Counseling News |

Grade 9

At the beginning of next week students will receive this email from Mr. Davy which is reference to semester 2 courses. This would also be helpful for parents to review:

In the next couple of weeks the school will be looking at semester courses and any adjustments we have to make.

You might want to be aware of the following:

If you are planning to move to a different school in Grade 10 you might want to consider asking that school you might move to (If you know it) what their science requirements are. In the past we have had some students take Chemistry 2 instead of Biology 1 or Physics 1 second semester. This is because sometimes students need a full year of Chemistry to transfer. This is often the case when transferring to the U.S.A
The master schedule is tight and there is not a lot of flexibility for movement to accommodate changed electives.
From time to time to balance courses etc we sometimes have to switch core courses. If this happens we always make the best effort to keep you with your current teacher for that course.
Think about your Freshman Seminar / Free Period this semester – how has that helped you balance your time and commitments. Over half students elect for the free period. If you find that you have a full schedule and you would like me to take an elective out for a free period – please let me know ASAP.
If you chose Biology and now want Physics – or visa versa – let me know ASAP.

Grade 10

Semester 2 schedules will be able to be viewed on powerschool next week. If students have any concerns or special requests they should make an appointment with their counselor in the near future.

Grade 11

Mark your calendars! Junior College Night is scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 at 6:30pm in the MPB. Both 11th grade students and parents are encouraged to attend when we officially kick off the college search and application process.

Last month, 11th graders took the PSAT. CollegeBoard has designed a new system for PSAT score delivery to students this year. According to CollegeBoard, results should arrive electronically to students around December 12. To understand more about what the reports mean, access the following video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCSIilL3WQ

At this point and moving into next semester, the challenge of IB courses will most likely increase for students using more higher order thinking skills. These aren’t necessarily skills that tutoring will assist with. It’s important that students reach out to teachers first.

Finally, express trust and confidence (even if in doubt) in your student that they have the tools around them to handle challenges. Never underestimate the power of your words and actions. Here’s a great article with advice from Michael Thompson, Ph.D. on how to manage this.

The next Junior Seminar is Tuesday, November 24. Counselors will meet with 11th graders to continue to prepare for the college search and application process.

Grade 12

Transcript requests are now due. The final date to request school documents for universities with deadlines in December/January is this Monday, November 21.

ALL December/January Applicants:

Schedule an appointment NOW to submit first application or two with their counselor before December break.

Send standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS) before the application deadline.

Remember to bring a credit card. Submitting online with the counselor requires students to make a payment. In addition, students will need to know the credit card billing address.

Remember that essays must be the student’s work, not the work of others. Seniors are encouraged to share these in advance with their counselor who will view them through the lens of what a university admission officer might see.

College Visits

Here is the link to the upcoming college visits:

https://sites.google.com/a/isb.ac.th/isb-hs-university-advising/university-visit-calendar