News from University Counselors

Debbie McDowell
debbiem@isb.ac.th

The university counselors wish the best for all ISB families for a restful and relaxing holiday.  We hope you all have a wonderful winter break and enjoy the time with family and friends.  Safe travels for those who are heading off for adventures and to be with loved ones. 

Junior Seminar was on Thursday. The first part of the lesson was a University Blind Taste Test. Students reviewed details/research about three universities without knowing the names of the institutions and then selected the one they believed was the best based on the data presented. This activity encouraged students to reflect on their priorities and preferences when selecting universities to which to apply. Counselors encouraged students to do their own research and find out which universities are truly the best fit for them—academically, financially and socially. To start the research process, juniors were given an assignment to research three universities (2 of their choice & 1 from the list provided by the counselors). Their research is due on Friday, 17 December.  Please ask your child what factors influenced their decision in the Blind Taste Test and what universities they are researching for their assignment.  

Seniors are preparing for practice exams next week while working hard to complete all of their university applications that have a submissions deadline before 15 February. University Counselors will have extended hours next week to ensure that students have ample opportunity to have their essays and applications reviewed and to submit their applications before departing for the winter holiday. Please ask your child where they are in the process and encourage them to get all of their applications submitted before 17 December so your family can have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday without the ominous cloud of university applications hanging over their heads. Reminder:  University counselors will not be available to review essays and applications or assist students with submitting applications during the winter holiday. 

Grade 10: 

On Tuesday, March 8, 2022, we will offer the PSAT 10 free of charge to all grade 10 students who opt in by pre-registering. This is an opportunity to practice for standardized testing and the SAT, specifically, should your child want to consider taking that test in junior/senior year. The PSAT 10 score is not involved in any university admission process, so there’s no harm in sitting for the exam if it is indeed relevant. Taking the PSAT 10 is also helpful in the university counseling process as a predictor of how a student might prepare and perform on the actual SAT. The test will take approximately three hours and will be administered starting at 1:10 PM on 8 March. Students will miss the last period of the day and will finish the exam at approximately 4:15 pm. If you would like your child to take the PSAT 10, please opt-in with THIS FORM by Monday, December 13. Please email Curt Nichols at curtn@isb.ac.th with any questions. 

College Coffee:  The next Parent College Coffee will be on Monday, 17 January, 2022 at 1:00 PM. The topic will be US Higher Education 101 and the university counselors will cover the basics about what parents need to know regarding higher education and applying to universities in the US. All grade 9-12 parents are invited to attend. This will be presented in a webinar format.  Watch for the link to be sent out closer to the date. Watch this space for a future announcement about other Parent Coffees during semester 2!

Virtual university visits: Although the virtual university visits specifically targeting ISB students are tapering off, there are still many virtual events happening around the world. Be sure to check the Virtual University Visit list for university presentations that are available for students and families to join. Please check the Virtual University Visits list on the ISB University/College Counseling website for loads of information!

Want to find out more about the University Counseling program at ISB?  Please visit the  ISB University Counseling website.

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