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Please write down any questions or concerns you

have about routes to Universities on

your post-it.We will try to answer these

at the end.

PLANNING FOR UNIVERSITY

Saturday September 28th 2019

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• MISY Curriculum and Results• Why do A-levels?• How does MISY support students

applying to University.• Preparing now for University.• The role of parents.• Questions

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Agenda

IGCSE Subject Choices

Compulsory Optional EnglishMathsScienceMyanmar (not taken as an IGCSE)PE (not taken as an IGCSE)

Art & DesignBusiness Studies Economics Geography History Computer Science Information and Communication Technology Additional Maths Global Perspectives Foreign Language ChineseDramaMusic French

Students participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities alongside their academic subjects.

IGCSE results 2019

5 A*- C grades 85.9% (69.9%)

A*- A 48.3% (25.2%)

Across 15 different subjects available at the school

Students in Key Stage 5 study for Cambridge International A Level qualifications.

Most students choose 4 AS subjects in Y12 and continue onto 3 A Level subjects 3 in Y13:

● Art and Design ● Biology ● Business Studies ● Chemistry ● Computer Science ● Economics

● English ● Geography ● Global Perspectives● History● Maths ● Physics

Students also complete CAS Projects (Creativity, Activity and Service) to further develop their skills and enhance their future prospects.

AS & A-level results 2019

AS LevelA-C 74.4%

A LevelA* - C 86.2% (75.5%)

Why choose A Levels?

1. They are widely recognised internationally. 2. They are the best route into top universities.3. They are the UK’s gold standard for university entry.4. They allow you to specialise.5. Highly regarded by employers

A-levels are taken by students all over the world, including in the US. Some US universities recognise A-level as a higher level than American Qualifications and count them as credits; fast tracking your route through a US degree programme.

Most Universities prefer students to who have completed their A-levels at school, rather than through private tuition or Foundation Courses. VIDEO CLIP

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Universities that have made offers to our students

• University of Southern California USA *

• Northeastern University USA• American University USA• University of California San Diego

USA *• University of California Irvine

USA*• University of California Davis

USA*• Boston University USA*

* Russell Group (UK ) or ranked in the top 40(USA)

• University of Western England, Bristol UK

• University of Arts London UK• Sheffield Hallam University UK• King’s College London UK*• University of Warwick UK *• University College London UK*• University of Manchester UK*• University of Liverpool. UK*• St George’s, University of

London UK• Middlesex University UK• University of Sheffield UK*

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INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS AND AGENTS

‘MY FRIEND HAS HIRED AN EDUCATIONAL AGENT, SHOULD I GET ONE?’

UNIVERSITIES

University Counsellor

Teachers Parents

Student

AGENTS

Independent Consultants and Agents

● They are not impartial. Most earn their money by recruiting your students to a particular University / College.

● They charge you for services that are available for free at school.● They often provide false / misleading information.

Phrases that are warning signs:● ‘I can write your essays for you’● I am an expert because I went to X University’● I guarantee I can get you into X school’

Examples of false information provided by agents:● ‘A-levels are only good for top Universities like Oxford or Harvard’● It is better / quicker / cheaper to do a Foundation Course’● You have to do additional Maths to study Medicine.● You have to do AP to go to University in the US.

UNIVERSITIES CAN TELL WHEN STUDENTS HAVE BEEN “PACKAGED” BY AN AGENT

What do Universities think about A-levels?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yRbhP5tqAr-God1JR7eLn7r2dYR1C3y0/view?usp=sharing 14

What support do we offer students making their University Choices?

● Guidance on choosing options from Yr 9 onwards (IGCSE, A-Level)● Regular visits from Universities; attendance at annual University Fair. ● Guidance in choosing the Universities and Courses ● Personal Statement and Essay Writing● Support managing application deadlines, completing applications and

researching admissions requirements● Recommendation letters● Transcripts ● Mock Interviews● Enrolment Decision

These are many of the things that Agents offer in their packages - which your children can get free at school.

Data Trends for Globally Mobile StudentsWhere should I go?

1. Law: 25,855 applications2. Management studies: 20, 2953. Business and Admin studies: 17,2254. Computer Science: 14,3005. Economics: 13,2606. Pre-Clinical Medicine: 12,1357. Design studies: 11,5108. Psychology: 10,6569. Mechanical Engineering

10. Business studies: 9,855

Top 10 most popular courses in the UK that international students apply to:

What factors should I consider when choosing a University?● a subject you enjoy – you are investing time, money, and

effort

● career path

● location – city or rural, transport links, weather

● size of campus

● a study style that suits you - e.g. US vs UK

● What exactly does the course involve?

● Research the modules and assessment

methods

● grade requirements / other admissions requirements

● extracurricular activities

● finances

Are rankings important?

● Ranking can be useful, but they are not the most

important thing.

● It is much more important to find a BEST FIT.

● Be careful with ranking information - the same

University might come out Number 6 in one ranking or

Number 63 in another.

● Better to look at Course Rankings

Where can I get information?

• Use independent college search websites and surf specific university websites

• Browse materials 6th Form Common Room• Attend college information sessions and college fairs• Visit college campuses if you get the chance• University Counsellor, other teachers • Alumni• Unibuddy

Unibuddy• Browse student

ambassador profiles – nationality / course

• Chat to current students about their experience

• Get a reply within 24 hours

• Unibuddy Live

What are competitive universities looking for?

• Grades that meet/exceed the entry requirements

• Specific qualifications (A - level Facilitating Subjects: Sciences, English, Geography, History, Maths Modern and classical languages)

• Strong, unique personal statement

• Curiosity and a genuine interest in the course

• Professional / voluntary experience / extra-curricular experience

How to apply

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What should I be doing now?

Year 9Start reflecting:What are your interests? What are you good at? What do you enjoy?Start considering possible career pathways.Start considering what A-levels you might need / enjoy.Think carefully about the options you choose for IGCSE.Attend options evenings with parents so you are fully informed. Teachers will help.

What should I be doing now

Year 10 Focus on your studies. Think about future possibilities with the subjects you really enjoy.Reflect on your skills / strengths / weaknesses / interestsGet involved in extracurricular activities

Year 11Continue into the second year of your two year course in order to complete your IGCSEs. Attend University Fairs and Post-16 Option evenings Research careers and Universities

What should I be doing nowYear 12Research universities and visit University Fairs, and VisitsSpeak to teachers and your counsellor, alumniGet involved in extra-curricular activities.Start thinking about your personal statement

Year 13Find out exactly what is needed in order to apply to universities you would like to apply to. Write down key deadlines and stay organised - don’t leave things to the last minute. Meet regularly with your counsellor

Key Deadlines

UK - UCASOctober 15th - Medicine, Oxford and CambridgeJanuary 15th - all other applications

US

Early Action

Apply by the early deadline usually between November 1-January 1 and receive admissions decision early.

Regular Application

Deadlines usually fall between December 1 and February 15.

Australia

July / February Start Date

What can I do to stand out?• Work hard - Grades are important

• Get involved in extracurricular activities— try to gain leadership experience and transferable skills

• Universities are particularly interested in activities that are related to your area of studies - look for opportunities to pursue these. Medicine - Work Experience is key

• Establish a good relationship with you academic counsellor, tutor or a teacher who knows you well. They will be writing your recommendation letters!

• Attendance and punctuality are important.• Manage your online self. Make sure your Facebook, Twitter,

and other social media accounts show the person you want the college to see.

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● Excessive tuition can lead to fatigue ● Poor social and mental development - not

experiencing important social dynamics● Poor physical development - no

extra-curricular activities● Inhibits independence - poor preparation for

university● Tuition system is unregulated ● Parental pressures - can lead to psychological

problems

Over tutoring - The Dangers

Paying for College

• Some colleges award scholarships based on application and no other application is needed.

• Some external scholarships exist. 32

PARENTS:WHAT YOU CAN DO?

• Maintain clear communication about your expectations for your child and what the family financial or other limitations are.

• Show interest in the process they are going through and ask questions. Be supportive and be a good listener when they get frustrated.

• Communicate with the school and school counsellor whenever you have questions.

• Allow them to choose a course and University that is Best Fit For Them - Be careful about eliminating choices or limiting possibilities.

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QUESTIONS

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