WELCOME TO JUNIOR PARENT

UNIVERSITY NIGHT

OR…LET THE RESEARCH BEGIN!

INTRODUCTIONS

Mr. Dennis HarterHS Principal

Mrs. Sonia Martínez S.Administrative Assistant

Ms. Tammy GordonHS/University Counselor

Last names A-L

Mr. Jim BarekmanHS/University CounselorLast names M-Z + new

students

University is a match to be made, not a trophy to be won.

The goal should be to find the best fit– a place where your child can be successful

both academically and personally.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE

OUR ROLE IN THE PROCESS(FOR PARENTS)

OUR ROLE IN THE PROCESS(FOR STUDENTS)

There are 66 seniors in this year’s graduating classThere are 70 juniors (Class of 2015)

IB Diploma – 49 (Class of 2015 - 61) Austrian Matura - 4 (Class of 2015 - 8) UK early – 7 UK regular – 18 US early (Early Decision/Early Action) – 13 US regular decision – 16 Canada – 9 Europe (non-UK) – 22 Other countries – 5

CURRENT OVERVIEW CLASS OF 2014

APPLICATION STATISTICS:33 applied to 1 country16 applied to 2 countries7 applied to 3 countries1 applied to 4 countries1 applied to 5 countries12 planning a Gap Year (6 have applied this year)2 undecided363 applications submitted (so far!) to 179 universities

Each country has diff erent application policies, procedures and deadlines.Every AIS class is unique.

CURRENT OVERVIEW CLASS OF 2014

FIRST QUARTER Provided Junior Year Top 10 List for Success Discussed importance of junior year grades Administered PSAT to Grade 11 students Introduced students to Naviance Linked Grade 11 parents to their child’s Naviance account

SECOND QUARTER Completed three career inventories in Naviance Discussed overview of various university systems Gathered initial data from students about

country/countries being considered as well as majors/subjects

Reviewed PSAT results Created a testing plan for this semester

LAYING THE GROUNDWORKFIRST SEMESTER

THIRD QUARTER Assist students with setting up standardized testing

accounts (if required) February 11 & 12 Advise and register students for senior year courses Assist students with researching university options Ask students to complete the Junior Questionnaire

FOURTH QUARTER Provide essay/personal statement workshops

through IB English Conduct Junior Conferences – develop a

personalized timeline/plan of action and receive initial IB predicted grades (late April/May)

LAYING THE GROUNDWORKSECOND SEMESTER

LET THE RESEARCH BEGIN!

A realistic, thoughtful and thorough self-evaluation helps students to clarify the types of universities where they will be most happy and successful.

UNITED STATES: How does my academic program, grades, predicted IB grades, test scores and extra-curricular activities compare to currently enrolled first year students? UNITED KINGDOM:How does my IB program compare to the requirements (both overall and subject specific) for the universities/subjects in which I am interested?

It’s not about finding the “BEST” university, it’s about finding the university BEST SUITED to your child’s individual talents, interests, abilities and goals.

SELF-ASSESSMENT

LOCATION What country or countries? Setting of university (urban, rural, suburban)

SIZE OF UNIVERSITY Small (under 5k) Medium (5k-15k) Large (15k-30k) Extra large (over 30k)

TYPES OF SCHOOLS Co-ed vs. single sex Public vs. private Religiously affi liated Specialized (e.g. art, music, liberal arts, business, co-op,

engineering)

COST/FEES

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Degree of competitiveness/selectivityStrength of program/major/subjectSpecialized programs (e.g. internships,

co-op, sandwich, community service, self-designed major, study abroad)

Class sizesFaculty/student ratioTeaching quality (professor or grad

assistant)Rankings (use with caution)

FACTORS TO CONSIDERTHE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Diversity of the student bodyExtra-curricular offerings (e.g. sports, clubs)Campus “culture”Social life on and around campusHousing availability and qualityQuality of facilities (e.g. classrooms, labs, library)Safety

US- www.ope.ed.gov/securityUK- www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/crime-in-university-cities/

Relatives nearby

FACTORS TO CONSIDERQUALITY OF LIFE

Your child’s counselor Naviance (March 3 Parent Workshop after school)Internet (e.g. UCAS, College Board, AUCC, Nuffi c)Individual university websitesResources available in the counseling offi ceUniversity representatives visiting AIS & VISFormer AIS studentsRead information provided by counselors via AIS

Scoops and emailsOpen days (UK- www.opendays.com), university

fairs, virtual fairs (US- www.collegeweeklive.com) and campus visits (if possible)

RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!(WHERE TO START)

MARCH 28: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

APRIL 3: UK University Fair at Vienna International SchoolEast AngliaGoldsmithsKentSheffi eld HallamSchool of Oriental and African StudiesSurrey Arts University Bournemouth*Participants subject to change

MAY 14: US University Fair at Vienna International School (details to follow)

UPCOMING UNIVERSITY VISITS/TOURS

If at all possible, visit universities on your child’s list

Nothing can replace a “first hand” viewMake an appointment with the admissions

offi ce (demonstrated interest)Tour the campusCheck out the housing/accommodations Visit the department you are interested in Attend a classTalk with currently enrolled students

CAMPUS VISITS

SAT - (May 3 or June 7) please note both are holiday weekends Required by most universities in the US and some European

universities Measures critical reading, math, and writing skills Scores range from 200 (low) to 800 (top score)

SAT SUBJECT TESTS - (June 7) Required for more selective universities in the US One hour tests measuring knowledge in specifi c subject

areas Students may take up to three tests in one sitting Not all tests are off ered on all test dates Cannot be taken on the same day as the SAT Scores range from 200 (low) to 800 (top score)

Students will have the opportunity to retake the SAT in October, November and December of their senior year.

UNIVERSITY ADMISSION TESTS (SAT)

SAT SUBJECT TEST DATES

Free test preparation available through Naviance (PrepMe)

On-site SAT test preparation classes available through through Academic Services International- March 15/16 & 22/23. Cost $800. Registration forms available in the counseling Offi ce.

Small group tutoring

Summer test preparation programs

UNIVERSITY ADMISSION TESTS (SAT PREPARATION)

ACT – *April 12 (off ered at ICS Vienna)Alternative standardized admission test Four sections: English, math, reading, science

and a writing sample Scores range from 1 (low) – 36 (high) Seniors will have an opportunity to retake the

ACT in September, October and December of their senior year (dates and locations to be confirmed)

*Please note this is the first day of Spring break

UNIVERSITY ADMISSION TESTS(ACT)

TOEFL – (off ered regularly in Vienna)For students whose first language is not English

Recommended for students if Critical Reading section of SAT is lower than 500

May be required even if your son/daughter has studied in English for an extended period of time

Students should check the testing policies of each university to which they are applying

Generally recommended that international students take this test

UNIVERSITY ADMISSION TESTS(TOEFL)

Which test to take – ACT vs. SAT? Take both!SAT/ACT comparison chart in Naviance

SAT Score Choice – how it works

UNIVERSITY ADMISSION TESTSPOINTS TO PONDER

Not required by all universitiesStudents should discuss with their

counselor which teachers to ask In general references should be written by

academic/core subject teachers from junior or senior year (but always follow guidelines set by each university)

Students are expected to provide each teacher with information by completing an online questionnaire

We encourage students to write thank you notes and share their good news

TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

TEACHER EVALUATION FORMCOMMON APPLICATION

TEACHER EVALUATION FORMCOMMON APPLICATION

US UNIVERSITIES

There are 4,495 degree-granting institutions

Bachelor degrees typically 4 years - may be shorter time frame due to IB “credit”

Greater flexibility with changing majors. Can apply “undecided”

Common Application: Over 500 US universities including some universities in

Europe Common format and one main essay Allows documents to be sent and tracked electronically Requirements are listed on Common App. Grid (link in

Naviance)

US UNIVERSITIESOVERVIEW

COMPARING UNIVERSITIES(HTTPS:/ /BIGFUTURE.COLLEGEBOARD.ORG/COMPARE-

COLLEGES)

In the fall, students will be asked to narrow down their initial list of universities to create a final list that should include a range of schools:

Reach: highly selective, few students accepted

Target (50/50): half or more of the students with a similar profi le are admitted

Likely/Safety: most students with a similar profi le are admitted

Number of applications will vary. We recommend two to three universities per category.

DEVELOPING THE INITIAL LISTNORTH AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES

Early Decision – submit from November 1-30. Decision binding, if accepted the student is making a commitment to enroll.

Early Action – submit from November 1-30. Non-binding, students may also apply to regular decision schools.

Regular Decision – submit from November-February. Decisions are typically made by 1 April.

Rolling Admissions – applications reviewed as submitted until the class is full. Decisions typically made in 6-8 weeks .

DECIDING WHEN & HOW TO APPLY

WHAT ADMISSION COUNSELORS ARE LOOKING FOR IN THE US

Intellectual curiosityInitiative/motivationSelf-disciplineAbility to overcome challengesLeadership skillsCommunity service contributionsCreativitySpecial talents (e.g. music, dance, art,

athletics)Legacy statusDemonstrated interest

THEY ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR…

Cost of attending university varies from school to school and includes: tuition and fees, housing/dining fees, books and supplies, transportation and miscellaneous expenses. Most students attending university today receive some financial aid.

US citizens/permanent residents are eligible for federal aid. Parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - www.fafsa.ed.gov . Filed after January 1, 2015.

Many private universities also require the College

Scholarship Service’s PROFILE form (http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profi le) and/or their own financial aid form to award non-federal student aid. Available from October 1.

COST FACTORS - US CITIZENS

Limited funds available for international students. Some schools have a clear and upfront policy stating whether or not they off er aid for international students.

http://collegeprepcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Doug-Thompson-Scholarships-list-2013.pdf

For those schools that do provide aid, most will ask students to submit the College Board’s International Student Financial Aid Application.

Certification of Finances Form required for international students as part of the study visa application. Should be started in November.

COST FACTORS - INTERNATIONAL

OR….

OH CANADA!

Applications deadlines vary, but tend to be later than in the US; typically from January to March

Students should aim to get Canadian applications done before the December break (McGill University must be done by then)

Typically no school documents will be sent until January once the first semester grades are available

Recommendations typically not required

Two paths for consideration - IB or non-IB

CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES OVERVIEW

There are 98 universities and colleges with membership in the Association of Universities & Colleges of Canada: www.aucc.ca

Canadian university IB recognition policies: www.ibo.org/country/CA/index.cfm

Ontario Universities’ Application Centre: www.ouac.on.ca

CANADIAN UNIVERSITY SEARCH

Fees vary from school to school.

Limited scholarships and financial aid available for international students.

A recent study by HSBC Canada found that the average tuition cost for international students, at the the top 10 colleges and universities in Canada is $18,474 (USD). That compares to $25,375 (USD) in Australia and $19,291 (USD) in the U.K. 

Tuition fees by university: http://www.aucc.ca/canadian-universities/facts-and-stats/tuition-fees-by-university/

COST FACTORS - CANADA

UK UNIVERSITIES

3-year degrees in England/4 years in Scotland.

Sandwich courses combine study with a period of t ime spent working in industry. Usually extends the length of a course by up to a year.

In the UK, students apply for direct entry for a specifi c subject and students begin studying that subject from year 1.

Once a student has started their studies, changing subjects in the UK can be diffi cult.

More fl exibil ity in Scotland. The fi rst one or two years are designed for more broad-based studies with specialization in years 3 and 4.

Unlike the US where applications are reviewed based on achievements (e.g. grades, test scores, essays, recommendations, extra-curricular) in the UK, decisions based primarily on what a student is predicted to achieve (IB).

UK UNIVERSITIES OVERVIEW

Website: www.ucas.com

Students must meet or exceed the minimum overall and subject specific IB course requirements for the chosen subject.

Student can choose up to 5 courses (choices may be at the same university).

For Medicine/Vet Med/Dentistry 4 choices allowed plus one additional non-medical.

Can apply to Oxford or Cambridge, but not both.

Everything is done online…nothing is sent.

Parents can register to receive email newsletters at: www.ucas.com/parents/register

ABOUT UCAS

THE PROCESS:

• Students apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS).

• In September students create a UCAS account and begin working on their application.

• IB predicted updates will be provided in the fall.

• Personal statement required (link to sample statements in Naviance).

• Internal deadline - by December 1st.

APPLICATIONS TO THE UK

Has the student met the IB prerequisite requirements (overall & subject specific)

Exams/test results already achievedPersonal statement Extra-curricular involvementWork experienceSchool reference Interview

WHAT ADMISSION TUTORS ARE LOOKING FOR IN THE UK

If required, admission tutors consider the results of standardized admission tests:

Medicine/Dentistry/Vet Med: Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and/or UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)

Law: National Law Admissions Test (LNAT) Cambridge: MML for Modern & Medieval Languages. The

Sixth Term Examination Papers (STEP) for Mathematics. Students applying for Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering and Economics must take the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA).

Oxford: Students applying for Modern History must take the History Aptitude Test (HAT). The Philosophy, Politics & Economics Course requires the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) and students applying for English must take the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT)

UK SUBJECT-SPECIFIC ADMISSION TESTS

SAMPLE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS UCAS

LSE: ECONOMICS (L101)

SAMPLE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS UCAS LANCASTER: ECONOMICS

(L101)

Two types of fee status: Home/EU and Overseas . Government regulations applied to assess the rate at which a student should be charged.

Home students (UK or EU residents) can be charged up to £9,000 per year. Amounts charged vary between courses and schools.

No up-front fees for EU students. Students take out a loans to cover and pay back those loans post graduation and earning £21,000+.

Overseas students pay higher tuition fees (£14k-£25K/average £12k-15K). Fees set by individual universities. For further information visit UK Council for International Student Aff airs: www.ukcisa.org.uk.

Department for Education and Skills: www.education.gov.uk

Scotland – no tuition fees for EU students. Fees paid through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) – www.saas.gov.uk.

HIGHER EDUCATION FEES – UK

If at all possible, visit universities.Gain work experience, either paid or internship –

continue to explore an area or investigate a new path.

Relate the Extended Essay topic/subject to the area you wish to study at university.

Practice for any required standardized testing (e.g. SAT, ACT, TOEFL, BMAT, UKCAT, LNAT)

Enroll in a mid-IB preparation course.Participate in a community service/volunteer project.Attend a summer program or take classes in the

subject/major of interest.Continue to research university options.Go beyond the curriculum – read books in the chosen

subject/major area of interest.

SUMMER SUGGESTIONS FOR RISING SENIORS

SEPTEMBER: Senior Parent University Night

SEPTEMBER: Individual meetings with counselor (ongoing) – Senior Questionnaire

SEPTEMBER: Confi rm who will write references and review transcripts for accuracy.

SEPTEMBER: Set up Common Application account and/or UCAS accounts if required

SEPTEMBER: Parent Questionnaire (optional)

OCT/NOV/DEC: Take standardized tests (if needed)

A SNEAK PEAK AT THE SENIOR YEAR

OCTOBER 15: Deadline for Oxford and Cambridge and courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine and Vet Science

OCTOBER 31: Application summary due

NOVEMBER: Early Action/Early Decision applications deadlines typically November 1-30

NOVEMBER: All teacher recommendations should be completed

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER: US applications with a deadline before January 15 th should be completed and submitted. This ideally includes UCAS and Ontario universities.

A SNEAK PEAK AT THE SENIOR YEAR

• Be there to guide and assist, but let your child be responsible for the process.

• Discuss any restrictions up front.• Remind your child of deadlines.• The selectivity level of the university your

child attends is not a report card on the quality of your parenting.

• Don’t believe everything you hear from well-meaning friends about the admissions process.

• Read your AIS “counselor spam.” • Encourage and celebrate!

TIPS FOR PARENTS

QUESTIONS?