Overseas Applications

Applying to universities in the USA and elsewhere requires a different set of procedures. We are able to support these applications but it is vital that we are kept well informed of each student’s intentions. Whereas UCAS operates a single form for application to 5 universities in the UK, it is necessary to apply to each overseas establishment on an individual basis. A different set of deadlines will also exist and these are only available from the universities themselves.

Applying to the USA

The Sixth Form team will be very happy to help you with your applications. You should register your interest with the Director of HE and Partnerships and your tutor. Once you have alerted us of your intention to apply, there are a few things that you need to do:

1. Research universities (College board; Common application and Fulbright commission as well as Niche websites). Previous applicants have applied to: Vassar; Virginia; Chicago; Dartmouth; NYU; Georgetown; Johns Hopkins; Yale; Tufts; Washington; Stanford; Boston; UPenn; Columbia and Brown (This is not an exhaustive list!)

2. We assume that you will organise to sit (or have already sat) their SATs and/or ACT Book your tests through the College Board (https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/) or ACT (www.act.org).

NOTE: A number of college have decidedtogo ‘testoptional’ soplease check college websites

3. Once you have decided on the list of universities (most applicants will apply to around 8-10 universities), you must then decide whether you are going for early decision; early action and/or regular decision

Some definitions:

EARLY DECISION: Early Decision (ED) is the application process in which you make a commitment to a first-choice institution where, if admitted, they definitely will enrol. The deadline is November 1st. While pursuing admission under an Early Decision plan, you may apply to other institutions, but may have only one Early Decision application pending at any time. Should you apply for financial aid and not be offered an award that makes attendance possible, the student may decline the offer of admission and be released from the Early

Decision commitment. The institution must notify the applicant of the decision within a reasonable and clearly stated period of time after the Early Decision deadline.

EARLY ACTION: Early action, like early decision, is an accelerated college application process in which you typically must complete their applications in November. In most cases, you will then receive a decision from the college before the New Year.

At many colleges, the acceptance rates are higher for Early Action than for regular admission. Students who are not accepted early can still be considered for admission with the regular admission pool. Also, Early action is not binding -- you are free to apply to other colleges. Finally, you can apply early to other colleges.

REGULAR DECISION: You submit an application by January 1st and receive a decision within a reasonable and clearly stated period of time. You may apply to other schools without restriction.

EARLY DECISION (and Early Action)

1. If you decide to apply for EARLY DECISION, they must act quickly because of the early deadline. Most of the universities will go through the Common application process. with this in mind, students must:

2. Register on the Common application website

3. You must ask two of your teachers ('science' and 'humanities' teachers, if possible) to write an evaluation for you. Note: Can you please ask prior to the Summer holidays. The Director of HE and Partnerships will give advice to the teachers on what relevant information is needed for the evaluation. Students must however invite teachers through the online common application form.

4. Counselor's recommendation: the Director of HE and Partnerships will act as a student's counselor. We will produce a school profile which provides the universities with some background information on the school. The school will also produce a reference (counselor's recommendation) for students as well as a transcript.

5. Deadline: for Early decision and Early action, the application must be completed before October Half Term.

Regular decision: the same as above except the deadline will be later in early December.

Applying to European Universities

Studying overseas can give you an edge in the employment market – it shows that you have got what it takes to get on in the world by yourself; demonstrating both independence and initiative as well as confidence and capability. Similarly, international study is usually a rewarding and enlightening experience and there are some particularly competitive courses for which non-UK institutions are the global leaders.

What to do if you are interested?

Finding out about undergraduate study overseas takes time and persistence. Firstly, you should identify places where you might want to study –English-speaking countries such as Ireland are a good place to start, but universities in some non-Anglophone countries such as Holland and Denmark teach courses in English.

Write a list of institutions in the countries identified. You should use the internet and web links below in order to structure their research. You need to make sure you meet the entry requirements for the courses you are interested in; ensuring you find out the important information regarding fees and application deadlines. Most universities have international admissions offices which will provide the information required. You should check the availability of places, how long the application process takes and any hidden costs there might be. Furthermore, it is useful to find out if grants are available. Also, you need to be sure you investigate the reputation in the UK of the institutions under consideration, especially if you are planning to come back to the UK to work.

Where’s worth checking out?

The universities featured below all offer courses taught in English. Top 5 Irish universities:

- University College Dublin

- Trinity College Dublin

- University College Cork

- Dublin City University

- National University of Ireland, Galway

Relevant web links: www.educationireland.ie www.i-studentadvisor.com/studying-in-ireland.html

Well regarded universities elsewhere in Europe (with known English-taught courses):

- Utrecht University, Holland

- University of Amsterdam, Holland

- University of Groningen, Holland

- University of Maastricht, Holland

- University of Copenhagen, Denmark

- Aarhus University, Denmark

-SciencesPo, France

Relevant web links: www.i-studentadvisor.com/international-courseseurope html www.studychoice.nl http://studyindenmark.dk

General web links: www.astarfuture.co.uk/index.html http://ec.europa.eu/education/study-in-europe/index en.html

What about Australia?

Please have a look at this (Study Options) website as a starting point if you are thinking about Australia or New Zealand. Just beware, if you are an Australian citizen, you may have to apply directly to the universities but you will only pay ‘local/domestic’ fees!

Art Foundation courses

An accredited Art Foundation course prepares the student for the study of Art or Design at degree level. The purpose is to gain a thorough understanding of visual disciplines, extending the range of specialisations beyond those studied at A level, such as Graphic communication, Three-dimensional design, Fashion, Theatre design, or Animation, for example, as well as the traditional Fine Art disciplines. The intention is to explore a range of art forms and techniques, and begin to develop your own creative style, direction and personal interests. Work is usually undertaken in small groups and the relatively small intake of students ensures regular one-to-one guidance with a tutor throughout the year. Students benefit from excellent facilities and often work alongside degree students. Students are able to hear from a range of practitioners and industry mentors who will give lectures on their practice. These will help to engage the student in a critical investigation of their work, progressions, aims and ambitions. Students also undertake research in galleries and museums which can form part of the course. Whatever your preferred career path, the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design prepares you for higher level learning in an art environment and for your artistic or creative practice beyond.

Practicalities

There is a need to visit some Foundation College exhibitions or open days well before applying. Students need to prepare applications before the Christmas holiday and we would recommend applying to several institutions. Each institution will require a separate application A portfolio will need to be prepared, usually comprising twenty to thirty pieces of work, including life drawings and sketchbooks. This is usually preceded by the submission of an on-line portfolio, so works will need to be photographed. Staff advise and mentor students throughout the process and advise in the writing of personal statements. Students from Channing have progressed to prestigious courses at St. Martins, Kingston University and the Royal Drawing School as well as further afield such as Falmouth, Leeds or Oxford Brookes.