College Application Kick-off Event for Y12
Last Friday afternoon, led by the University and College Counselling Department, our school held the annual College Application Kick-off Event, marking the beginning of the university application preparation for the Class of 2025.
The launch event consisted of three parts. The main part was led by Mr. Mark Coyle, Head of the University Counselling Department, and Ms Serena Shi, University and Careers Counsellor, who provided a comprehensive introduction to the university application process and application plans to our students and their parents. They also shared the latest admission results of the Class of 2024 - with over 250 offers already across the world despite it being so early in the admission year.
The presentation showed parents how the admissions officers in different countries will judge the students’ applications. Parents got to know the importance of grades, external AS results as well as positive relationships with teachers and a strong list of activities. The details of applying early were discussed by many parents – with the increased chances of admission for all students but also the increased scholarships available to the art students.
In the second part, each counsellor had face-to-face communication with their students and parents. During the coming months each family will meet one-to-one with the Counselling department to explore the ‘best fit’ courses and universities for each child. The students will also have extensive teaching in Lifeskills classes to help them research and prepare for the applications. “Each family has a slightly different situation, and it is vital to have these meetings to understand the personal aims, family objectives and student goals”, said Mr Coyle.
The third part was specifically designed for students who would apply for visual and performing arts and led by our art and music teachers. These sessions gave pertinent details of how to prepare for portfolios and gave advice for students thinking of these pathways. The importance of the portfolio – along with normal grades – was discussed but also the differences in art schools in the UK and US and the types of careers that students taking Art obtain.
The Counselling Department offered the following advice to the Class of 2025:
- Stay focused on the school studies and work hard to prepare for the AS exams
- Begin researching universities and colleges
- Communicate with counselors promptly regarding any questions about studying and university applications
- Make efficient use of school holidays before the application season starts
- Discuss CCA choices, engage in extracurricular activities with a focus on your passion, join the international competions and conferences
- Make good plans about the English language and standardized tests
- Prepare early and submit your applications early
We hope that every student will take our advice seriously and take action accordingly. In a year’s time, we wish everyone the best of luck and receiving offers from their dream university.
Please click here to download our University and College Counselling Handbook
