Renaissance College University 2019 What subject to study at university? 1. One of the most important considerations when applying for a course is ENJOYMENT. You must choose a course that YOU want to do, not your parents or teachers! 2. Do you continue with a subject you have already studied in IB, do you choose an entirely new subject or do you want to apply with an undeclared/undecided major? Remember that subjects at university level can be radically different from IB and the content/ teaching/ assessment can also vary widely from institution to institution. Some may plunge you into the main subject from the first term, while others ask you to study, perhaps, three subjects for the first year or deliver a common core to all students. 3. How are your grades? Are you likely to gain the grades required to study a particular course at university? 4. Are there any special subject requirements for admission to the course? Check carefully. 5. How much flexibility is there in your chosen degree course or programme? Is a wide selection of electives available? What institution characteristics are most important to you? The following topics may be very important as you consider particular schools. Once you have thought about the academic programmes which best match what you want to study, there are many other things to consider in helping you make your final decision. These include guaranteed housing, extra-curricular activities, cost of tuition/housing, proximity to major cities, the weather, the school’s social/recreational scene and many others. Write down some of your preferences under the following headings: a. Traditional / Modern / Large / Small / Cost __________________________ b. Campus / Large City / Small Town __________________________ c. Preferred Region / Type of environment __________________________ d. e. Type of accommodation __________________________ (e.g. is ‘residence’ guaranteed for 1st yr students)? Extra-curricular activities / opportunities __________________________ f. Other important considerations… __________________________ Sum up what you are looking for by filling in the blanks! My 1st, 2nd & 3rd city/country choices for my post-secondary studies are: 1. ________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________ My 1st, 2nd & 3rd university/programme choices for my post-secondary studies are: 1. ________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________ 3. ________________________________________________ Here’s a list of some questions that you may want to ask … About the university • What are the strengths of your university? • What are the major differences of this university compared to…? • Can you describe the atmosphere of your university? • Why do you think students choose to go to your university? • What, in your view, makes a strong application? Courses • I am interested in a career in ……… Can you tell me about the range of courses that you offer for this particular career path? • What subjects and grade requirements are there for this course? • Which of your programmes have internships? • What do you recommend as other options if I do not achieve the grades required? Student Services • What sport/music/performing arts facilities are available? • Can you tell me about student accommodation facilities? • How do I go about securing accommodation? • Will I be able to work part time on campus? • Can you tell me about transportation to and from the university? General Questions • What scholarships are available for international students? How do I apply? • What does it cost to study at your university? • How do you assess home status (for UK universities only)? • What if I plan to take a gap year? Can I defer entry to your university? • Can you explain the application process to me?
