University
Informational
Evening
Expectations
The process of choosing the right University or Course is
the most successful when we work as a team in the best
interest of the student.
We are here to facilitate this process for students to find the
best match for his or her higher education.
Although we will help students in their search, we do hold
the students responsible for conducting research on their
own.
Why the US and the UK?
• The majority of our students attend US and UK
universities (mostly UK). We are an international school
with an English curriculum, therefore students tend to
be more interested in English speaking universities.
• Canadian, Australian and Danish universities have
deadlines later in the year and are comprised of a very
simple application (usually it is simply a student’s
grades).
• The US and UK have much more complicated and
involved systems, which is why we have this
informational evening.
Predicted Grades
• Students receive predicted grades in the Fall of 12th
grade
• Students applying early (November 1 and October 15)
receive their grades first
• The grades are a prediction from teachers based on the
student’s performance throughout 11th grade as well as
what he or she could achieve by May
• Our teachers are very accurate in their predictions
• The student must achieve the offer the university asks for
or he or she loses the offer. Inflated grades actually hurt
the student in the end, as the student actually has to
attain that score on the actual IB exam
• The counselor inserts the grades and reference in the
application. These are both confidential on the actual
application.
UK Vocabulary
UCAS
Universities Colleges Admissions Service. It acts as an
intermediary between applicants and Universities.
Students’ Union.
This is an organization which provides support, food
and entertainment. Some have cinemas or theaters
built into them.
Vocational Course
This is a subject, like Engineering, Medicine, Business,
Law or Applied Biology, which leads to employment;
however it does not limit a graduate to its area.
UK Vocabulary
Clearing
In general, this affects you if you fail to get the grades
needed for the universities you have chosen or if you get a
higher score than was predicted. Mainly it happens in
August when the universities find out through the results
how many places are not filled with qualified students.
Sandwich Course (SW)
In many vocational courses, especially in engineering and
business, instead of doing final exams in the 3rd year,
students take up paid placements. This allows students to
do serious work for the firm.
UK Components
Personal Statement
Needs to show true passion and dedication to course (this
is exemplified through outside reading, familiarizing oneself
with current topics within subject, work experience, etc).
Reference
It is best to have a reference from a teacher who teaches
the subject or as close to the subject as possible. The
teacher needs to illustrate the student’s ability to take the
course. Extracurricular activities are valued, however the
student is usually accepted based on his or her grades and
suitability for the course.
Calendar Through UCAS
Applicants apply on-line using UCAS Apply then are given a number.
September
Individual interviews with students to discuss higher education plans. Our
goal is to have students fill in a UCAS form as soon as possible.
October
All Oxford, Cambridge Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary applicants should
complete a UCAS form by the beginning of October (we will work with you
to make sure this gets completed).
15 October
All other applicants should aim to complete a UCAS form by this date.
Submission in November can make it difficult to have the recommendations
written on time.
November
In early November BMAT (Medicine, etc.) and Oxford exams.
UK Calendar Continued
December
UK applications should be completed before Winter Break unless
students want to wait until after mock grades.
January
15 January is the official deadline for many UCAS applicants.
Many universities have been making offers from October.
Individual meetings with grade 12 students will be held to discuss
offers/rejections received from Universities, more specifically
regarding which universities students plan to make their first (Firm)
and second (Insurance) choice.
May
Final decision of Firm and Insurance choices must be sent to
UCAS by the specified date, or UCAS assumes that all offers have
been declined.
Useful UK Websites
• UCAS http://www.ucas.ac.uk/
• Our website: http://www.cis.dk/page.cfm?p=486
• Results from the National Student Survey for student
satisfaction http://www.unistats.com/
• Choosing the right Course:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/cour
ses/
• Student finance and fee information (website made
by students for students) http://www.studentfinance.co.uk/
• The Sunday Times University Guide :
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/gug/
Components of the US
Application
• Fill out the common application (some universities have
separate applications; we have a list in our office of all the
universities using the common application). Students are
welcome to fill out applications in our office.
• Write application essay (we help students with this process).
• Ask teachers, coaches, volunteer leaders, etc. for references
(we also write one for each student).
• Take SAT tests and in some cases SAT subject tests.
• Fill out accomplishments, work experience, volunteer work
etc. in your application (some students also send in a C.V.).
Financial Aid
• There are thousands of institutions in the United States.
Some offer foreign financial aid and many do not.
• The policies and information surrounding this are
subject to change each year, which makes it impossible
for me to know offhand if a university offers foreign
financial aid. It is best for students and parents to take
this up with the university on an individual basis.
• Paying for university is between families and
universities. If parents need help with sharing financial
information with a university, it is better to consult a
specialist in this area, as we are simply not qualified.
Scholarships
• There are a wealth of scholarships available to students
in the United States.
• Seeking out specific scholarships is the student’s
responsibility (we are happy to help them with
applications and essays that are part of the scholarship
application).
• Many universities simply offer academic scholarships
along with the offer letter, which does not happen until
April and May.
US University Vocabulary
Collegeboard
For students taking the SAT or SAT Subject tests, this is the
organization where you register. The site can seem
overwhelming, as it contains a wealth of knowledge; however it
is very helpful in narrowing down one’s search within the US. A
helpful tool is the “where do I stack up?” link that shows you
scores and grades of typical applicants at a particular university.
The Common Application
A site where students apply to most US universities. You can
apply to as many as you want. If your choices are not on this site,
simply go to the website of the university to download the
application (I can help you with this).
US University Vocabulary
SAT
It is an aptitude test with three components (reading,
writing, math). Students can take this as many times as
they want and the highest scores are used for the
applications in most cases.
Early Decision
This is a binding commitment to a university stating that if
a student is accepted, he or she will go there.
Early Action
This is non-binding, but places the student in an early
application pool, therefore giving the student an answer
more quickly.
Calendar for US
October
SAT tests on October 5
November
The deadline for most Early Action and Early Decision applications is November 1.
SAT tests on November 2.
December
University applications for the US must be completed before winter break.
SAT tests on Dec 7
Early decision and early action responses arrive this month.
January
Early decision and early application responses arrive this month.
SAT tests Jan. 25.
March
Some admissions decisions arrive this month.
Calendar for US
April
Most admissions decisions and scholarship award letters arrive this month.
On the waiting list? Contact the admissions office and let them know of your
continued interest in the university and update them on your spring semester
grades and activities (we can help with this).
May
Final enrollment decision deadline is May 1.
SAT tests May 3.
June
Tell your counselor if the university requires a final transcript. This is the student’s
responsibility. Every university requires different paperwork whether that is
electronic or in paper form. The student needs to inform the counselor where to
send the documents and in what form.
SAT test June 7
•
Useful Websites For US
Applications
• Collegboard www.collegeboard.com
• Common Application
https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx
• Financial Aid, Costs, etc. for international students
http://www.edupass.org/finaid/
• Community College Options:
http://www.usnews.com/education/bestcolleges/articles/2012/10/04/why-international-studentsshould-consider-community-colleges
• Top ten strengths and experiences universities look for
http://www.ccs4college.com/wpcontent/uploads/2011/05/IECACollegeTopTenList.pdf
• Our Website: http://www.cis.dk/page.cfm?p=486