Introduction Choosing a university is a significant decision that many families consider for a long period of time. The decision will affect young people’s future careers, and their enjoyment and success in the few years following school graduation. Very early in Year 13 students will send off their university applications. To avoid a last minute rush, students should start planning early. This booklet aims to help you through the process of applying to the UK, the USA and Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Singapore, South Africa and Korea.
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Your Decisions You need to decide where you want to study. This is a decision that you and your parents will make. Parents have a big influence on college decisions (and normally pay the fees) so start communicating with them about your educational goals. In some colleges, your decision as to a specific major can be postponed for one to two years as you complete general graduation requirements. Some national systems, however, require the student to declare a major immediately and the student is locked into that area of study from the first day. Regardless of the country in which you choose to study, there are some very important questions you need to ask yourself and try to answer:
General Guidelines and Planning Schedule 2
Do I want to go to a new country? What will my life be like in a new country? Do I have the motivation to work hard? Why do I want to study a particular course? What subjects am I good at?
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Planning Schedule Most applications are sent during the first term of Year 13. If your deadline is January 1st or 15th, you will need to have completed your application by November 25th. This will give time for staff to write references and process your application.
Year 12
Year 13
October
October
Take the PSAT
Complete college essays
Study hard and get good grades! Your grades this year will help to select a proper range of colleges to which to apply
Take SAT and/ or ACT
Start thinking about college choices
Finalise college choices and apply. Your deadline is November 25th to guarantee getting all of your applications completed on time
Discuss different colleges and financial costs with parents
College Planning Schedules Year 12
Year 13
September
August and September
Prepare for the PSAT
Review college plans
Attend college fairs and visits Get involved in activities that show leadership
Request or download applications for colleges to which you are interested in applying
Get to know the www.collegeboard.org website
Develop a timeline of dates by which you want to accomplish things
Consider doing the Language with Listening SAT. It is only available in November. The deadline for registration will be in September
Narrow down your college list
Check the entry requirements for the universities in which you are interested. For example, do you need any SAT IIs? Get to know the Family Connection site
Register for October SAT and ACT if required
November
Take SATs if necessary
Make a list of characteristics that are important to you. Continue to investigate colleges and courses
Finish applications
Take the SAT Language with Listening if you need it Consider signing up for the January SAT (especially if you need SAT subject tests)
December
Contact colleges to request admission and financial aid info
Prepare for SAT (especially if you need SAT subject tests)
Attend college fairs and watch out for colleges that will be visiting our school If you are applying through Early Decision & Early Action Applications, complete your application one month before the due date Start filling in the Common App form if you plan to use it Update your Family Connection page
November
Concentrate on courses and improve grades
Focus on your courses
Ask two teachers for recommendations if you have not already done so
Update your Family Connection page
Visit college websites
Register for October and November SAT if you want to try and raise your score
Work on college essays
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Attend college fairs and presentations. Most come in the Autumn term
Register for December SAT (if you need to)
Review PSAT results
Get application ready to mail or send Get your application checked by November 25 Update your Family Connection page
December Check college websites to ensure that your documents have arrived Ensure references, transcripts and other documents have been sent (Check with teachers) Update your Family Connection page
January Prepare for SATs, which you will sit in January, May or June Re-check the requirements for entry for the courses in which you are interested. For example, do you need any SAT IIs? Prepare for ACT if you plan to take it Update your Family Connection page
January Submit Financial Aid Application (FAFSA form available at www.fafsa. ed.gov) if applicable Take SAT if necessary Colleges like to see strong second term grades so work hard Go to college websites to check the status of your application. Send any missing documents
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Year 12
Year 13
February
February
Keep your grades up Continue researching different colleges and universities Think about registering for the April ACT
March Continue looking into different colleges Request info from colleges if you need it Consider summer schools or start planning your summer activity
April Register for SAT in May and/or June Continue your college research Make a resume Take ACT if you need it Update your Family Connection page
May Take SAT test Ask teachers who are leaving for letters of recommendations Write your personal statement Make a summer reading list Work hard for exams
June Take SAT or SAT II tests Do TOEFL if English is your second language. You can do this in Beijing or another city Plan to do something productive this
Summer Begin to narrow your choice of schools Start on your college essay Start finalising your college list Visit universities if possible Do something productive
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Go to college websites to check the status of your application Check that mid year grades are sent
March Keep your grades up Prepare for IBDP exams. They might lead to scholarships and credits Update your Family Connection page
April College acceptances or rejections received... Note deadlines and respond to offers Let teachers know where you have been accepted Update your Family Connection page
May Send deposit to chosen school Let guidance counsellor know of your final decision Take IBDP exams. They might lead to scholarships and credits
General Guidelines 1. Plan Ahead and Act Early. Applications that are received before the deadline can give you an advantage. 2. Select carefully. There is no need to apply to more than 6-8 schools. Applying to more than that creates extra stress for you when acceptances arrive in April as well as the time and money required completing applications. 3. Get a Safety School. Make sure that you apply to at least one school where you are sure you will be accepted. 4. Focus on the Present and Future. Don't worry about your school record from previous years. There is nothing that you can do to change your past record. What you CAN do is to work as hard as possible now and improve (or maintain) your school record. 5. Find a Match. It is important that you choose a college that matches up with who you are. Before applying to college, make sure you know about the college and what you are looking for.
6. Meet Deadlines. Send your materials early. Bear in mind that websites often crash or are very slow in the last few days before a deadline. Last minute applications do not show good time management. 7. Request your Transcript and Recommendations be sent. Every application must have an official high school transcript. Be sure to give your teachers and counsellor plenty of time to write your recommendations. Give them the appropriate form when you have completed it. Please ensure that you fill the form in correctly (e.g. your name and address) and sign as appropriate before you give forms in. 8. Register for SAT, ACT and TOEFL Tests in time. You are responsible for registering for these tests. In China we must register on paper and the deadlines are up to two months before the SAT test.
June Request final transcript to be sent to the school you have chosen Finalise FinAid package
Summer Start packing And keep in touch. You will now be a college advisor for Dulwich and your college
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Applying to the UK The UK is a very attractive destination for higher education for a number of reasons: the range and flexibility of courses, the supportive environment, the combination of lectures and tutorials in many universities, the reputation for excellence dating back hundreds of years, lower costs and the ability for international students to work part-time. In the UK now, however, many of the leading universities have become increasingly selective and specific in the offers they make. It is important for students to research thoroughly before applying to the UK and to think carefully about the universities and the specific courses to which they choose to apply. This guide will help to support your child effectively to ensure that they make the best decisions.
What is UCAS? The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UK (UCAS) receives applications for all universities, medical schools and higher education colleges via the UCAS Apply system. Students have a unique username and login, and fill in a single online form, which UCAS will then distribute to the student’s chosen universities.
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Applying to the UK
Universities inform applicants of their decisions through UCAS. Applications are accepted between mid-September and 15th January, but students are advised to apply early. UCAS has no part in the decision process; it is merely an online tool that makes the university application process very simple.
their IGCSE and other certificates have been seen and recorded by the university counselor.
UCAS Applications – Dates and Deadlines for Year 13 Students September 15: Internal deadline for early UCAS forms – Oxford and Cambridge (Oxbridge), Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Sciences September 17: Internal deadline for registering for BMAT, ELAT, TSA, and other skills tests required for some courses at some universities October 15: Early UCAS forms final deadline October 25: Internal deadline for UCAS forms for students who are also applying to other countries November: Written work to be submitted to Oxbridge colleges; dates will vary with the college and subject November 2: BMAT, ELAT, TSA and other skills tests are held (in school) November 18: Internal deadline for UCAS forms for students who are only applying to the UK Early December: Oxbridge interviews January 15: UCAS forms final deadline
August and September: Year 13 Students begin to fill in their UCAS forms via UCAS Apply. They should ensure that
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The UCAS Process Choosing courses Choosing which course and at which university to study is the first priority for students. Unless they are interested in what they study, they will not enjoy their time and are unlikely to be successful. The prestige of attending a top university will not compensate for graduating with a low class degree.
Important points to consider: 1. The content of a course may vary widely from institution to institution, especially in subjects such as Computer Science, Business Studies or Modern Languages. 2. The structure of a course may also vary. It can be highly focused from the start, or less specialised. It may be modular. It is sometimes possible to change subjects within a course. The course may include a year abroad or an exchange programme with a term in the USA.
7. Students will have received guidance as to the type of universities to which they should apply. The total points score they achieve in all their subjects at the end of Year 12 can be a good guide, so applications should be to universities that usually make offers in these score ranges. A range of optimistic, but realistic university offers should be sought to ensure there are a number of offers from which to choose.
3. Contact time with the department is another consideration. The size of lecture groups, amount of personal supervision, number of examinations, system of assessment, number of hours of lectures a week will all affect the learning experience.
For advice and specific queries, it is often helpful for the student to contact the university directly, as their methods of selection can vary from university to university. They should get in touch with the admissions tutor for the course to which they are applying. Most email addresses are available on university websites.
4. Although universities will not have access to students’ other university choices, students can only submit one personal statement. It is not sensible to apply for a range of diverse courses.
www.ucas.ac.uk - The first stop. It has an extensive search facility, as well as entry profiles for each course.
5. Vocational courses, such as Architecture or Law, can be excellent preparation for a future career. However, many students (and employers) find that these degrees give them transferable skills for something completely different. 6. Location and size of the institution. There is a big difference between studying in a large city with a big student population
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or a university where students would be on campus a few miles from the nearest town. What are the sports facilities like? What accommodation is provided, and how expensive is it? Are your interests well represented at the university? Will it be convenient for traveling to and from home regularly?
Useful websites:
Some top universities require further tests. Information is available on UCAS at http://www.ucas.com/students/ choosingcourses/admissions/. UCAS provides a link to the test website, where you will find more information and practice papers. You can also practice some of these tests at http://www.testprep.co.uk/index.html
www.unistats.com has the results for the national student survey of courses at each university. Different universities have different strengths, so this is a valuable resource. University rankings from The Times, The Independent and The Guardian newspapers are also helpful. Another good site designed for students is the i-student advisor set of magazines. You can browse their full range of country specific and subject specific publications at http://www.i-studentadvisor.com www.educationuk.org is a website provided by the British Council specifically for international students. If you have any queries about student visas, look at the government website www.ukvisas.gov.uk/
Other useful sources of information: Many of the staff at Dulwich have studied at institutions in the UK; they are a valuable source of information. Dulwich students from the last two years are currently studying in the UK. They are a rich source of information, having just completed the process, and are usually more than happy to be contacted.
Applying Students have been provided with advice on filling in the UCAS form and writing their personal statement; a copy can be found at the back of this document. When they are satisfied with all aspects of their form and have gone through it with their tutor, they will click Pay and Send. At this stage the reference will be added to the form, and Dulwich will check the application thoroughly and then send it to UCAS. A member of staff who knows you personally writes the reference. In many cases this will be the form tutor. All your teachers contribute to this reference, providing an effective, comprehensive recommendation that best illustrates your performance in school.
Offers Students will check the progress of their application using Track at www.ucas.ac.uk, which will be updated as they receive decisions from universities and colleges. Students may not hear from certain universities for some time – even as late as early May. Every year, some students receive offers at the last minute, so no one should assume that they have been rejected if they haven’t heard anything for several months. Offers will typically be conditional on the IB Diploma results or, in the case of gap students, proof of the results. Universities can ask for particular grades in specific subjects, or may just want an overall point score. They may also frame their offer in terms of UCAS tariff points, and a conversion table can be found in this document. If students are unsure of exactly what the offer means, they should contact the relevant university admissions office. Students may also receive a rejection; some popular courses may have as many as 3000 applicants for a very small number of places. Of the offers received, two may be accepted. One will be a firm acceptance and the other an insurance acceptance. The firm acceptance should be the place to which your son or daughter wants to go; the insurance is a second choice, with a lower points offer, in case they do not meet the requirements for their firm choice.
Results In mid-July, UCAS will receive the IB Diploma results, and applicants will check on Track at www.ucas.ac.uk to see if they’ve got a place on their chosen course. If they meet all the conditions of their firm offer, they will receive confirmation that they have a place. If they come close, it is possible the university will still make an offer of a place. More information about what happens to students who do
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not meet the requirements of their firm or insurance offer will be available to students in Year 13 later in the year.
UCAS Extra If you have made 5 choices on your UCAS application but have not received any offers or have declined your offers, you will be eligible to apply through UCAS Extra. Extra is available between February and early July. You can use Track to apply for courses that still have vacancies. You can see which courses have vacancies though UCAS Course Search. With Extra, you can apply to one course at a time until you find something that is suitable and you get accepted onto the course. You should research Extra courses carefully, check each course’s entrance requirements and seek the advice of your university counselor.
Clearing Clearing is available from July to September and will help students with no university place to find suitable vacancies. Most students use Clearing once their exam results are available. You can apply through Clearing if you have already applied through UCAS and one of the following applies: You have received no offers You have declined all the offers You have not met the conditions of your offer If you are 1 or 2 points short of the conditions of your offer, your university counselor will contact the university. Some universities are more flexible than others and it depends very much on the programme of study to which you have applied. Course vacancies for Clearing are published on UCAS from mid-August until late-September.
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Advice for Students - Filling in the Form This send button will change your life… How to fill in the online UCAS form Registration. The registration process is quick and simple – all students need are their personal details and the school’s buzzword, which will be e-mailed to them at the beginning of Year 13. Once they have filled in the registration form and verified their e-mail account, they are ready to complete the rest of the form.
Personal details
miss things out, and the drop-down menus won't always correct errors. Here you'll record where you've been educated since you were 11, as well as the qualifications you've gained and those you’re currently studying for. First, enter all the Institutions you've attended, making sure you get the dates correct. If in doubt – check carefully. Clicking on "Find" and "Search" should produce your school or college and the exam centre numbers. If you took exams, make sure you say "yes" when asked if you have taken qualifications. Leave the exam centre number blank.
This section covers information about where you live, your nationality and your status for assessing your entitlement to student grants, loans and fees payment. The drop-down menus are clear enough, but here are a few things that may help:
Once you’ve made sure all your schools and colleges are listed, you can start to fill in all your qualifications to date. For most this will be IGCSEs.
Nationality: having a UK passport means you select "UK National"
Some will be double awards, which are under a different heading (IGCSE Double Award).
Residential category: if unsure, answer the questions in the help box Student support: ask if unsure Date of entry into the UK: for most this will be September in the year the university or college course begins Unique Learner Number: leave blank You must complete the disability/special needs section even if you don't have a disability; in this case, choose "none". If there is anything to identify (e.g., dyslexia), it should go in this section.
Additional information You do not need to fill in this section if you don’t live in the UK.
Education It’s a good idea to wrap up this section before completing your choices and the statement. It’s easy to make mistakes or
Include all of your results, not just the As to Cs.
Some will be short courses, again under a different heading. For exams still be to taken (IBDP), put "Pending" in the result box. Check other qualification types for LAMDA, ABRSM and other qualifications. Handy Hint: have your certificates or result slips in front of you so there’s no confusion about exam boards or dates.
Dulwich College London for an additional mock interview. Oxford and Cambridge applications must be submitted between September 1 and October 15. Note that you cannot apply to Oxford and Cambridge in the same year as an undergraduate. You will also be required to sit a Thinking Skills Assessment test (TSA).
Choices You can enter your choices in any order here; they will be automatically sorted alphabetically. Make sure you’re choosing both the correct institution and the course when you click, and pay close attention to the campus code. Occasionally, the course may be on a different site or be franchised out to another college and be miles away from the main site, potentially affecting your choice. Those intending to take a gap year and go for deferred entry (so they will start a year after they graduate from Dulwich) can identify their intentions here. Remember to outline your plans in your personal statement.
Employment This section is all about paid work, not voluntary or work experience. Voluntary work can be included in your personal statement, especially if relevant to your chosen course and career plans.
Some will have to include additional entrance tests in this section, such as BMAT or UKCAT for medicine or LNAT for law.
Oxford and Cambridge If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, be aware that you will need to attend an interview. Your school will set up mock interviews for you, and there will also be the opportunity to visit
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Personal Statement Writing your personal statement For UCAS, your statement must be up to 4000 characters (including spaces) in length. Many applications are accepted and rejected on the basis of the UCAS form alone; there is no interview. Your personal statement, therefore, is the primary opportunity for you to sell yourself to universities. It must be logical, ordered, and written in flawless U.K. English.
Getting started Work with 4 or 5 paragraphs, and be clear what you want to say in each one. Use a spider diagram or other pictorial method to sort out your ideas.
Paragraphs 1 and 2
Reasons for applying - explain your interest in the course, related academic factors or work experience, extra reading, etc. Remember that this will likely be read by a member of the faculty to which you are applying. The professor will want to be convinced that you are as interested in the subject as he or she is and that you will be a good student. Aim to show how you know you will enjoy the course. You could include things like: Whether you are studying the same (or a similar) subject for IB and what you have particularly enjoyed about this subject – what topics / texts / units / experiences you have preferred and why. You could refer to particular books or courses, field trips, websites, etc. Hobbies or members of your family may have played a role in your choice. Relating work experience, mentoring, volunteering, job-shadowing, etc. is essential if you are applying for a vocational course (Teaching, Medicine, Law). Explain what these placements
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showed you about the job and how they influenced your decision. Academic awards you may have won, especially those related to your degree subject. (e.g., First in Geography, Years 11 and 12). They want to see passion and your genuine interest in and curiosity about the course. They want to learn something about you that the rest of your application doesn’t reveal.
Paragraph 3 What kind of person are you? Mention your extra-curricular activities, with particular attention to participation in community service, sport and societies. You could include things like: Your personal interests – what have you done during after-school activities? What do you participate in outside of school? Drama? Sport? Music? Debating? Service? Positions of responsibility you have held – from Head Student to being Coach for an after-school sports team; what skills did these experiences give you? Any service trips, conferences or other ‘large’ events that you may have taken part in. Again, what did you learn from these experiences? How did they challenge you? How did you grow as a person?
Concluding paragraph A reinforcement of your reasons for applying to the course. What personal qualities do you possess that are desirable – reliability, motivation, independence, initiative, ability to work on own and with others. How might the course link to your future plans and aspirations? End on a positive note, without being cheesy! Universities receive thousands of these applications. Make yours stand out.
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SOME EXTRA TIPS Useful Vocabulary Organised Impact Improve Participate Leadership Perseverance Responsible Personal challenge Progress Independent Management Flexible
Achievements Active Initiative Encourage Self-motivation Interest Experiences Planning Create Co-operate Enthusiasm Determination
Grammar and spelling
Keep your use of language simple and clear – you don’t need to use overlycomplicated words or phrases. Be as accurate as you can. Before handing in a draft to your counsellor ALWAYS spell-check and grammar-check; your counsellor will want to spend time on helping you develop the content of your statement, not typos and basic mistakes! Remember that the default spell check is US English, so you need to be particularly careful with ~ise words that default to ~ize. Do not rely on spell check alone to proofread. Remember that you will need to write at least 3 or 4 drafts, even if your written English skills are excellent.
Reliability of Information Make sure the information you give in your statement is personal and relevant to what you want to do. Don’t just write whatever everyone else writes (it’s best NOT to look at other students’ statements, at least until the drafting process is over). Don’t lie or exaggerate about your experiences and abilities. Put a positive light on what you have done, but resist the temptation to over-do it. DO NOT PLAGIARISE your statement. This sounds obvious, but even so … UCAS has software to guard against this sort of
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thing, and they run all applications through it as they arrive. Your universities WILL be alerted to the fact that your application contains plagiarised material.
Points to cover In looking for your academic potential, universities will expect you to demonstrate that you can think, you can research a subject for yourself (i.e., you are not solely reliant on a teacher’s preparation), and that you have made the best of the opportunities you have been given. Your Extended Essay may be the perfect demonstration of this skill. Some of the other qualities you may want to demonstrate you possess include good IT skills, the ability to work as part of a team and/or independently, communication skills and presentation skills. Work experience, membership of school teams, running a society, voluntary service, leadership positions or participation in drama and music are all ways in which you can give evidence of these. What if: I want to defer entry? If you are intending to take a year off between school and higher education, you should say what you intend to do, and what you hope to get out of it – especially if you aim to spend some of your time doing something relevant to the course you’ve applied for. Make it sound like you are organising it, rather than drifting into it. I want to do a course that I haven’t studied yet? Even if your choice of degree course is not directly related to the topics you talk about, you want to show that you have enjoyed studying beyond IGCSE, and that you have gained skills in areas such as analysis and logical thinking. It is an opportunity for genuine self-reflection. Extra reading shows a commitment to your course, and is essential if you are applying for a degree in a subject that you have not yet studied – university tutors will want to be reassured you know what it is.
Avoid the following Don’t write anything artistically creative – ninety nine percent of them don’t work, and will probably encourage admissions tutors to reject you. The people who read your personal statement could be teaching you in the future, and they will be looking for someone who can express their ideas in a straightforward way. Remember, they will see hundreds of personal statements, and overblown ones can be extremely irritating.
IB Diploma Tariff points International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplloma
Don’t just list things that you’ve done, or read. State what you’ve gained from doing those things, or how you’ve followed them up. Don’t put things on your personal statement that you intend to read or do. You should be reflecting back on things you’ve already done, and saying what you’ve got out of them. Don’t just state that you have skills; show evidence of how you gained them. Don’t go on and on about extra-curricular activities – it is expected that if you went to a fee-paying school, you will have done a number of things. It is much more effective to focus on a couple of things, and write about what you’ve got out of them. Vary the start of your sentences and the structure and content that you use. Don’t start every sentence with ‘I’; it sounds conceited. Make use of your extensive vocabulary. Don’t plagiarise. Universities use computer software to search for it, so don’t use a personal statement belonging to another student, or from the internet. It should be in your own words, and if you use language you wouldn’t ordinarily use you could end up sounding confused or pompous.
Deadlines and action To ensure that teachers have enough time to write you a fantastic reference, please stick as closely to deadlines as possible. Refer back to UCAS applications – dates and deadlines for Year 13 students.
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Investigating Colleges in Canada and the US Make sure that you use College guidebooks (in the media centre) Websites College tours and college visits
College Planning Schedules When looking at schools within the US or Canada there are many factors that must be considered before making the initial decisions. There are over 4,000 colleges in the US and Canada, most of which you probably don’t know. Not only is it important to know what you want to study but you also need to know where you want to study in terms of location, school size, climate, cost, and many other factors. To find a college that matches your interests go to http://www.collegeboard. org/ and click on the search link College Search.
from places such as New York University and George Washington University blending right into the urban setting with no identifiable campus at all to campuses of 10,000 acres of forests and hills several hours from a city. Your happiness is going to depend greatly upon the environment in which you study so you must consider the actual location of schools. If being near family or friends is important, use that importance to pick out possible locations. Keep in mind that being in a small town does not mean nothing to do and being in a large city does not mean necessarily mean loads to do. Large cities can be lonely. A small college may be friendlier.
Types of Colleges Self Evaluation
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Investigating Colleges in Canada and the US
You need to take a close look at your academic record as well as your strengths, weaknesses, needs, and goals as you try to select colleges. You need to research what schools offer and how that fits with your needs. Keep in mind that what is good for one person is not necessarily good for you.
Location Urban? Suburban? Rural? Long, cold winters? Sunshine year-round? Near a city? Not a city within hours? One of the easiest ways to start narrowing your search is to consider where you want to be. You are not only selecting a school but a place to live. Campus settings range
Liberal arts colleges provide students with a breadth of knowledge and majors are usually of a more general nature (English, Psychology, Biology). They help students to become better thinkers, writers, and problem solvers. Students who know they will be going into graduate programmes often find liberal arts colleges to be good preparation. Specialised colleges are those that offer majors in one particular area. Examples of these are generally in the fields of The Arts (Julliard), Business (Bentley and Babson), or Engineering (Harvey Mudd).
Size Colleges in the US range from 24 students to 65,000 and the school size is very important as you evaluate what you want. Consider: Will you feel comfortable in a
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lecture class of 700 students? Do you prefer taking notes rather than discussing issues? Is it important for you to have a teacher know your name? If a more personalised education is your preference, then you should be looking at the smaller liberal arts colleges where a student is a name as well as a face, and the Professor may email you if you miss a lecture. Not only do you have to consider the size of the school population but you must also consider the typical class size.
Cost The annual cost of private education in the US can now exceed $55,000 per year. Public institutions currently range from $13,000-$30,000. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you are eligible for institutional-based financial aid in a combination of grant, work-study, and loans. Financial aid is sometimes needs based, which means a family has to demonstrate financial need. The financial aid for international students is severely limited and very, very competitive. Non-US citizens must select schools for which the family can provide complete financial support and documentation of complete support is required for a student visa. Some universities offer merit scholarships. It is not necessary to apply for these and they are generally offered along with the acceptance letter. These are not based on need but will generally require that the student maintain a certain Grade Point Average while at college.
Programmes of Study If you have a specific major in mind, make sure that the schools to which you apply have that programme. If you are undecided about a major, it might be a good idea to apply to schools that have a range of majors so that you can pick a major later and have some choice about what to study. If you decide to
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apply to a "specialty" school (i.e., a school that specialises in just one area, such as Business), make sure that your interest in studying that subject is strong. If you enrol in a school that specialises in Business, for example, and then decide that you don't like it, you will probably have to transfer to another college to study something else.
There are pros and cons for both. If you really know what you want in terms of a career, then a pre-professional course of study might be most beneficial for you. If you are not sure, however, a liberal arts education is an alternative route into a professional career track.
Student Diversity Schools vary greatly in terms of percentages of international students. Generally speaking, an international student might feel more comfortable in a school in which there are other international students and fewer in-State students.
On-Campus Housing It is important to consider the percentage of students who live on-campus. Many international students prefer to live on campus as it gives a feeling of "a home away from home.� If fewer than 50% of the students live on campus, or very near the college, weekend activities could be limited.
The Famous Colleges (Ivy League, etc.) Students should be wary of selecting a college based only upon its name and prestige. It must be kept in mind that at some prestigious, big name, research universities, professors may concentrate more on graduate students and research than they do on undergraduate students. You might be lectured by Teaching Assistants in a hall of 500 students.
Pre-Professionalism vs. a Liberal Arts Education Pre-professional programmes of study are designed specifically toward certain career goals. Pre-Med, pre-Law, Engineering and Business are good examples of preprofessional majors. Majors that do not lead directly to a specific career goal fall into the liberal arts category. The goal of a liberal arts education is to teach students how to think creatively and analytically, thus preparing them to pursue any career.
Freshman Satisfaction One statistic provided in most guidebooks is the percentage of freshmen who return to their college after their first year. If this is a high number, it indicates that most freshmen were satisfied with the college and were successful.
Selecting a College You should apply to 6 – 8 colleges. Some colleges may be long shots for you to get into (referred to as 'reaches'); others are in the mid-range of competitiveness (called 'targets'); and others are ones you are very likely to get into (called 'safeties'). You can determine what are 'reaches', 'targets', or 'safeties' for you by comparing your SAT scores with what the college normally accepts. This information is usually available in most college guidebooks. You should apply to: 1 or 2 selective schools that you might consider long shots (i.e.,"reaches"). 3 or 4 colleges in the mid-range of competitiveness in which you have a realistic chance of acceptance (i.e.,"targets). 1 or 2 that you feel confident will accept you (i.e.,"safeties). Also be certain that your safety school is one you wouldn't mind attending if you had to. It's important to remember that what may be a safety school for you might be a reach school for one of your friends. This categorisation varies for each person. There are no guarantees in admissions.
Compare SAT scores To determine your reaches, targets, and safeties, you should check what scores a person usually needs to get admitted. This information is available on websites and in
college handbooks. You may be tempted to automatically eliminate schools if you do not have scores that place you in that middle fifty percent band. Don't do it. One of the problems with SAT averages is that colleges use their own techniques for determining average scores. In other words, they manipulate the numbers in a way that makes them look better than they perhaps are. All colleges want to look selective and improve their ratings. It may be either easier or harder to get into a school than the scores suggest, depending upon whether and how the school has manipulated the scores.
Be Realistic! You need to realise that only the most exceptional students are accepted at Harvard, Stanford, and the other big name Ivy League Colleges. Harvard, for example, only accepts about 8% of all students who apply...and 90% of those who apply are at the top or close to the top of their high school graduating class! Be realistic about your grades, SAT scores, and the rest of your application. Be aware that there is an element of unpredictability when you apply to highly competitive schools. An exceptional student who applies to Harvard, Yale, MIT and Stanford could be successful at all four schools, but might be accepted at one, two, three or all four.
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Questions for Students to Ask a College Representative September to December is normally the time for admissions officers to make school visits and attend college fairs. At these events you should always research the college and ask intelligent questions. The person to whom you are talking may be the person who decides on your admittance or scholarship. The following are some examples of the type of questions that can be helpful in the college search. Be sure to avoid asking questions whose answers are available on the website: Do you offer a wide variety of majors, and can students easily change their course of study? How many students double major? What is the composition of the student body (e.g., from what states, how many undergraduates/graduates, male/female ratio, commuter vs. residential, racial and cultural backgrounds)? What percentage of students live on campus? Is housing guaranteed for freshmen?
The Application Process for the US Many colleges now have a great deal of information available on their websites including the ability to apply online or download applications.
What percentage of students return for sophomore year? What percentage graduates in four years? What is the academic advising system like? Do faculty members teach courses? What is the average class size? What courses are required? Can I get credit for International Baccalaureate courses I have taken? Are there opportunities for research, independent study, internships, and study abroad? What choices do students have for their extracurricular activities? What is the neighbourhood surrounding the campus like? How do the students get involved in the local community? Do you offer academic scholarships? What is the application process for scholarships? What are the characteristics of this school that make it unique?
Remember that your application will be the first thing the college sees to form an opinion about you. It should be done with care and caution. Your application is a reflection of you and you want to make a good impression.
Top 10 Tips for Completing the Application 1. Apply Online. Many colleges are now encouraging students to apply via the web. 2. Read and follow the instructions. 3. If you apply on paper, photocopy the application and complete it in draft form first. Make sure it is neat and legible. Type it if you can. 4. Keep the original (either paper or online). 5. Establish a separate file folder for each college to which you apply and keep copies of all your work and correspondence from that school. 6. If you print the information, use BLACK ink and print neatly. If you type it, be sure that the type is clear and exact. 7. Spelling must be correct - proofread your rough draft. Do not rely only on spell check to proofread your application. Admissions officers all have stories about embarrassing errors on applications from students who rely only on spell check. 8. Think about your activities before you make a massive list on the application. Keep in mind that the quality of an activity is as important as quantity. Several years of sustained involvement in the same activity is best. Try to demonstrate leadership. Don't pad your list with trivial activities.
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9. Be honest - don't exaggerate. 10. Get it checked by parents, teachers and friends. When you have completed an application, you should be able to check off each of the following items: You are aware of the deadline for submission All parts of the application are completed neatly You have made copies of your applications and all letters you’ve sent Your teacher recommendations have been written and sent The counsellor form and recommendation are completed and sent A request to send official test scores has been made to ETS and TOEFL Official transcripts of Years 10-13 high school work have been sent Application fee has been enclosed in your application Your essay has been proofread by at least 3 people You have asked your counsellor to send your mid year report Your financial aid forms have been included
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How Your Application is Evaluated School Record and Transcript (Most Important) Your transcript and predicted IBDP grades are sent off with each application. We encourage universities to look at predicted grades as the best indicator of future success.
Standardised Test Scores (SAT) Test scores are used to compare and evaluate students but they are not always the most important criteria for admission. At the same time, however, test scores are used to distinguish you from the rest of the applicants. Admissions also look for consistency between high school grades and test scores. High SAT scores with not so great school grades might send the message to admissions people that you are not putting in your best effort in school. Be sure to be rested when you take any admissions test. A little review can make you familiar with the testing format (i.e., taking the sample tests).
Are You Interesting? Colleges look for people who will bring a spark to their campus. They want people who are capable of more than just earning good grades—they want people who will add to the student life on campus. To determine how interesting you are, admissions people look at your extracurricular involvement, your essay, recommendations, and any awards and honours you have received in the past.
Recommendations Recommendations provide information about you that is not included elsewhere in the application. Teacher and counsellor recommendations can have an important bearing on your chances of success.
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Make sure that the teachers you ask for recommendations know what you have done. Tell them. Help staff to write your references. Many students send more than the required number of recommendations to Admissions officers. Some may find this irritating, while others will read whatever is sent.
the typical US high school applicant and the essay can be used to convey this difference. Even more important than what you write is how you write it. Have parents, teachers, or friends proofread and help edit your essay. Make sure, however, that you do the writing. Websites can give advice but do not plagiarise.
Activities outside the Classroom
Ask questions
Extracurricular activities often play a large role in distinguishing you from other applicants. After all, they likely have many candidates with similar test scores to yours. Avoid just listing activities. Use your activities to provide a picture of who you are. The quality of activities is much more important that the quantity. Sustained involvement over several years in one or a few activities is more important than having just joined lots of groups for shorter periods of time. Colleges especially like positions of leadership in extracurricular activities and clubs. Taking that one step further, however, you can be Head Student but, if you don’t accomplish anything while in the position, it is not nearly as valued.
If you have a question, it is good to contact the college. If e-mailing, be sure to check the spelling and grammar on your e-mails, as any contact will likely become part of your file. Write formally. Ask a teacher to check your e-mail if you need to. Talk to admission officers who visit Dulwich. Sending a letter of rejection to someone they have met and know is much harder than sending one to someone they haven’t talked to.
Essays This is the one part of the application you can control - try to do a good job. An essay permits you the opportunity to express yourself so take advantage of it. The essay is your chance to personalise yourself in a way that you cannot in the rest of the application. You are very different from
Can you pay? For non-US citizens, most colleges in the US go so far as to say that if you can’t pay your own way then you needn’t apply. Most colleges do, however, offer financial assistance to some students but their funds are limited. For some schools it is easier to get in if you can pay your own way because that means they will have funds to entice other students who would be good additions to their student body but who may not be able to afford the full cost.
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The Essay Many students dread the essay. After all, in Year 13 with already so much work to do and completing applications, who has time to write an essay? The essay is a crucial part of your application package. It allows the admissions people a chance to get to know YOU!
The Dos and Don’ts of Essay Writing DO: Allow time to think and write. Write it well. This is crucial -- a good essay involves good writing. Misspellings, incorrect punctuation, tense shifts, and inappropriately used language indicate that you couldn't care less about your application. Have many people read your work and comment on content, format and structure. Try to be interesting and specific. Be original. You want the reader to have enjoyed your essay rather than having just survived reading it. Ask for help from your parents, friends and teachers. Ask your friends to write a list of your five most salient personality traits until an image of your personality begins to emerge; consider life experiences that could illustrate your traits. Answer the question. Use imagery and be vivid. Be honest and genuine - when you are faking, it comes through. If you are writing about a role model, make sure that you talk about how this relates to you. Many Admissions officers say they are ready to admit the applicant’s grandmother, father, or other role model when they read these essays, but they know nothing about the applicant. Proofread, Proofread, Revise, Revise, Revise.
DON'T: Wait until the last minute Use vocabulary just to impress the
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reader. Be yourself in your writing. Again, the admissions people want to get a sense of YOU. Make it longer just to make it longer. Stick to the topic and to the length requirement. If you are asked to write one page, write one page. Use your essay to try to explain low grades or test scores. Tell the admissions committee what a wonderful school they have and why you will be an excellent student there. Try to be cute. Avoid using exclamation points and never add smiley faces or hearts. Put quotation marks to try to make a word "a word." Just use the right word. Put yourself in the place of the reader. Repeat information that is found elsewhere in your application. Submit extra materials ( i.e., slides and tapes) unless they are called for. If you are allowed to submit additional materials, make sure they will benefit your application and are neat and well organised. Forget that your choice of topic is not the crucial issue. It is not the topic you choose that makes an essay work, it is how you treat the topic that counts.
Use Your Essays As a Way To Express Who You Are. Suggestions on How to Begin Writing an Essay can be found at www.kas.kh.edu.tw/ Guidance/Essays.pdf Do not get you so bogged down that you just put off and put off getting an essay put together. The earlier you start the more time you will have to revise and make it better!
Testing Information Some colleges (especially in Canada) do not require the SAT.
PSAT/NMSQT Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Examination Test. This test is taken by Year 10, 11 and 12 students each October. You are strongly encouraged to take this examination as a testing experience. The PSAT/NMSQT measures verbal and reasoning abilities and produces a verbal and a maths score. It follows a similar format to the SAT and is good preparation for the SAT. Students and parents shouldn’t become overly concerned about PSAT results, as they are not submitted to colleges. The very top scores are used to determine National Merit eligibility for US citizens and permanent residents. Students register at school.
SAT I: Reasoning Test In China you must register on paper and hand your application to your counsellor. The deadline is nearly 2 months before the actual test and you do the test at school. Go to http://www.Number2.com/ for SAT practice.
SAT II: Subject Tests SAT IIs are one-hour, primarily multiplechoice tests in specific subjects. This test measures knowledge of particular subjects and the ability to apply that knowledge. Students can take up to three tests in one sitting. SAT IIs are sometimes required by the more selective US colleges. The majority of schools, however, do not require them. You register and do the test at school. Note that some tests are not available at every session. For example the Language with Listening is only available in November.
You can get the paper registration guide and practice papers from your university counsellor.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required by some universities from students for whom English is not their first language. You register online at http://www.ets.org/ toefl or http://toefl.etest.net.cn/. Even though you may be studying HL A1 English, some colleges will ask for this test score. This should be fairly easy for most Dulwich students and Dulwich recommends doing TOEFL in Year 12 to get it out the way. Some facts about college…. Colleges think that high school grades are important Colleges you have never heard of can be just as good as those you have heard of Teacher/counsellor recommendations are important Most college students get homesick Living with roommates can be a problem Freshman orientation is important Only about 50% of those who start college finish Most freshmen get lost at first Success in college requires good study habits
For test dates go to http://sat.collegeboard. org/register/sat-international-dates. The March test is not available outside the US.
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Advice from Students Take SAT I/II and TOEFL at least once in Year 12 so that they are out of the way. Don't take it easy in Year 12. Initial decisions can be made based on Year 12 grades. Start thinking about and planning your Extended Essay early. Try to participate (and lead) extra-curricular activities - they're fun and you need them.
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Glossary of Terms Advanced Placement (AP)
Deferral
College credit earned by students while still in high school. IBDP can also get you credit, especially HL courses.
A college's postponement of the decision to accept or reject an early action or early decision candidate. The applicant's file is entered in with those of Regular Action candidates and is reviewed once again, this time for a final decision.
Candidate's Reply Date Agreement (CRDA) The May 1 deadline, observed by most selective colleges, by which the applicant must respond to an offer of admissions, usually with a non-refundable deposit of several hundred dollars. Colleges that require students to respond by May 1 in almost all cases notify acceptances on or before April 15.
Certification of Finances College Board general form supplied to students from the college. This form certifies the international student's ability to pay and must be supported by a parent's statement and is commonly required for all foreign students.
The College Board (CEEB - College Entrance Examination Board) The organisation that sponsors SAT I, SAT II, Advanced Placement, and FAFH (Financial Aid Form). College Board admissions tests are developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Common Application A form produced by a consortium of over 100 Colleges (mainly selective liberal arts schools) that may be filled out and sent to member colleges in lieu of each school's individual application. This saves a lot of time.
Cooperative Education A college programme in which a student alternates between periods of full-time study and full-time employment in a related field.
Core Curriculum A group of courses all students in a college must take in order to graduate.
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Early Action A programme that gives students early notification of a college's admission decision. Like early decision, a student can only apply early action to one school but unlike early decision, it does not require a prior commitment to enrol if accepted. Early action - far less common than early decision - is primarily associated with four Ivy League schools that offer it: Brown, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. Deadlines for early-action applications are usually in the late autumn with notification in December through February.
Early Decision A programme under which a student receives early notification of a college's admissions decision and the student agrees in advance to enrol if accepted. Students may only apply early decision to one college; it should be a clear first choice. Application deadlines for early decision are usually in November with decision letters mailed by mid-December. If accepted, the student is committed to enrol. This is a binding agreement.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) The form is used by US citizens to apply for federal aid. There is no fee attached to the application that must be filed after January 3 for aid for the following year.
Financial Aid Application (Foreign Student) College Board form required of foreign students who are applying for financial aid. The college normally sends the form to
students. The form is submitted directly to the college and can be used for all colleges.
grants, loan and work-study.
Fee Waiver
A policy in which the applicant's ability to pay does not affect the college's consideration of the application.
Permission, often granted upon request, for needy students to apply for admission without having to pay the application fee.
Financial Aid Package The combination of loans, grants, and a work/study job that a school puts together for a student receiving financial aid.
Four-Year/Liberal Arts Colleges A student who is neither a US citizen nor US Permanent Resident. Also referred to as "international student�.
Foreign Student These colleges award a bachelor's degree upon completion of 4 years of full-time study and are also sometimes known as colleges of arts and sciences. The study of liberal arts is intended to develop general knowledge and reasoning ability as opposed to specific preparation for a career. They do not offer as many majors in technical or scientific disciplines as comprehensive colleges or universities.
Grant Money that is awarded to a student that does not have to be repaid. Interdisciplinary Major
Interdisciplinary Major A major that combines two complementary subjects from different fields: i.e., Biology and Psychology. Students completing these majors take courses in each area as well as courses that explicitly join the two.
Merit Scholarship A financial grant usually awarded for academic achievement or special skill in an extracurricular activity and not based upon need. Students do not apply for these; they are awarded along with the admission letter.
Need-Based Aid Money awarded solely on the basis of need. Most financial aid packages consist of a combination of three components:
Need-Blind Admissions
Private College Tuition and fees are generally higher than at public colleges.
Rolling Admissions A policy under which a college considers applications almost immediately after receiving them. Decision letters are mailed within a month of the application being filed. Colleges with rolling admissions continue to accept applicants only until the class is filled so it is best to apply early.
Semester An academic calendar that divides the year into two equal semesters with a shorter summer term. Two semesters constitute an academic year.
Teaching Assistant (TA) A graduate student who assists a professor in the presentation of a course.
Trimester An academic calendar that divides the school year into three terms of approximately equal length. Schools on the trimester system generally have one term before the winter break and two after.
Undergraduate Programmes Programmes that can be entered directly from high school. These are the programmes that lead to Associate and/ or Bachelor's degrees
Wait List A list of students who are not initially accepted but who may be depending upon some of the accepted students to withdraw their application. Most colleges ultimately accept only a fraction of the students on this list and they are notified during the summer.
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Useful Websites A Guide to the College Admission Process http://www.nacacnet.org/ publicationsresources/marketplace/ student/pages/admissionguide.aspx General websites www.collegeboard.org (US) http://www.nigo.com — a free, gigantic, student-generated guide to North American colleges for prospective applicants and their families http://www.ets.org/toefl http://www.studyusa.com http://www.edupass.org http://www.collegeprowler.com (college finder) http://www.usaeducationguides.com A thought on writing the essay or personal statement: Want to Get into Harvard? Spend More Time Staring at the Clouds: Rethinking the Role of Extracurricular Activities in College Admissions
A useful set of websites are www. i-studentglobal.com which are in magazine format and are country specific, so there is a magazine for the USA, another for Canada and so on. Personal statements /essay websites/ SATs http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/ resource/642/01/ http://www.accepted.com/grad/ personalstatement.aspx http://www.Number2.com/ for SAT practice Immigration and visas Go to this link to see a lot of resources on Immigration, Visa and Financial Aid Issues http://www.oacac.com Links to resources on Canada, USA and financial aid in Canada, USA and UK can be found here: http://www.cois.org/page.cfm?p=272
Applying to Canada The three most popular Canadian universities for Dulwich students are McGill, Toronto (U of T) and the University of British Columbia (UBC), though there is clearly a wide range of other excellent universities to choose from. The University of Waterloo, U Dub as it’s affectionately known, is an excellent school for Engineering and Maths programmes. Carleton University is renowned as an excellent school for Journalism. Students therefore need to check the full range of courses available at Canadian universities to decide what for them would be the most appropriate course. A full range of undergraduate degree programmes is offered, although students need to realise that Law and Medicine are only offered as Graduate options. SATs are not required for Canadian applications although any student applying to the US who has strong SAT scores can use them to support their application. Canadian undergraduate degree programmes are typically 4 years. All Canadian universities have strong international links, allowing study abroad options.
Application procedures will vary from university to university although in most instances this is very straightforward. Applications to Toronto will be through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) system, which will allow applications to other Ontario universities at the same time while applications to UBC and McGill are direct to the university. Students need to complete an online application form and the school will need to upload a current transcript and predicted grades letter. Students will also have to provide evidence of English proficiency. Deadlines for Canadian applications will vary from university to university and these need to be researched. Typically they fall within the range of mid January to March 1, though universities offering scholarships often have earlier deadlines for those applicants who wish to be considered. The common pattern is an earlier date for the application document and a later date for additional documentation.
http://calnewport.com/ blog/2010/02/18/want-to-get-intoharvard-spend-more-time-staringat-the-clouds-rethinking-the-role-ofextracurricular-activities-in-collegeadmissions/
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Studying in Europe There are over 4,000 educational institutions in Europe. We recommend that you visit http://www.studyineurope.eu/ to see what is available for you.
European Universities with English Tuition Most offer Business or Liberal Arts degree programmes. Application season lasts until May in many cases and the IB Diploma is all you need as an entry requirement.
American College Dublin http://www.amcd.ie Programmes focus on liberal arts core programmes.
Applying to Universities Worldwide
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Production and Visual Communication. Students can graduate with both an American and British Bachelor degree.
Degrees: BA Behavioral SciencePsychology; BA International BusinessManagement; BA International BusinessMarketing; BS Hospitality Management.
Campuses located: Los Angeles, CA; South Florida; Buckhead, Georgia; Dunwoody Georgia; Houston Texas; and London, England.
The American College Dublin is a senior college accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award diplomas and bachelor's degrees.
Has an open admissions policy and welcomes all applications for admission.
All applicants under 23 on January 1, who are Irish or EU nationals, should apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), Tower House, Eglington Street, Galway (Tel: 091 509800), www. cao.ie . The closing date for applications is February 1. Late applications may be accepted up to May 1. All non-EU students should download the application form from the website. There is an application fee of ¤60.
American Intercontinental University, London http://www.aiulondon.ac.uk American Inter Continental University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees. Undergraduate degree programmes in Business Administration, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Interior Design, Media
American University in Bulgaria http://www.aubg.bg Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria AUBG offers an American-style liberal arts education There are nine major and ten minor programs taught at AUBG.
The American College of Greece www.acg.edu 28 programmes to choose from American style education and application
American University of Rome http://www.aur.edu/americanuniversity-rome/ The American University of Rome is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award associates and bachelor’s degrees. The American University of Rome is a private, independent American institution of higher education in Rome committed to offering liberal studies and
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professional courses in an international environment that promotes cross-cultural understanding. The university offers American degree programs primarily to undergraduate students.
The American University of Paris http://www.amcd.ie You can graduate from AUP with one of two degrees, depending on your area of focus: either the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), if you major in the humanities, economics, or business administration; or the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), if you major in computer science or applied economics Has American accreditation
BI Norwegian School of Management http://www.bi.edu Oslo, Norway One of the largest business schools in Europe with over 22,000 students.
Bocconi, Milan http://www.unibocconi.eu 3 year Bachelor programme in International Economics, Management & Finance Sat or ACT or local test required Over 2,500 international students enroll every year
Carl Benz School of Engineering http://www.carlbenzschool.de Germany Mechanical Engineering Program
Delft University of Technology http://www.tudelft.nl
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Requires IB diploma with Math HL and Physics HL. American HS Diploma with SATII Math 2C and Physics.
Erasmus University Rotterdam http://www.eur.nl/english/bachelor/bsa/ The Netherlands Bachelor degree in International Business Administration Currently about 1500 international students The university concentrates its expertise on issues of management, organization and policy in the public and private sectors, as well as the fields of sickness and health care Education and research in three domains in which the university has a national and international reputation: Economics and Management; Medicine and Health Science; Law, Culture and Society. Public, suburban, independent, coeducational Approximately 1,100 students, 50% international; International admit rate: 57% 3 year Bachelor of Science degree: BS in International Business Administration Requires an IB diploma, proficiency in Math (Math SL/HL), proficiency in English and a letter of motivation. EAA Nationals: tuition fee reimbursements of approximately 50% of tuition. Emphasis on learning additional languages.
TU Delft offers three-year Bachelor (BSc) programs, focusing on mathematics, mechanics and physics.
European Business School http://www.ebs.edu
The Bachelor programs are taught in Dutch, except for Aerospace Engineering, which is taught in both Dutch and English.
Offers programs in Bachelors of General Management and Bachelor of European Management.
Public, urban, independent, coeducational
Private university located in Germany.
Approximately 1200 students, 20% international
Modular program of studies.
European University Centre for Management Studies http://www.euruni.edi Barcelona, Spain EU offers the traditional programs of Bachelor and Master of Business Administration (BBA & MBA), and also the possibility to specialize in 10 different fields of management education, for example: Communication and Public Relations, Information Systems Management, Wealth Management, Sports Management and Finance-Banking & Corporate Finance. The first goal of EU is to bring the American education model to Europe by relating classroom theory to professional skills. The second goal of EU is to internationalize its programs by providing a unique environment. An international perspective is guaranteed by the composition of the faculty and student body. The courses are taught in English using the case study method to prevent business theory from remaining abstract and incomprehensible.
Franklin College of Switzerland, Lugano http://www.fc.edu Bachelor of Arts in various programs Learning across a broad spectrum of human knowledge forms the basis of the Bachelor of Arts core curriculum at Franklin. Core studies begin with an interdisciplinary Seminar designed to explore contemporary issues through the use of classic texts. An integral part of the Franklin College curriculum is the Academic Travel Program. More than in any other part of the College's curriculum, the Travel Program encourages students to learn by experience. Bachelors of Arts degree programs include: Art History, European Studies,
History and Literature, International Banking and Finance, International Communications, International Economics, International Management, International Relations, Literature, Modern Languages (French and Italian), and Visual and Communication Arts. Combined studies are available.
Geneva International University http:///www.iun.ch Switzerland Offers Bachelor programmes in Media & Communications, International Relations & BBA
Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations – University Institute http://www.genevadiplomacy.com GSD is a private university, currently with a campus in the domaine de Penthes. The student body is comprised of more than 30 nationalities. GSD offers internationally recognised Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (BA), Master of International Relations (MIR), Executive Master of International Relations (EMIR), and Doctor of International Relations (DIR) degrees. Among the many advantages of studying at GSD are the following: The university, being at the heart of the most diplomatic neighbourhood, makes GSD the perfect location for students studying international relations or seeking to build a career in diplomacy and related fields Classes are small and interactive The academic year is divided into four 10-weeks terms with flexible entry dates Professors, mostly active professionals, are highly qualified academically (Former Presidents, Ambassadors, UN Officials, etc.)
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GSD is located in the heart of a beautiful and safe Swiss environment that blends intellectual and cultural stimulation
Private, suburban, independent, coeducational
GSD recognizes and accepts the transfer of credits from other qualified institutions and universities
Requirements: IB diploma; SAT; SAT II (recommended)
Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki and Mekkeli Campus http://www.hse.fi/EN/frontpage Largest leading business school in Finland Two 3-year Bachelor’s programs offered in Business Technology and Business Administration (International Business)
Herning Institute of Business Administration and Technology http://www.hih.dk 1,500 full time students. Current international study programs include: BS of Engineering in Global Management and Manufacturing
English language university with American style curriculum Highly selective. On campus housing available.
International University of Geneva http://www.iun.ch Accredited undergraduate and graduate programs in Business Administration (BBA, MBA), International Relations (BA), and in Media and Communication (BA, MA). The International University in Geneva seeks a diverse student body and encourages applications from around the world.
An English language university offering degrees in business The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at IUM is specifically designed to encompass all areas of business studies. It includes a series of interdisciplinary courses in management, marketing, finance, accounting, strategy, economics, and quantitative analysis. The Bachelor of Arts in Business and e-Commerce has been tailored to provide a comprehensive education in business adapted to modern trends in technology. The International University of Monaco is accredited in the United States of America by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award bachelor and master degrees. ACICS
BS International Management
Admission to the University is competitive and emphasizes the applicant’s previous academic performance and intellectual capacity. Applications.
BS in International Communications and Multimedia
International University of Germany http://www.i-u.de
Huron University – USA in London www.huron.ac.uk
Offers a small number of Bachelor programmes including International Management & Political Studies
The International University in Germany is an English language institution that strives for academic excellence in Information Technology and Business Administration.
Groningen University http://www.rug.nl/internationalstudents The Netherlands
BS of Engineering in Interactive Media Development
American style liberal arts education with American accreditation Degrees in Business Administration, Internet Computing, International Relations, Humanities, Studio Art, Art History and Communications. 250+ students
International University of Bremen http://www.iu-bremen.de Germany IUB offers accredited degree programs in engineering, the natural humanities and social sciences.
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650 undergrads; 450 graduate; 91 nationalities; 70% international
International University of Monaco http://www.monaco.edu
While the course structure is grounded in the Anglo-American tradition, the university seeks to achieve an international reputation based on its close contacts to German companies and through its European orientation. Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (Information Technology), Bachelor of Business Administration (International Management), Bachelor of International Communications (International Management)
250 undergraduates, 85% international
Grenoble University, France http://www.grenoble-universities.fr
Business & Management, Business for Emerging Markets, Marketing & Management, Communication & Media, Finance & Control Over 1000 international students out of a student body of 38000 Tuition fees of 7,400 euros pa
IE University, Segovia http://www.ie.edu/university 7 bachelor programmes, including BBA, LLB, Communication, Architecture, Psychology & Tourism IE Business School particularly well regarded Core courses include Business Management, Humanities & Ethics 70% of students are non-Spanish Rolling admission process – can apply any time of the year Interview required – can be by Skype SAT or ACT or local test required
International University of Vienna http://www.iuvienna.edu Undergraduate programs in Business Administration and Diplomatic Studies Academic programs are based on the American liberal arts education system providing a well-rounded education and broad base of knowledge for any profession.
Offers a wide range of Bachelor degree programmes including American Studies, Business Administration, Economics, English language & Culture, International & European Law, International Relations, Global Health & Psychology
Jacobs University, Bremen http://www.jacobs-university.de
3,500 international students in a student body of 27,500
1200 students, 75% international
Offers programmes in science & engineering, humanities & social sciences, systems & management tuition fee for 2 semesters is 20,000 euros
HU University Utrecht http://www.international.hu.nl The Netherlands
John Cabot University, Rome http://www.johncabot.edu
International Bachelor degrees in
American Liberal Arts University in Italy
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Offers a wide range of majors including Art History, Business Administration, Classical Studies, History, International Affairs
Jonkoping University: Jonkoping International Business School http://www.jibs.se Sweden Three year Bachelor Programs in English: International Management, Business and IT Management, International Economics and Policy. Academic education on the bachelor level in Sweden is subsidised by the government and therefore tuition free for all students. Students pay for housing, literature and other living expenses. Students from outside the EU must obtain a student visa, where they must show that they can afford their expenses during their studies in Sweden.
LaSalle University http://www.lasalleuniversities.net Barcelona Offers international Bachelor’s Degree programs focusing on business skills combined with a rigorous academic program with practical application. Specialisations: Bachelor’s of Business Administration, Bachelor’s of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor’s of Business in International Relations, and Bachelor’s of Business in Sports Management.
Leiden University College the Hague http://www.lucthehague.nl Offers Bachelor degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences
Maastricht University http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/sbe The Netherlands Business and Economic Programs
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Marist College http://www.marist.edu/italy Florence, Italy Marist College is a four-year liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, NY. Four Bachelor’s degree programs are currently offered on the Italian campus: Professional Studies in Fashion Design, Fine Art/Art History, Fine Arts/Studio Art and English/Theatre Concentration.
Modul Vienna University admission@modul.ac.at Austria Bachelor of Science in International Management Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Paris School of Business http://www.psb-edu.com Offers a BBA programme 3 intakes: September, January & May
Politecnico di Milano This is one of the oldest universities in Milan and a flagship institution for science, engineering and architecture, which lays claim to a Nobel prize winner.
Regent’s College, London http://www.regents.ac.uk Includes: British American College London, European Business School London, Regent’s Business School London, 2 systems, 6 colleges On campus facilities: library, IT, language labs, bookshop, dorms (only 250 slots, cannot guarantee housing) European Business College: 6 majors, all 3 1/2 years, includes extensive work service (36 weeks), must take one or two languages with business major, 100% employment rate within 6
months, 800+ students Regent’s Business School: International business with 4 degrees, no language or work service required; 400 undergrad; 90% international; Main subjects: international marketing, international finance/accounting, international business, international business with design management, international management, law; 3 years full time degree programs British American College: 400+ students, 4 year BA degree from Webster University St. Louis, 7 majors, apply directly not through UCAS, 5 study abroad locations.
Richmond, the American International University http://www.richmond.ac.uk London 1,100 students; 70% international; 2 campus locations private, urban, independent, coeducational US and British accreditation Credit for IB International internship programmes; study abroad center (Italy) Bachelor of Arts and Science Degrees offered: Art Design & Media, Art History, Business Administration, Communication, Computing, Economics, History, International Relations, Literature, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Systems Engineering & Management, and Theatre Arts.
Saint Louis University http://spain.slu.edu Spain Can choose from six 4-year degree programmes: International Business, International Relations, Economics, English, Communication and Spanish.
All courses completed on the Madrid campus. More than 55 majors, such as engineering, computer science and psychology, can be started on the Madrid campus (4-5 semesters) and completed on the St. Louis campus.
State University of New York, Empire State College http://www.unyp.cz Prague Over 500 students working towards an American bachelor’s degree. IB credit of up to 30 semester credits. Bachelor degree programmes are dualdegree: American degree from SUNY Empire State College and an accredited Czech bachelor’s degree from UNYP.
Sciences Po, France http://www.sciences.po.fr 3 year undergraduate programme with one compulsory year abroad at partner uni; 7 campuses in France each with a distinct geographical focus e.g., Europe-Africa hub at St.Germain des Pres, Europe-North America campus in Reims core undergrad social science programme includes political science, economics, history, law, sociology & international relations dual BA with Columbia classes offered in 17 languages 10,000 students, 40% non-French
Tilburg University, the Netherlands http://www.tillburguniversity.edu offers a range of international Bachelors programmes including Economics, Econometrics, IBA & Liberal Arts & Sciences, Global Law over 1000 international students in a student body of 13000
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Université IFM – Institute de Finance et Management http://www.universiteifm.com Geneva Private, urban, independent, coeducational
Bachelor programme in Communication & Entertainment Bachelor programme in Business Administration
English and French programmes
University of Navarra http://www.unav.es/futurosalumnos Spain
3 year programmes
Business programmes in English
100 undergrads; 45% international
Degrees in Business Administration, Business, Finance, Communications and Marketing, International Relations.
University of Bocconi http:// www.unibocconi.it Bocconi is a business and economics university. Its undergraduate courses are structured around 9 three-year degree programmes. Classes are generally held in Italian, with the exception of the Degree in International Economics and Management and Business Administration, where courses are taught in English
University of Business and International Studies http://www.ubis-geneva.ch Offers 3 undergraduate programmes: Business Administration, International Relation and Media and Communications Seeking accreditation
Vesalius College – Vrije Universiteit Brussels http://www.christusrex.org Programmes: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Engineering Science, divided among 15 majors and 14 minors Combines the advantages of an American-style liberal arts college with the extensive facilities of a major European university
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University of Monaco
University of Utrecht & University College Utrecht www.uu.nl/ucu The Netherlands 3 International Bachelor programmes at UU including Economics Liberal Arts & Sciences at UCU 2000 international students out of 28000 at UU 50% of UCU students are international
Webster University http://www.webster.edu American curriculum in six international settings: Austria, Bermuda, China, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Thailand, UK. Search Webster web site by clicking on Campuses link. Geneva: 450 undergrads; 90% international; Credit for IB; Campus housing available; Limited scholarships based on academic merit and demonstrated need.
Applying to Korea and Singapore
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Applying to Korea
Admissions decisions are based on the candidate’s academic achievements and potential, as well as his or her personal accomplishments. The admissions committee reviews a number of factors – records of past studies, such as Grade Point Average (GPA), study plan, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Other achievement records and specific qualifications, such as language proficiency, are also taken into consideration. The candidate’s application is reviewed in the context of the level of studies completed, quality of achievements, and characteristics of institutions attended. Finally, the appropriateness of the applicant’s
academic goals and the suitability of preparation for the proposed programme of studies are assessed. Interviews, examinations, and/or additional documents may be required for the applicant, based on the policy of the specific college or department. If the applicant is applying to the College of Fine Arts, the College of Music, the Department of Physical Education or the Fine Arts Education Major, the applicant will be notified individually, as necessary. If you plan to study in Korea, you should make an appointment to discuss your options with the Korean University Advisor assigned to your school.
Applying to Hong Kong
Three of Hong Kong’s universities, HKU, HKUS&T and the Chinese University of HK, are regularly ranked amongst the World top 50 universities and therefore tend to attract most applications from Dulwich students. Other HK universities, however, may also offer courses that are either unique to that university or of a particularly high standing: for example, the Hong Kong Polytechnic Faculty of Construction & Environment, Faculty of Design and School of Hotel & Tourism Management may well be the best places in HK to study these particular specialisms.
need to meet a late December deadline for HKU, and in January for HKUST and the Chinese University of HK. Most Hong Kong applications need to be completed by the end of December, though there may be individual variation, which needs to be researched. HKU has recently moved to a 4-year degree programme that includes elements of a common core curriculum, which makes up 22.5% of total credits required. This is very much on the model of what is offered by Singapore universities. HKU also offers an excellent range of summer programmes.
Students therefore need to check the full range of courses available at HK universities to decide what for them would be the most appropriate course and not simply rely upon overall rankings.
HKUST has also moved to a 4-year degree programme with common core elements and offers an early and regular deadline for admissions.
A major advantage of applying to HK is that HK universities offer a full range of undergraduate degree programmes, including Law, Medicine and Engineering, as in the UK.
Most Hong Kong applications need to be completed by the end of December, though there may be individual variation, which needs to be researched. All HK universities have strong international links allowing study abroad options.
The application procedure is similar to that for the UK although each university requires a separate application. Students will complete an online application form, provide a personal statement and the school will need to upload a current transcript and school reference. Students who have applied to the UK can adapt the details of their UK application to meet HK requirements.
Before making an application students need to talk to their school university counselor for detailed advice on individual applications. And, because these are nearby universities, it is very likely that their representatives will be visiting the school or the city at some point in the year. This is another excellent source of information.
HKU offers a fast track admission deadline of early November. Regular applications
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Applying to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore
Universities in Australia The university year begins in March and ends in November.
Group of 8 or Go8 universities University of Melbourne The Australian National University University of Sydney University of New South Wales Monash University – see Singapore University of Queensland University of Western Australia University of Adelaide University of Technology Sydney
Tertiary Admissions Centres The South Australia Tertiary Admissions Centre for applications to the University of Adelaide – www.satac.edu.au Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre for applications to the University of Queensland – www.qtac.edu.au Victoria Tertiary Admissions Centre for applications to the University of Melbourne and Monash University – www.vtac.edu.au University Admissions Centre for applications to the Australian National University, the University of Sydney and the University of New South Wales – www.uac.edu.au Tertiary Admissions Service Centre for
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applications to the University of Western Australia – www.tisc.edu.au
International English Language Test System – IELTS Most universities will require a band score of 6 or 7 for students whose first language is not English. In addition to a university requirement, this is also a visa condition.
Accept offer with the minimum payment
Universities in New Zealand
The universities generally like prospective students to call the admissions officer after the application has been submitted to arrange a visit, an informal chat or any other clarification.
To apply to New Zealand, you need to contact the university directly.
There are also many polytechnics and art institutes, foreign universities and institutes.
Apply for visa and accommodation
University of Auckland AUT
Structure of Basic Undergraduate Courses Bachelor degree – 3 year undergraduate programme Bachelor degree with Honours – 4 year programme in which you would present a thesis through coursework or research in the final year Double degree – 5 year programme. Study within 2 faculties; for example, Bachelor of Law and Science
Application Process for Australia Apply after you receive your results so you can be sure of eligibility for courses Register with the appropriate State Tertiary Admission Centre Complete the IELTS if required Apply online You will receive an acknowledgement letter from the State Tertiary Admissions Centre with an application number You will receive an offer within 3-4 weeks
Massey University University of Canterbury University of Otago Victoria University of Wellington NMIT
Universities in Singapore If you are applying to Singapore, you will likely consider the following universities: NUS (National University of Singapore) NTU (Nanyang Technological University) SMU (Singapore Management University) SIM (Singapore Institute of Management University) Monash University, Australia, has a large campus in Singapore. This allows students to spend a semester in Australia while being primarily based in Singapore. The application process is done directly with the respective universities and with the actual results.
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Applying to South Africa
Public universities in South Africa are divided into three types: traditional universities, which offer theoretical university degrees; universities of technology, which offer vocational diplomas and degrees; and comprehensive universities, which offer a combination of both types of qualification.
The Application Process
If you are planning to go to South Africa, you will probably be looking at the following Public universities:
Applications open in April of Year 13 and run until the end of September for entry to the following academic year, which runs from February – December.
University of Cape Town University of Stellenbosch (Tuition in English and Afrikaans) University of Witwatersand University of Pretoria University of the Free State University of Limpopo North-West University
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You will probably be required to write the National Benchmark Test. For more information, see http://nbt.uct.ac.za/ We recommend that you visit the university websites for full instructions on the application process.