College Admissions Information Night

1. College Admissions Information Night Kim Cullen, Guidance Counselor Monday, February 1, 2010

2. Guidance Office/College Counseling Kim Cullen Upper School Guidance and College Counselor kimcullen@asmadrid.org Anna Pointing Upper School Guidance Secretary, CAS Coordinator UCAS support annapointing@asmadrid.org Juan Ortiz Director Técnico (Selectividad, LOGSE) juanortiz@asmadrid.org

3. The goal As a college-preparatory school ASM Guidance Office focuses on helping to identify those colleges or universities that most closely match the individual student’s interests, needs, abilities, and potential.

4. Guidance Office • Assists students and parents to develop a reasonable list of colleges, based on student’s interests, needs, abilities, and potential. • Assists students through the college application process: transcripts, records, recommendations, essays. • Coordinates standardized testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT). • Advocates for the student, through the recommendation letter, and ongoing contact with the colleges and universities. • Serves as a sounding board for both parents and students when questions or concerns arise through the application process.

5. Purpose of tonight’s presentation • Preview the college admissions process • Get students to start thinking about where you might like to go to college, and what you might like to study • Encourage parents and students to begin working with the Guidance Office on college-career plans • Answer questions

6. The importance of “fit” The degree to which the student and their choice of university “match” is crucial. From US News & World Report (Hallet, 2008): You don't need to be a math whiz to solve this one: Who has better odds of gaining acceptance at the college that's the best match, the kid who applies to 25 schools indiscriminately or the one who applies to a carefully whittled-down list of seven? And just to keep a sense of perspective (in case you're friends with that first kid), according to the Higher Education Research Institute's most recent survey of freshmen, only 2.4 percent of students applied to 12 or more schools. Finding the right fit will enable you to flourish.

7. Self-Assessment • It is recommended that students “schedule an extra hour of homework a week, starting in (their) junior year, to look over websites and virtual tours to get a sense of different kinds of schools. “ • Don’t equate recognition with quality or fit. Consider some of the following…

8. Know Thyself • Do you want to go to College? • Why? • What do you hope to gain – personally and professionally? • How do you learn best? • Do you want to study anything that requires special facilities or programs? • What are your extracurricular interests/needs?

9. Characteristics of US Colleges: types University vs. College (larger research based institution with both undergraduate and graduate programs versus smaller undergraduate institution) Liberal Arts College (general knowledge and intellectual skills versus professional skills) Junior College (2 year college, leading to an Associate’s Degree versus a 4-year college, leading to a Bachelor’s Degree – in Spain: diplomatura versus licenciatura)

10. Characteristics of US Colleges: types Engineering or Technical College (those that focus on scientific or technical professional programs) Specialty Schools (for example): • Nursing • Military • Hotel Administration/Tourism • Business Special interest groups (Historically Black Colleges & Universities; single sex schools)

11. Characteristics: size • Small: usually under 2,500 students • Medium: generally 2,500 to 10,000 students • Large: any campus over 10,000 students.

12. Characteristics: selectivity When choosing where to apply, you must face the toughest question of all: Will the college choose you? Assess your own academic record and the colleges statistics

13. Characteristics: selectivity Most Competitive: • Accepted students have an “A” average • SAT scores between 625 and 800 • Admissions rates under 25% (appx. 70) Source: Naviance Counselor Connection, 2010

14. Characteristics: selectivity Highly Competitive: • Accepted students have a “B+” to “A” average in most difficult classes • SAT scores between 575 and 625 • Admissions rates between 25% and 50% (over 300) Source: Naviance Counselor Connection, 2010

15. Characteristics: selectivity Very Competitive: • Accepted students generally do not have lower than a B- in any course • SAT scores between 525 and 575 • Admissions rates between 50% and 75% (over 850) • Competitive, Less Competitive, and Non-Competitive

16. The College Search Process Catalogs in Guidance Office Advantage: compare and contrast schools Disadvantage: printed books can become outdated quickly Online www.asmadrid.org/guests/departments/guidance/guidance_home.htm www.collegeboard.com www.princetonreview.com www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex_brief.php www.petersons.com https://connection.naviance.com

17. The College Search Process Alumni Network College Connections Program • Allows ASM student to contact ASM alumni at many different colleges and learn more from the unique perspective of the ASM graduate. • http://www.asmadrid.org/alumni/subpages/programs.htm#COLLEGE_CONNECTION_PROGRAM College Q&A Alumni Panel Program

18. The College Search Process College Visits Visits to ASM from college representatives Students should attend as many of these as possible. Visits to college campuses Students who have the opportunity to visit a campus have a much better idea of the kind of school they want. There are organizations that offer tours, such as The Princeton Review, and www.College-Visits.com, www.tscollegetours.com* Virtual Tours www.campustours.com free online www.ecampustours.com free online www.collegiatechoice.com(walking tours, 15$ per video)

19. Where to apply? • United States • Flexible education that allows you to decide as you go • Outstanding educational opportunities at all degree levels • Financial aid is readily available • Common application (1 application for many) – www.commonapp.org • Spain • Students must pass either the IB diploma or the Selectividad exam • Public university options are reputable and inexpensive • UK • More “European” in approach • A great option for European citizens who wish to continue their studies in English – less expensive than US • Common application (1 application for all) – www.ucas.com

20. Where to apply? • Canada • Very strong education system comparable to the US • Significantly less expensive than US schools • American Colleges Overseas • College that use the American style of education with locations all over the world. • Offer either full degree programs or 2 year bridge programs • Other options • Some students go back to their home country (Japan, Korea, Sweden, The Netherlands, India) • Some students want something different – e.g. veterinary school in Hungary • ASM will work with these students individually, as needed.

21. Where to apply? It is important to give yourself options. Guidance goal – to help students be in a position where they can choose. Students need to research schools that span the range of possibility: • “Reach” Schools • “Probable” Schools • “Prudent” or Likely Schools (formerly “safety”)

22. Where to apply? “Reach” Schools Colleges where your chances of admission are less than 50/50 “Probable” Schools Colleges that possess the significant features you desire and at which the probability of admission is 50/50 or better “Prudent” or Likely Schools (formerly “safety”) Colleges that have most of the features you desire and at which the probability of admission is “highly likely” to “certain”. It is important that you would be willing to attend one of these schools.

23. Where to apply? How many? ASM average: 6 Range: 1-18 Optimum: max 10 It is recommended that you apply to +/- 3 in each of the following categories: “Reach” (2-3) “Probable” (4-5) “Prudent/Likely” (2-3)

24. Creating the college list • Once you have done your research, you’ll most likely find that a number of schools meet your needs and interests. You may have a top choice or two, but chances are, there will be a group of schools that will “fit the bill”.

25. What do colleges look at? Transcript • Quality of student’s course selection • Quality of high school program • Semester grades and grade point average Standardized test scores (if applicable) • How they compare with the typical profile of accepted students Recommendation letters • Typically English/Math, also Humanities/Science Short answers and essays • Activities and interests • How a student presents him/herself

26. Standardized Testing – the tests (US) Standardized testing is an important factor in admission of using new procedures at most colleges and universities, however, they generally count less than the curriculum and grades. SAT Reasoning: Measures aptitude and potential SAT Subject: Many schools require three SAT Subject tests: English or science, Math Level I or II and a 3rd of your choice ACT: Measures actual learned knowledge TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language – required of international students by a large number of universities

27. Standardized Testing – Which test? Different philosophies: • Some colleges have made standardized testing optional (Bates, Bowdoin, Dennison, Dickinson, Drew, Franklin and Marshall, Goucher, Guilford, Lake Forest, U Miami, Mount Holyoke, Providence, Saint John’s, Union). • Some will not require SAT or ACT if you submit SAT Subject Tests (Connecticut College, Hamilton College, Middlebury College). • Most schools will give you a choice: SAT or ACT. • Some scholarship programs will require specific SAT or ACT. For more information on which schools have made SAT/ACT optional, see www.fairtest.org/university/optional.

28. Standardized Testing – Which test? Remember: SAT Reasoning measures aptitude ACT measures acquired knowledge • Many students who do not “test well” on standardized exams may do better on the ACT. • Compare school success with success on the SAT. If you are an A student but scoring in the lower 500s on the SAT, you might consider taking the ACT as well. • Take both and choose.

29. Standardized Testing – the TOEFL A note about the TOEFL: Increasingly, the more competitive universities will want international students to take the TOEFL no matter what; independently of whether the student has studied in an English-language school since kindergarten, or whether the student is in IB HL English. Students are encouraged to take the TOEFL before the end of 11th grade. This will take off some of the pressure in 12th grade.

30. Standardized Testing – SAT Prep? Should you take an SAT Preparation course? Consider the following: • Is the SAT optional? • How competitive is the university? • How did you do on the PSAT? Add a “0” to your PSAT score to get a rough idea of how you would do on the SAT 50/50/50 on the PSAT would be more or less equivalent to 500/500/500 on the SAT Several options: • ASM-based SAT Prep course – Alpha Review • Spring session leads to May exam. • Fall session is intensive and leads to October exam. • Outside SAT Prep course – e.g. Kaplan, private tutoring

31. Standardized Testing – the tests (US) 11th grade: ACT with Writing* – April 10, 2010 SAT Reasoning – May 1, 2010 SAT Subject – June 5, 2010 TOEFL: offered monthly – take before end 11th grade 12th grade: SAT Reasoning – October 9, 2010 SAT Subject – November 6, 2010 SAT– Dec 4, 2010/Jan 22, 2011 SAT – May 7/June 4, 2011 ACT with Writing – December 2010 TOEFL: monthly * You can take the ACT without writing, but if you will likely be submitting only the ACT and not the SAT, you should plan to take the ACT with Writing.

32. Final note on standardized testing HOW MANY TIMES CAN I TAKE THE SAT? No more than 4 times, typically 2 Reasoning tests and 3 different Subject tests taken only once each. WHICH SCORES WILL THE COLLEGES SEE? Default: All scores for all sittings are sent, and colleges will pick the highest in each sitting for each subject area e.g. May 09 590 CR 650 M 630 Wr Oct 09 650 CR 620 M 680 Wr NEW since Mar 09: Score Choice: Allows you to select the scores from a particular sitting e.g. May 09 590 CR 650 M 630 Wr Oct 09 650 CR 620 M 680 Wr

33. An important (side)note USE YOUR FORMAL NAME ON ALL STANDARDIZED TESTING AND APPLICATIONS SO AS TO AVOID CONFUSION LATER ON: e.g. Kimberly Cullen vsKim Cullen ESTABLISH AN EMAIL ACCOUNT FOR COLLEGE-RELATED THINGS Avoid using accounts like wonderwomanforever@... or iscreamforicecream@... KEEP IT SIMPLE: kimcullen@asmadrid.org

34. Admissions Plans - USA Early Decision • BINDING agreement between the student and school. Students admitted under this plan are obligated to attend and MUST withdraw all other applications. Decisions issued mid December. Early Action/Priority • This is a non-binding plan which allows students to keep other applications active. Decisions issued 4 to 6 weeks after submission of application. Regular Decision • Most common plan. Admissions decisions are generally issued end March/early April. Rolling Admission: • Universities will accept applications at any time and will review candidates based on space available. Admissions decisions are generally issued 6 to 8 weeks after receipt of application.

35. Financial Aid - USA Financial Aid is money for education that comes from sources other than the family. It is meant to supplement what the family can contribute. • Merit/Based • Aid given to a student in form of grants and scholarships and is typically based on performance/talent. • Need/Based • Aid made available to families who cannot pay all of the post-secondary education costs on their own. Frequently includes loans and work-study opportunities.

36. Financial Aid - USA • For U.S. universities, Federal Financial Aid is available to U.S. Citizens and green card holders. • The important forms are: • The FASFA (Free form for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.ed.gov • CSS/Profile www.collegeboard.com • Applications for Financial Aid for students attending university in fall 2011 can be filed no earlier than January 1, 2011. • U.S. Federal Tax return (1040) is required for financial aid.

37. International Financial Support - USA • Financial aid for international students is not as readily available, but it is not impossible. • International students apply for aid directly to the college/university. • International applicants must demonstrate their ability to pay all tuition, fees and living expenses for the first year of study. • If you require financial aid – go where the money is. • For more information on financial aid for international students, see ASM’s Guidance website.

38. Financial Aid - Resources www.finaid.org www.edupass.org www.fastweb.com www.fafsa.gov

39. British Universities Great option for European Citizens • Costs: As a EU Citizen, tuition & fees are equal to those of British citizens. • Proximity: Most British Universities are easily accessible by rail or bus to international airports.

40. UCAS What is UCAS? • University and Colleges Admission Service: The central application service for full-time undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom. • All students applying to the UK must apply via UCAS www.ucas.com • UCAS allows students to apply to 5 different universities or programs with a single application.

41. Oxbridge → Oxford and Cambridge • Application Deadline: • October 15th: Deadline for applications to Oxford or Cambridge. • Students apply to Oxford or Cambridge through UCAS. In addition, • Oxford applicants must fill out a separate Oxford application card. • Cambridge applicants need to fill out a Preliminary application form. • Students may not apply to both Oxford and Cambridge

42. Specializations in the UK Medicine (including dentistry and veterinary) - deadline October 15 • Because of the early deadlines students need to research their university choices carefully and make note of all registration deadlines for testing. • Students interested in the medical fields must sit the BMAT and/or the UKCAT – see UCAS website for information specific to each university • http://www.bmat.org.uk/index.html • http://www.ukcat.ac.uk/ Law – students must take the LNAT http://www.lnat.ac.uk/preparation/practice.html History at Oxford – students must take the HAT http://www.history.ox.ac.uk/prosundergrad/applying/hat_introduction.htm

43. Calendar & Important Dates Spring Junior Year: • Schedule appointment with College Counselor to discuss plans ASAP • SAT Test Preparation? • Attend Naviance and UCAS workshops • Register for May & June SAT tests • Work on your resume • Consider a summer program alternative to the beachside/poolside summer • If you are an athlete or performer, see the College Admissions Handbook for specific details on what you can be doing this semester to plan ahead.

44. Calendar & Important Dates Before Summer Vacation: • Discuss college essay with your English teacher • Consider which teachers you might to ask for recommendations from, and give them a head’s up. During Summer Vacation: • See http://www.internationalcounselor.org/summer2/Summer_Omnibus/Omnibus.htmlfor suggestions. • Visit colleges, if possible. • Fill out one college application a week for each school to which you plan to apply. This makes your senior year MUCH easier!

45. Last but not least…BE AWARE OF DEADLINES App deadlines – US/Canada • Usually December 31 or January 1, 10, 15 or February 1, 15 for Regular Decision • Usually November 1 or 15 for Early Action or Early Decision ASM deadlines – US • The Monday before Thanksgiving (November 22, 2010) for Regular Decision • October 4 for Early Decision/Early Action App deadlines – UK • October 15 for Oxford, Cambridge, Medical Specializations • Usually December/January for the remainder ASM deadlines – UK • October 4 for October 15 deadlines • October 30 for regular deadlines • Standardized Testing deadlines for US and UK • SAT/ACT/TOEFL registration deadlines. • UKCAT/BMAT/LNAT/HAT, IELTS, etc.

46. Next Steps • Students: • Review the College Admissions Handbook 2010 • Explore immediate resources: • Naviance – Students will be introduced to Naviance • Moodle – Upper School Guidance “class” • SAT Preparation or not? • UCAS workshop later in the spring • Prepare subject specific materials (arts, sports) • Students and parents: • Make an appointment to meet with Counselor in February • Together: • Assess needs, interests, talents, types of colleges • Develop plan for preparation and testing • Formulate initial college list by spring break (end March)

47. Questions?

48. Resources • Hallet, V. (2008). Finding the College That’s the Right Fit for You. US News & World Report, retrieved on January 18, 2010, from: http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/best-colleges/2008/08/21/finding-the-college-thats-the-right-fit-for-you.html • Inside College, trivia facts retrieved from: http://www.insidecollege.com/reno/College-Trivia-The-Random-Weird-Funky-Fun/110/chapter.do • Photos from Google images • Coburn, K.L and Treeger, M. L. ( 2009), Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years (fifth edition). New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN: 978-0-06-166573-8