Message from Admin
Message from the
College Counseling Department Greetings Concordians! A new school year is here! Let’s embrace
this school year with a new level of excitement and anticipation. We can make this year one of our best years just by the way we choose to view it. So let’s do just that. Let’s stay positive, focused and up for the challenge. Anything worth having is worth being challenged on. That is the way you come to appreciate your successes! Yet it is also important to find a balance in your life. Schedule time for your school work while saving some time for doing those fun activities you enjoy. There are only so many hours in a day so that is why managing your time well is so valuable. In the DP Counseling Department we have started the year off running. We hosted a G12 parent afternoon meeting, took our seniors on a weekend retreat, organized a day trip for our G11 and G12 students to the Greater Bangkok Fair where they had contact with 200 plus universities from around the world. Then, turned around and hosted a Global Evening Event at Concordian with more than 40 universities. During the evening event we had two panel discussions with six university representatives sharing valuable information on Financial Aid and Scholarships while also talking about how to make a college application ‘stand out’ by including the right information and focus. We will continue to schedule university visits to the school because we recognize the value of having universities on campus to meet our students. One of the best comments we received recently from a college representative was that Concordian students ask great questions and the right kinds of questions! This shows our students are more knowledgeable than ever about planning for university. As we head into the year, we hope to host another Career Day, an online Alumni Fair, and other special events relevant to support students. In conclusion, on behalf of the department, we wish each student a successful school year and look forward to connecting with you. Have a great year ahead!
ment, already several students have submitted their first applications of the year, covering three different countries, and we’re only in Mid-October! It is always a privilege to read completed university applications as they capture the very best of Concordian students both in and outside of the classroom. Universities cannot help but be impressed!! I also personally value the trust and honesty students place in our department when students often have to be very open when working on their college essays, especially for the USA. I had the pleasure of attending the International ACAC Annual Conference in July where school counselors and university admissions staff from all over the world meet to network, share best practice and update each other on important news. The key takeaway from the conference this year, with the implications of AI and ChatGPT, is the need for students to be authentic in their applications. As you see on the pages of this edition of Impact, our students are in a wonderful position as they all have real authentic stories to tell; stories that could never be generated by AI. Mr. Tony McMullen College Counselor
97 CONCORDIAN IMPACT - ISSUE 38
Dr. Tresa Virankabutra Director of College Counseling
What an exciting few days it has been in the depart-