1. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 1 Free Powerpoint Templates High School & The University Process by Ms. Stafford January 2016

2. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 2 A Little Information Gathering Green Sticky Note: Your child’s passion Something they do well Orange Sticky Note 3 Best Character Qualities Pink Sticky Note Strength of learning ambition as compared to their learning potential High; Medium High; Medium; Mediocre; Below Yellow Sticky Note University you want them to attend Or Country if you are unsure

3. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 3 The Dream University What type of school are you looking for? What does it look like? What are the other students like? What style of teaching are you interested in? Do you know what you want to study? Where (in the world)? How big?  The campus?  The classes?  The city/town?

4. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 4 Important Factors to Consider COMPARE and CONTRAST Realistic expectations Parent choices vs. student choices? Things to consider:  Private vs. Public  Most Competitive to Least  Urban vs. Rural  Strength of Course/Department  Facilities/extra-curricular activities  How competitive is your child?  Are you on the same page?

5. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 5 Other Possibilities to Consider Gap years Work Experience Community Colleges Universities Abroad (other than your native country) Foundation programs/degrees Federal Programs

6. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 6 What are Universities looking for? 1.Qualifications 2.Fit 3.Character 4.Diversity 5.Uniqueness 6.Ambition 7.Retention

7. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 7 What are Universities really looking for? How do you compare to everyone else? Strength of your grades/ predicted grades Evidence of talent and motivation Strength of your character Strength of commitment and engagement Leadership & Grit Your impact Your creativity Leadership Your potential

8. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 8 How do universities find this out? Grades & Predicted grades Aptitude Tests Entrance Exams Leaving Exams Evidence of passion Personal Statement(s) Teacher recommendation(s) Counselor Recommendation

9. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 9 Grades & standardized test scores – that is what they are looking for Geography –Atlanta, GA vs. Princeton, NJ Unique academic interests or undersubscribed majors, demonstrated interest Major Regional, state, or national competitions & awards Unique extracurricular activities Essays Strong Extended Essay in generated topics How to stand out from other applicants

10. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 10 Legacy & 1 st Generation Gender Ethnic diversity Internationalism Athletics recruitment Musical or artistic talent Other considerations in admissions

11. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 11 Enriching Experiences Academic Improvement Involvement in School- ASA’s / School Plays/ CEESA events / School Sponsored events Summer Programs Travel Work Experience

12. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 12 Let’s Get Started What can you do right now? Make your learning count!!!! Make smart curricular choices Athletes should register for the NCAA (US) Getting involved in extra-curricular and community service activities- needs to be a balance Develop relationships with teachers Identify teachers who can/will write recommendations (2 for US schools + counselor rec; 1 for UCAS) Build student resume- homeroom Test prep—SAT and SAT IIs/TOEFL Testing—PSAT/SAT/TOEFL (Gr 11)

13. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 13 MORE TO DO- For Both Parents & Students Alike Start your research Ask questions of your peers, friends and Counselor- visit/email her often!!! Visit universities Attend college fairs- March 26 th and in April Research and create lists of possible schools Look into scholarship opportunities Discuss finances as a family Make sure you are on the same page Step outside your comfort zone- try something new

14. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 14 University Visits If Possible – an essential tool in choosing the right university A concrete idea Visualization Fear removal A goal Gives the university the hint you are interested & you can use this to your advantage later Excitement Fun!!!! Come with a prepared list of questions! Do you look at the SAT Writing section of the test? Do you have a separate orientation program for international freshman? Do you provide airport pickup for international students? Do you have current students we can contact with questions about your school? If you were to live on campus, which dorms would you recommend and why? What percentage of your students are international? Do you have financial aid for international students? Scholarships for international students?

15. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 15 MAKE A LIST REACH2-4 –A school where your child’s Predicted IB/ GPA / Test scores are LOWER than the average of admitted students POSSIBLE 4-6 –A school where Predicted IB/GPA/Test scores are the SAME as average of admitted students LIKELY/SAFETY 2-4 –A school where Predicted IB/GPA/Test scores are HIGHER than the average of admitted students

16. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 16 Common Mistakes Assume most expensive/selective is best Leave process entirely to students Take over the process for the student Choose college only because of its academic record Think that “liberal arts” won’t lead to a job Don’t apply for scholarships/financial aid LEAVE THINGS TO THE LAST MINUTE!!

17. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 17 Next Steps: Start small bits of writing Think about your positive qualities and work on making them shine Start your research Talk to your parents Talk with me Let’s create a plan together! Start creating your plan because it is all about you!

18. Free Powerpoint Templates Page 18 ?’s