Sonya Ohlsson
sonyao@isb.ac.th
Well, we have made it through our first week back! While not ideal nor desired, life and school will keep moving forward via online methods. This goes for the college process as well. Whether you are a senior, finishing your final applications and waiting on decisions, or if you are a junior, just starting to really think and research your own personal “good fit” schools, being a virtual student, college researcher or applicant is the new normal.
Just as we did last semester, we ask that students and families take a look at the Google site we created. This will allow you to see all the virtual college visits and fairs that are happening. Some will be just for ISB students and others are open to people globally and we are listing them for your convenience. This list is not complete by any means–if there are universities that you are interested in, look on their own website to see what sort of virtual visits or information sessions they have. Remember, this is the new normal for colleges as well–while they used to travel and try to meet people in person, those days are gone so they are learning how to connect with potential students virtually. Demonstrated interest still matters!!
Seniors:
We are just getting ready to send your Mid-Year Transcripts to schools (all US schools require it), but we need you to update your Cialfo before we can do this. You need to indicate that you have actually applied. And if you have received a result, please indicate this as well–this is for all schools, in all countries, not just the US. Please refer to the emails sent to you this week from your College Counselor.
Some students are getting messages from schools they applied to that documents are missing. All documents were sent by our office before the break to all schools that had a deadline up to Feb. 15–as long as the student turned in their transcript request form. It’s important to remember that the colleges and universities were also closed over the holidays and so they are just now getting back to processing the tens of thousands of documents and it can take 2-3 weeks to process and then update your status (I have even heard of some places taking up to 4 weeks!). If it is 2 weeks past the official application deadline (not the day you submitted it) and a school is saying they are missing something, contact your college counselor and well help you sort it out.
Juniors:
Today, your University Research Assignment is due–hopefully you have shared this or emailed it to your counselor. Remember, this isn’t about knowing exactly what you want to study or where you will go, it’s about learning how to research the kind of schools that seem like they may be the right fit for you!! Right now, in a way, you are “shopping”, trying to see what color, style and fabric suits you best! You will “try on” several different things, you may think you know exactly what you want to wear, but the closer you look, you realize that no, that style doesn’t quite fit you well and it doesn’t flatter you! So, don’t be afraid to explore, to really look at a school, to question what they say about themselves or what their reputation is–look beyond the superficial rankings–do your due diligence!!
The next Junior Seminar is moved from Friday, 22 January to Thursday 28 January, 12:30-1:30pm. You will receive a message/calendar invitation later next week from your counselor to join that meeting via Zoom. This will be a very important session where you will learn about the Junior-led Conference that you will present to your parents and your college counselor. Do not miss it!!
The second Gr.11 College Night presentation will take place via Zoom on Thursday 21 January at 6:30pm. A link will be sent to all juniors and parents separately.
Parent College Coffees:
Well, we had hoped these would not be virtual any longer, but alas, we continue with them online. The next one is Monday, 18 January at 9:00am. The Topic is the history, educational style and general application process of US colleges and universities. To join this Parent Coffee, please use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84000491448
SATs:
At this time, as far as we know, the March SAT is still on and we are planning for it. Registration deadline is 12 February. Please use our website to help you register for ISB as your test center.
ISB Virtual University Visits Next Week:
20 January — Waseda University (Japan) 11:30am
22 January — Univ. of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (US/China) 11:30am
For more information on all virtual visits (how to register and join in on a call) as well as links to other resources, please look here: tinyurl.com/isbcollege
~Sonya Ohlsson
Head of College Counseling