Counseling News

Debbie McDowell
debbiem@isb.ac.th

Grade 9
This week in Freshman Seminar students explored and celebrated their own personal character strengths. All the 9th graders completed a well-respected and researched survey. This survey was created by the VIA program which focuses on positive psychology. The students were asked to reflect upon the results of the survey and when they may have called upon some of these strengths within their daily lives. Students were then asked to write themselves a letter that spoke of their personal character strengths – a letter that they can call upon when needing a boost of confidence.

Grade 10
All grade 10 students will be taking the PLAN on Wednesday, 16 October.  The PLAN^® program helps 10th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years.  It also helps prepare for the ACT.

Grade 11
Grade 11 students whose first language is something other than English will be taking the Institutional TOEFL on Tuesday, 15 October.  This is a practice test which will allow students to get an understanding of what the real TOEFL will include.

All grade 11 students will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, 16 October.  The PSAT is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. Students become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions for the SAT.  Students receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. They can then focus preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.

Grade 12
University Labs continue to be available for all seniors on every Monday in room 3-203. Students should take advantage of this time to work on their applications or ask questions of the counselor available.

Students may elect to attend one of three workshops being offered by university admissions officers on Thursday, 3 October from 9:15 to 10:00.  The works shops that are available are Essay Writing, How Colleges Evaluate Applications, and Mock Admissions.  Students want to attend a workshop must obtain a ticket from the High School Counseling Office and have their 7^th period teacher sign off indicating permission for them to miss part of that class.

It seems that the seniors are feeling a under stress.  Please have a conversation about how things are going for your child.  If he/she is feeling overwhelmed or stressed, suggest that he/she come see the counselor to explore ways to manage time and find opportunities for stress reduction.

University Presentations for Parents (and students)
On Thursday, 3 October, there will be three workshops provided by university admissions officers for parents.  The topics are:  How Colleges Evaluate Applications, Mock Admissions (limited to 16 parents), and U.S. Financial Aid.  Please contact the High School Counseling Office or come by to sign up for the workshop of your choice. This is an excellent opportunity to hear directly from the university officials that will be making the admissions decisions.

On 3 October, four outstanding universities will be at ISB. At 6:30 PM in the Chevron Theatre, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Emory University and University of Wisconsin-Madison will be providing a short presentation and then will be available for individual discussions. Please plan on attending.

On Friday, 4 October, two universities will be available for parents and students during the lunch break of the Parent Teacher Conferences.  The representative from the California College of the Arts will be able to provide a mini critique of a piece of work the student may want to include in a portfolio.  Please don’t miss this opportunity to get professional advice!

University Visits
The following universities will be on campus: