COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 COLLEGE COUNSELING HANDBOOK AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL - RIYADH

2 Welcome Message to AIS-R Students Applying to University AIS-R Mission Statement: As a school committed to excellence, we will educate and inspire our students to be responsible, productive and ethical world citizens with the skills and passion to think creatively, reason critically communicate effectively and learn continuously. We will accomplish this in an American educational environment characterized by high measurable standards and a clearly defined, appropriately interrelated college preparatory curriculum, implemented by a superior staff in partnership with students, parents, and the community. We welcome our students and parents to the college application process at AIS-R. The decision of which college to attend after graduating from high school is one of the most important steps a young person will take in directing his or her educational future. AIS-R s college preparatory high school program builds a foundation for successful transitioning to the postsecondary classroom and beyond. Objectives of the High School Counseling Center in the College Application Process: As counselors we will work collaboratively with College/University admissions personnel to educate, counsel and advocate for AIS-R students in the application process As counselors we will help our students set attainable goals for university admissions based on a balance between academics, extracurricular involvement, standardized test scores and university admissions criteria As counselors we will work in partnership with AIS-R families and community members to assist students with the identification of personal attributes and personal goals As counselors we will help develop and hone their responsibilities for making decisions and executing tasks in the college admissions process As counselors we will nurture a student-centered approach throughout the college application process to help our students become confident in the college application process Q: What will counselors do to support AIS-R students in the College Application process? Counselors will provide guidance in the college application process for American, British, Canadian and Middle Eastern universities predominantly Counselors will help students develop a thoughtful and balanced list of colleges Counselors will help students meet all application deadlines Counselors will provide frequent communication Q: What is the AIS-R student required to do in the Application Process? Must ensure all university choices for application meet with his/her GPA, course requirements, standardized test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, supplements and deadlines Students must be willing to follow all expectations of the HS Counseling Center for applications Students must be willing to work collaboratively with parents to ensure the college application process is successful Q: What is the role of parent/guardian in the College Application Process? Encourage your son/daughter to take ownership of the application process Help your son/daughter select 8 to 10 colleges/universities on his/her list Make an appointment with your son/daughter and counselor to discuss your college application plan Support your son/daughter s progress in meeting all deadlines in the application process

3 AIS-R College/University Acceptances by Country and Region American Universities Academy of Art University, CA Albertus Magnus College, CT American University, DC Bentley University, MA Boston University, MA Brandeis University, MA Breneau University, GA Brigham Young University, UT California State University, Fresno, CA California State University, Fullertton, CA Case Western Reserve, OH Centenary College, NJ Champlain College, VT Christopher Newport University, VA Claremont McKenna University, CA Clark University, MA College of Saint Elizabeth, NJ College of William and Mary, VA Columbia College Chicago, IL Curry College, MA DePaul University, IL Drexel University, PA Eckerd College, FL Elan University, NC Fairfield University, CT Florida Institute of Technology Georgia Institute of Technology, GA Georgia State University, GA Guilford College, NC Hanover College, IN Hofstra University, NY Illinois Institute of Technology, IL Indiana University, IN Kansas State University, MO Kennesaw State University, GA Kent State University, OH Lewis and Clark College, OR Loyola Marymount University, CA Loyola University Chicago, IL Lynn University, FL Mary Baldwin College, CT Maryland Institute College of Art, MD Michigan State University, MI Mitchell College, Connecticut, CT New Mexico Military Institute, NM New York University, NY Northeastern Illinois University, IL Northeastern University, MA Northern Arizona University, AZ Northwestern University, IL Notre Dame of Maryland University, MD Occidental College, CA Ohio State University, OH Ohio University, OH Otis College of Art and Design, CA Pace University, NY Parsons the New School for Design, NY Penn State University, PA Pepperdine University, CA Portland State University, OR Pratt Institute, NY Purdue University, IN Reed College, OH Roanoke College, VA Rochester Institute of Technology, NY Rochester University, NY Rockhurst College, MO Rutgers University, NJ Saint Louis University, MO Saint Xavier University, IL San Francisco State University, CA School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL School of Visual Arts, NY Siena College, NY Southern New Hampshire University, NH Stevenson University, MD Stony Brook University, NY Syracuse University, NY Temple University, PA Texas A & M University, TX Tufts University, MA Tulane University, LA University at Buffalo SUNY, NY University of North Carolina at Greensboro, NC University of Albany- SUNY, NY University of Arizona, AZ University of California Berkeley, CA University of California Davis, CA University of California San Diego, CA University of California Santa Cruz, CA University of California, Irvine, CA University of California, Merced, CA University of California, Riverside, CA University of California, Santa Barbara, CA University of Cincinnati, OH University of Connecticut, CT University of Evansville, Indiana, IN University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL University of Illinois at Chicago, IL University of Illinois, IL University of Mary Washington, VA University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA University of Massachusetts Boston, MA University of Massachusetts Lowell, MA University of Michigan, MI University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN University of Missouri Kansas City, MO University of New Hampshire, NH University of North Carolina Asheville, NC University of North Carolina Greensboro, NC University of Oregon, OR University of Pennsylvania, PA University of Pittsburgh, PA University of Puget Sound, WA University of Rochester, NY University of San Diego, CA University of San Francisco, CA University of Southern California, CA University of Tampa Florida, FL University of Texas at Arlington, TX University of Texas at Austin, TX University of Texas at El Paso, TX University of Virginia, VA Ursinus College, PA Virginia Tech, VA Wellesley College, MA Wentworth Institute of Technology, MA Canadian Universities Brock University, ON Carleton University, ON Concordia University, QC McGill University, QC McMaster University, ON Queens University, ON Ryerson University, ON Trent University, ON University of Alberta, AB University of British Columbia, BC University of Calgary, AB University of North British Columbia, BC University of Ontario Institute of Technology, ON University of Toronto, ON University of Waterloo, ON University of Western Ontario, ON Vancouver Island University, BC Windsor University, ON York University, ON UK Universities: Bath University, UK Birmingham University, UK City University, UK Durham University, UK Essex University, UK Exeter University, UK Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, UK Kent University, UK King s College London, UK Kingston University, UK Lancaster University, UK Loughborough University, UK Manchester University, UK Middlesex University, UK Newcastle University, UK Queen Mary, University of London, UK Queen's University Belfast, UK Sheffield University, UK Swansea University, UK University College London, UK University for the Creative Arts, UK University of Aberdeen, UK University of Hertfordshire, UK University of Lincoln, UK University of London, UK University of Nottingham, UK University of Sheffield, UK University of Southampton, UK University of Ulster, UK University of Westminster, UK University of York, UK Other Universities American University of Beirut, Lebanon American University of Cairo, Egypt American University of Paris, France Carnegie Mellon University, Qatar Cesar Ritz College, Switzerland Florence Design Academy, Italy Florence Institute of Design International, Italy Georgetown University, Qatar Glion Hotel School, Switzerland Istituto Superioredi Architetturea edesign, Italy Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea Lebanese American University Les Roches International of Hotel Management School, Switzerland Murdoch University Dubai, UAE Northwestern University, Qatar Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, UAE Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain Sophia University, Japan Swiss Hotel Management School, Switzerland Texas A & M University, Qatar University of Debrecen, Hungary University of Szeged, Hungary Waseda University, Japan Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar

4 Overview: What Do Colleges Consider When Evaluating a Candidate s Application? College Preparatory Courses & Performance: GPA At AIS-R, counselors help students create, execute and fulfill the requirements for successful university entry based on a 4 Year Plan. We aim to help students select the most challenging program in tandem with the strongest academic results possible. Starting in Grade 9, a student s Grade Point Average will begin at the end of semester 1. All courses taken in high school will be averaged into one s GPA each semester of high school. We encourage Juniors and Seniors to work as productively and consistently as you can to earn the best cumulative GPA that you are capable of achieving. Extracurricular Achievements Colleges are extremely interested in the kind of person you are in your community beyond the classroom. They want to know what you have contributed to the arts, athletics, student life and more. Colleges want Good Citizens and as such, it is important that our students build a range of experiences showing how they have emerged into becoming just such a citizen. Universities want to know that you have truly challenged yourself and that you have grown. The key here is not to aim for quantity but rather quality of experiences in extracurricular activities while maintaining the strongest academic performance possible. Be a Leader: In Your School, Your Community or as a Participant in an International Program Universities/colleges respect students who choose to be leaders. Consider initiating a club, a social project, an artistic performance, or run for student government. Universities are looking for young people who will continue on a pathway of leadership in university. There are many leadership styles: some require the spotlight while others do not. Find a way you can develop your skills and interests in a leadership capacity such that it suits you. Remember, being smart is a big part of university admissions, but in a competitive university environment, it is equally important to show skills in other areas of student life. Use Every Summer to Grow, Learn and Take-on New Experiences that are of Interest to Colleges & Universities Colleges are interested in understanding what kind of person you are. Summer activities are integral to this understanding. Therefore, AIS-R recommends that students use summer holidays to build-up skills and experiences that will help you be an appealing candidate to schools. Consider taking pre-college summer programs, leadership programs, college tours, sports programs, etc. Volunteer work and internships are also excellent opportunities for gaining new skills over the summer. Remember, paid summer employment is very important too. Create your portfolio or artistic supplement if you are applying to a university for visual or performing arts or other schools that are receptive to this info. Artistic supplements can showcase your skills, interests and creativity. Regardless of what you do, be sure to document your summer activities each year of high school. *Note: for more information on summer programs you can look on Grade 11 & Grade 12 Counseling Courses on Moodle Grade 11: A Strategic Year for College Preparation Q: What Should a Grade 11 Student Be Doing to Prepare & Embrace the College Application Process? Choose the most challenging and sustainable program in which you are capable of achieving the best grades possible. Write a succinct resume that categorizes your education, extracurricular activities, employment and awards for every year of high school. Build strong relationships with teachers in subjects that align with your university major or goals. These teachers will be the authority on which to recommend your skills and attest to your potential as a university candidate. Study hard for standardized tests. Take the SAT Prep course offered at AIS-R in 1st semester of your Junior year and take the SATs in January and May in the second semester (be sure to register with the Collegeboard using your passport name for the SATs). Participate in a balanced extracurricular program. Commit to excellent attendance at AIS-R. Junior Year Time line For College Applications: What Should You Do in Semester 1 & Semester 2? October Take the CollegeBoard SAT Prep Course (Semester 1); take the PSATs on Saturday, October 19/2013 November Prepare for SAT Reasoning Test this year (take in January & May on the AIS-R campus when SAT Prep finishes in Sem. 1) December January February March April May Work diligently in your Junior classes (the second semester grades are the most important in high school) JANUARY SAT Reasoning Test: all Juniors; earn highest GPA possible in AIS-R courses Initial individual meetings for Juniors with a college counselor; ongoing meetings throughout the spring; use Week Without Walls to build an experience that will enhance your College Applications (an Internship linked to a specific major) Attend all required Junior Class college meetings Students should make summer plans for a job, study, internship or community service to strengthen your college applications MAY SATs on the AIS-R campus (Reasoning or Subject Tests): all Juniors; non-u.s. citizens should take the TOEFL this summer

5 Grade 12: A Strategic Year for College Preparation Q: What Should a Grade 12 Student Be Doing to Prepare & Embrace the College Application Process? Academic performance is the most important factor in tandem with the rigor of program. AIS-R Seniors are encouraged to take a challenging and sustainable course load in Grade 12 that aligns with your university goals. Demonstrate well-rounded participation in student life. Create a standardized test schedule to meet all college deadlines: register for every standardized test that you need for the universities you have selected (SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests); we offer tests in Oct; Nov; and Dec; it is the student s responsibility to send all test scores to universities. Continue investigating colleges/universities for your list and work with your counselor to make sure you have the right combination of Reach, Target and Safety universities selected. SAT Dates at AIS-R are: October 5/13, November 2/13 and December 7/13 in Semester 1 and January 25/14 and May 3/14 in Semester 2. AIS-R s CEEB Code is: and our Test Center Code is: International students who apply to the USA will require the TOEFL Test. (Students with US citizenship or who have Lawful Permanent Residence (green card) are not classified as international applicants even if their home is outside of the United States). Senior Year Time line For College Applications: What Should You Do in Semester 1 & Semester 2? September Planning:? October Planning: November Planning: Understand admissions criteria for SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests for universities chosen Narrow/begin finalizing your College List of 8 to 10 colleges/universities based on the Reach-Target-Safety Formula Understand the GPA of admitted freshmen to all colleges/universities on your College List Understand the admission standards, degree of selectivity for every university on your College List Register online for the Oct. and Nov. SATs at AIS-R to ensure you have a test spot reserved Review all college application instructions/establish a table for the deadlines you will have to meet Submit/complete your College List on Naviance: due Oct. 1/2013 Revise your College Essay Revise your resume Complete Student Info. Sheet: A Background Summary for My Teacher Recommendation Letter for each course you are going to submit a letter for in your application (the Common Application requires 2 letters) Complete School Report: Counselor Info Sheet Order transcripts if you attended a previous school and give a sealed copy to your counselor for each application outside/off of the Common Application Finalize College List of 8 to 10 colleges/universities due to your counselor on October 1/13 10 Copies of previous High School Transcript is given to counselor (or only 1 if using the Common Application) Continue studying, preparing and working on SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests in Oct. and Nov. Review all college application instructions/establish a table for the deadlines you will have to meet Revise your College Essay; get feedback on your rough draft Provide completed Student Info. Sheet: A Background Summary for My Teacher Recommendation Letter to teachers you are requesting letters of recommendation from Complete Common Application Teacher Evaluation Supplement online invite your teacher through the electronic application Provide complete School Report: Counselor Info Sheet & give this to your counselor Student follows-up with all teachers to ensure Letters of Recommendation have been sent/uploaded online/or received by counselor Student follows-up to ensure all supplements from teachers have been sent/uploaded online/or are in your student file with your counselor International student applicants provide all financial supplements to a parent/bank for completion & certification Student provides a photocopy of passport to counselor for some Canadian, American & Middle Eastern universities Note: some Middle Eastern universities require passport photos If applying Early Decision or Early Action -- everything must be prepared (applications, supplements, etc.) Be aware of your deadline dates Understand Early Decision and Early Action deadlines Understand that the SAT Subject Test: language with LISTENING is only offered on Nov. 2/13 continue studying, preparing and working on SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests in Nov. (& Dec. if you need it) Review all college application instructions/establish a list for the deadlines you will have to meet Revise/complete your College Essay Provide completed Student Info. Sheet: A Background Summary for My Teacher Recommendation Letter to teachers you are requesting letters of recommendation from Complete Common Application Teacher Evaluation Supplement online invite your teacher through the

6 electronic application Provide complete School Report: Counselor Info Sheet & give this to your counselor Student follows-up with all teachers to ensure Letters of Recommendation have been sent/uploaded online/or received by counselor Student follows-up to ensure all supplements from teachers have been sent/uploaded online/or are in your student file with your counselor International student applicants provide all financial supplements to a parent/bank for completion & certification Student provides a photocopy of passport to counselor for some Canadian, American & Middle Eastern universities Invites counselor on the Common Application to complete the online School Report Supplement (you fill-in and add your courses); you can check online to see when your counselor has sent your School Report Note: some Middle Eastern universities require passport photos FedEx all hard copy documents (transcript, Letters of Recommendation/supplements/IB predicted scores) as needed December Planning: Be aware of your deadline dates Continue studying, preparing and working on SAT Reasoning & SAT Subject Tests on Dec 7/13 if you need it Complete all online applications and pay fees online/establish a plan for the deadlines you will have to meet Be prepared to reply promptly for any requests for additional information from your university Provide completed Student Info. Sheet: A Background Summary for My Teacher Recommendation Letter to teachers you are requesting letters of recommendation from Complete Common Application Teacher Evaluation Supplement online invite your teacher through the electronic application Provide complete School Report: Counselor Info Sheet & give this to your counselor Student follows-up with all teachers to ensure Letters of Recommendation have been sent online/or received by counselor Student follows-up to ensure all supplements from teachers have been sent online/or are in your student file with your counselor International student applicants provide all financial supplements to a parent/bank for completion & certification Student provides a photocopy of passport to counselor for some Canadian, American & Middle Eastern universities Note: some Middle Eastern universities require passport photos FedEx all hard copy documents (transcript, Letters of Recommendation/supplements/IB predicted scores) as needed Invites counselor on the Common Application to complete the online School Report Supplement (you fill-in and add your courses); you can check online to see when your counselor has sent your School Report Inform your counselor of any acceptances January Planning: February to June Planning: Be aware of your deadline dates Continue studying: keep up a good standard of work at AIS-R Be prepared to reply promptly for any requests for additional information from your university Ensure your counselor has sent the online Common Application Midyear Supplement to your university Complete all required financial aid forms if needed Ensure your counselor has sent your transcript online through the Common Application/or you have FedExed your second semester transcript Inform your counselor of any acceptances Inform your counselor of any acceptances Continue studying: keep up a good standard of work at AIS-R Be prepared to reply promptly for any requests for additional information from your university Complete all required financial aid forms if needed Ensure your counselor has sent the online Common Application Final Report and transcript/or you have FedExed a final transcript to universities demonstrating grades earned in the second semester in June Send deposit to one college only In May inform colleges of which offer of admittance you will accept and which offers you will decline

7 Standardized Testing Universities assess students heavily against the rigor of one s high school program and GPA each year. However, standardized test scores are important because they allow colleges to compare student abilities nationally. While AIS-R s curriculum helps to prepare our students for tests, it is very important to supplement preparation with the SAT Prep course offered in semester one at AIS-R and to purchase SAT resources (SAT Reasoning Prep Books and SAT Subject Test books. (www. amazon.com has an excellent selection and they deliver quickly to Saudi Arabia). We recommend that all students create a SAT timeline to ensure all scores will reach universities by the deadline. International students are not permitted to register late. Therefore it is very important to meet all registration deadlines with the CollegeBoard for all SAT test dates. Students are responsible for knowing what tests are required by the colleges on their application list. Score Choice is the CollgeBoard s policy that allows students to send their scores to universities by test date for SAT Reasoning and by Subject Test scores for individual Juniors. If a student decides to not to use Score Choice, then all SAT and Subject Test scores will sent to the designated college. If a student chooses to use the 4 free score reports when you register, remember that you cannot view the test scores, or use Score Choice before you send them to colleges. (If you want a list of colleges that do not require standardized tests you can review them at: ). Additional Standardized Testing Information/Tools for College/University Searches All AIS-R Sophomores and Juniors will take the PSATs at AIS-R to prepare for the actual SAT test. All AIS-R students will receive the Official PSAT Score Report Plus which is a useful document that identifies strengths and weaknesses. Students can use this report to target their preparation. AIS-R students can use their PSAT codes to research and plan for college, research careers and colleges using My College QuickStart ( and MyRoad ( Both are excellent college planning and research tools that can be accessed on the Grade 11 and Grade 12 Counseling Courses on Moodle. Students and parents can conduct information college searches and career planning on Family Connection by Naviance as well. Log into: on the Grade 11/12 Counseling Courses on Moodle or Skyward. SATs Sign-Ups at AIS-R: *ATTENTION: ALL AIS-R Students Must Register for the SATs using his/her PASSPORT NAME we recommend that Seniors take the SATs on Oct. 5/13; Nov. 2/13 and Dec. 7/13 (Seniors should review continuously to earn the highest scores possible -- make the experience worthwhile) remember, on any SAT Test Date, you can take SAT Reasoning or SAT Subject Tests (students are responsible for knowing what SAT Subject Tests universities require; you are permitted to take up to 3 SAT Subject Tests in one day & they are 60 minutes in length) we recommend that Seniors take the SAT Subject Tests in Oct; Nov. and Dec. in the first semester depending on university deadlines or the SAT Reasoning Tests in October; November and December, with the goal of earning the highest scores possible students are responsible for researching university deadlines & ensuring that SAT scores can reach these institutions by their application deadline in their Senior Year (the big deadline for US universities is Dec. 31st/Jan 1st) students must sign-up for the SATs to meet all university deadlines and requirements we strongly encourage students to study continuously over the first semester to earn the highest scores possible Where do you sign-up? Here at: What AIS-R Codes do I need to register online? 1) the 6-Digit AIS-R CEEB CODE: & 2) the 5-Digit AIS-R Test Center Code: 52790; pay directly online using a parent's credit card What do I bring on the SAT Test Date at AIS-R: your printed Web Registration Ticket; a calculator (back-up batteries); acceptable ID AIS-R Test Dates for : Please Note there are NO LATE Registrations for International Students Test Date: Oct. 5/2013 (TBA) Test Date: Nov. 2/2013 (TBA) Test Date: Dec. 7/2013 (TBA) Test Date: Jan. 25/2014 (TBA) Test Date: May 3/2014 (TBA) Q: Do You Need to take the TOEFL Test? You can register online & pay by credit card at: Researching Colleges At AIS-R we believe students should select universities based on academics, clubs, facilities, and additional personal preferences. We recommend that students research very carefully on Family Connection by Naviance (at: and MyRoad and BigFuture for American universities in particular as there are over 3500 to choose from in the USA alone. Students who choose selective universities must ensure they meet all admissions criteria. You will find useful links for this info on Moodle. AIS-R students can access Family Connection on the Grade 11/12 Counseling Courses on Moodle or Skyward. You simply login into Family Connection using your Skyward username and passwords (codes are sent to the parents of Juniors and Seniors which you will use to create a username/password). Do You Want a College or a University? Generally, universities offer graduate programs and colleges do not. Students who prefer a smaller learning environment may benefit from attending a college. Classes are discussion-based. However, it you want choices from a big list of courses, you may want a university. Do You Have a Major in Mind? Or, are You Undecided? Student select majors with a specific academic discipline focus. Programs typically require a specific series of courses that will be applied to the requirements of a university major. If you are unsure of your major, then you can indicate undecided.

8 Visiting Colleges: Do You Need to See the Campus? A campus tour is one of the best ways to help students get a sense of the best fit campus. An excellent time to take university tours is the summer before your Senior year. Brainstorm a list of relevant questions to ask college representatives based on what is important to you. Have a look at these suggestions: 1. What is the composition of the student body? 2. What are your most notable clubs, teams, activities, etc.? 3. Can you explain dining options on campus? 4. Can you explain housing options on campus? 5. Does the campus have a fitness center? 6. Does the campus have wireless internet available? 7. Is the neighborhood safe? 8. What percentage of students graduate in 4 years? 5 years? 9. How many students are in the average first year class? 10. Does the university offer merit-based scholarships? After the Visit: It is important to express interest and maintain appropriate communication. Be sure to send an inquiry of any follow-up questions that are important to you. If you had an interview follow-up with a brief thank-you by . It is always a good idea to request information and have it sent in the mail. Universities typically allow you to do this by mail. If this university visits AIS-R, then attend the information session. Have you taken advantage of every opportunity to learn about this college? AIS-R Application Policies: Researching and Evaluating Your College List The college application process is demanding. However, anxiety can be greatly reduced by conducting thorough research, arranging for standardized tests, completing applications and doing so with full awareness of university deadlines. Students are responsible for choosing 8 to 10 universities that represent the best fit for your academic and extracurricular goals. 1. Strong Achievement is the Goal: maintain strong academic performance in your college preparatory courses. Students will become very busy and it is important to perform well academically at all points in grade Reach, Target, Safety: A Logical Plan and Balanced List Students are required to apply to a combination of reach, target and safety schools (8 to 10 applications). We encourage high quality applications to ensure students increase their chances of success. Toward this end, all Seniors must follow all AIS-R deadlines for the application process with his or her counselor. Students must responsibly compile a list based on sound research and alignment of one s academic profile and university admission requirements. We strongly recommend that AIS-R students consider applying to one extreme reach school only as the pool of admitted students to such selective institutions continues to decline. 3. Meeting AIS-R Deadlines and University Deadlines: Regular Decision to American Universities is typically January 1 st. Decisions from universities arrive by March through to April 1 st. Students who follow the Reach, Target, Safety formula typically find that Regular Decision gives them the best opportunity for admittance. Rolling Admissions is used by many universities in the USA and beyond in which applications are reviewed as soon as they are complete. Universities with rolling admissions begin accepting applicants in the fall and continue past the Regular Decision deadline. Early Decision applications to American universities present a binding agreement if the candidate is admitted. The deadline is typically November 1 or mid-november. This application pathway is mostsuited to students who excel academically and have completed all standardized tests to meet admissions criteria and deadlines. Early Action applications to American universities are a non-binding agreement if the applicant is admitted. This is suitable for students who want an earlier decision on admittance and can meet application deadlines. 4. Quality, not Quantity: Keep your perspective on quality not quantity when applying to university. Students should aim for completing applications and making the necessary arrangements to obtain teacher and counselor recommendations and college essays. Thorough research, well-matched credentials to admissions criteria, self-reflection and punctuality will make the process highly rewarding. General Steps Once Your College List is Finalized: 1. Apply Online: and pay the application fee online before the deadline. Print a hard copy. 2. Complete Hard Copy Items: for teacher and counselor recommendations. Follow-up with your counselor to ensure they have been received and are in your file. (Teacher Evaluation and Secondary School Report on the Common Application will be uploaded electronically). 3. If you Attended More than one High School: you must give 1 sealed transcript to your counselor for each application outside/off of the Common Application. 4. Students Arrange for SAT Scores and TOEFL Scores: to be sent directly from the CollegeBoard and ETS. 5. Common Application: this typically becomes available in late July for incoming Seniors. Students create an account and begin filling-in all required fields. We strongly encourage incoming Seniors to start their college essays in the summer (or sooner). There are 5 choices of essays on the Common Application. 6. College Essays and Personal Statements: students should access our suggestions on the Counseling Courses on Moodle to write effective essays and personal statements. While a great essay is no guarantee of admittance a weak composition will most certainly result in elimination. Spend time brain storming, crafting and editing your essay on the Common Application and supplemental essays. 7. Arrange for Recommendations: give Student Info Sheet to teachers writing your recommendations and the Counselor Info Sheet to your counselor. Ensure you give teachers 2 weeks for completion and your counselor one week for completion. 8. Counselor Appointments: courier documents such as transcripts, recommendations, and additional items to universities from the AIS-R campus. Decisions from Colleges -- Review all of these General Guidelines Below: Carefully consider acceptances and decide on ONE college Pay deposit in order to hold a spot Do not double deposit as it is unethical and should never be done If a student is on the waitlist in the Regular Decision round, he/she should contact the admissions office to express continued interest in the school Waitlist activity is unpredictable; therefore, it is critical that a student accept his/her most appealing offer of admission and pay a deposit by May 1 st deadline If a student is later accepted off the waitlist of their top choice school he/she may contact the original college to request they be released from their enrollment Most enrollment deposits are non-refundable Deferring college enrollment: you can put your offer on hold for one year after you pay the deposit at most colleges Reporting disciplinary incidents to colleges: AIS-R will respond to inquiries from colleges about discipline Colleges have the right to rescind offers of admission and may do so if a student s academic record or disciplinary record changes negatively Students are responsible for sending their final AIS-R transcripts/ib transcripts to universities in June

9 Financial Matters With the cost of a university education increasing every year, it is very important to research financial aid options. Financial aid comes in 3 main ways: 1) as scholarships 2) loans or 3) work-study. Financial aid can be based on the degree of need and this is typically available to American citizens and those with a green card. If you are an international student (non U.S. citizen), you can research options that are available with the International Education Financial Aid Center (IEFA.org). General Steps for Financial Assistance: 1. FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Aid available online and updated every Jan. 1 st and all applicants must meet deadlines; for details go to: 2. PINS: applicants and 1 parent will obtain a personal ID number called a pin 3. College Scholarship Service: many private colleges require the CSS Profile form in addition to FAFSA; you can register at: 4. Eligibility: once the FAFSA form is submitted, the family will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is a summary of information entered on the FAFSA and it indicates how much a family is expected to pay for college. Some colleges may be need blind for a portion of their application, but not the entire pool. If you want and estimate of eligibility you can visit: 5. Recommended Financial Aid Books: The Financial Aid Book: The Insider's Guide to Private Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships; Getting Financial Aid 2014: College Board Guide to Getting Financial Aid; Scholarship Handbook 2014: College Board Scholarship Handbook; College Financial Aid for Dummies Note: funding is very limited to non-u.s. citizens. If an international student receives financial aid, it must be from a college s own funds. Helpful Websites for the College Application Process a comprehensive site for SATs, college planning, college research, careers, and more : an application that can be applied to over 450 American universities a college planning tool a comprehensive college planning tool