some universities have separate applications; I have a list in my office of all the universities using the common application). Students are welcome to fill out applications in my office. Write application essay (I help students with this process). Ask teachers, coaches, volunteer leaders, etc. for references (I also write one for each student). Take SAT tests and in some cases SAT subject tests. Fill out accomplishments, work experience, volunteer work etc. in your application (some students also send in a C.V.).

Financial Aid There are thousands of institutions in the United States. Some offer foreign financial aid and many do not. The policies and information surrounding this are subject to change each year, which makes it impossible for me to know offhand if a university offers foreign financial aid. It is best for students and parents to take this up with the university on an individual basis. Paying for university is between families and universities. If parents need help with sharing financial information with a university, it is better to consult a specialist in this area, as I am simply not qualified.

Scholarships There are a wealth of scholarships available to students in the United States. Seeking out specific scholarships is the student’s responsibility (I am happy to help them with applications and essays that are part of the scholarship application). Many universities simply offer academic scholarships along with the offer letter, which does not happen until April and May.

US University Vocabulary Collegeboard For students taking the SAT or SAT Subject tests, this is the organization where you register. The site can seem overwhelming, as it contains a wealth of knowledge; however it is very helpful in narrowing down one’s search within the US. A helpful tool is the “where do I stack up?” link that shows you scores and grades of typical applicants at a particular university. The Common Application A site where students apply to most US universities. You can apply to as many as you want. If your choices are not on this site, simply go to the website of the university to download the application (I can help you with this).

US University Vocabulary SAT It is a test with three components (reading, writing, math). Students can take this as many times as they want and the highest scores are used for the applications in most cases. Early Decision This is a binding commitment to a university stating that if a student is accepted, he or she will go there. Early Action This is non-binding, but places the student in an early application pool, therefore giving the student an answer more quickly.

Calendar for US October SAT tests on October 1 November The deadline for most Early Action and Early Decision applications is November 1. SAT tests on November 5. December University applications for the US must be completed before winter break. SAT tests on Dec 3 Early decision and early action responses arrive this month. January Early decision and early application responses arrive this month. SAT tests Jan. 28. March Some admissions decisions arrive this month.

Calendar for US April Most admissions decisions and scholarship award letters arrive this month. On the waiting list? Contact the admissions office and let them know of your continued interest in the university and update them on your spring semester grades and activities (I can help with this). May Final enrollment decision deadline is May 1. SAT tests May 5. June Send your final transcript to your university choice if they ask for it. SAT tests on June 2.

Useful Websites For US Applications Collegboard Common Application x x Financial Aid, Costs, etc. for international students Top ten strengths and experiences universities look for

Why the US and the UK? The majority of our students attend US and UK universities (mostly UK). We are an international school with an English curriculum, therefore students tend to be more interested in English speaking universities. Canadian, Australian and Danish universities have deadlines later in the year and are comprised of a very simple application (usually it is simply a student’s grades). The US and UK have much more complicated and involved systems, which is why we have this informational evening.

Calendar through UCAS for UK universities Applicants apply on-line using UCAS Apply then are given a number. The student can then check the progress at any stage of decisions made by their chosen universities using UCAS Track (I will help students get started with UCAS) September Individual interviews with students to discuss higher education plans. Our goal is to have students fill in a UCAS form as soon as possible. October All Oxford, Cambridge Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary applicants should complete a UCAS form by the beginning of October (I will work with you to make sure this gets completed). 15 October All other applicants should aim to complete a UCAS form by this date. Submission in November can make it difficult to have the recommendations written on time. November In early November BMAT (Medicine, etc.) and Oxford exams.

UK calendar continued December All UK and US University applications need to be completed before winter break. January 15 January is the official deadline for many UCAS applicants. Many universities have been making offers from October. Individual meetings with grade twelve students will be held to discuss offers/rejections received from Universities, more specifically regarding which universities students plan to make their first (Firm) and second (Insurance) choice. May Final decision of Firm and Insurance choices must be sent to UCAS by the specified date, or UCAS assumes that all offers have been declined.

Components of UCAS Application Personal Statement Needs to show true passion and dedication to course (this is exemplified through outside reading, familiarizing oneself with current topics within subject, work experience, etc). Reference It is best to have a reference from a teacher who teaches the subject or as close to the subject as possible. The teacher needs to illustrate the student’s ability to take the course. Extracurricular activities are valued, however the student is usually accepted based on his or her grades and suitability for the course.

Components of UCAS Application Course Selection Student chooses five courses unless he or she chooses medicine, veterinary science, dentistry (in these cases students choose four) and/or chooses a course at Oxford or Cambridge. Predicted Grades Student will find out his or her total score at the beginning of October and I enter each subject grade in UCAS.

UK University Vocabulary UCAS Universities Colleges Admissions Service. It acts as an intermediary between applicants and Universities. Students’ Union. This is an organization which provides support, food and entertainment. Some have cinemas or theaters built into them. Vocational Course This is a subject, like Engineering, Medicine, Business, Law or Applied Biology, which leads to employment; however it does not limit a graduate to its area.

UK University Vocabulary Clearing In general, this affects you if you fail to get the grades needed for the universities you have chosen or if you get a higher score than was predicted. Mainly it happens in August when the universities find out through the results how many places are not filled with qualified students. Sandwich Course (SW) In many vocational courses, especially in engineering and business, instead of doing final exams in the 3 rd year, students take up paid placements. This allows students to do serious work for the firm.

Useful Websites For UK Applications UCAS Results from the National Student Survey for student satisfaction Oxford Brookes University has information including: Choosing a course, personal statements, student finance, student life and the UCAS process Student finance and fee information (website made by students for students) The Sunday Times University Guide 2011 (waiting for 2012) nday_times_university_guide/ nday_times_university_guide/