Debbie McDowell
debbiem@isb.ac.th
Hello Panther Parents! The first week of school has been busy and exciting for the university counselors. We have welcomed over 90 new students to the high school and reconnected with returning students.
The university counselors had the opportunity to meet with the grade 11 and 12 classes to introduce them to Junior and Senior Seminars. The first Senior Seminar will be next week on Thursday, 25 August to kickstart the university application process with the students. The first Junior Seminar will be on 27 September when the counselors will lead the students on the first activity regarding self reflection.
University visits will resume on campus this year. Many colleges and universities are signing up to come to ISB and connect with our students. We look forward to hosting many university admissions officers from around the world. Please encourage your child to check the list of university visits in MaiaLearning and in the student bulletin often as new visits are added frequently. All students are invited to attend the sessions. High School parents are welcome to attend as well and are reminded that students must take the lead. So, please be gracious in allowing the students to ask questions and connect with the admission representatives before parents participate.
Three university visits are currently planned for the week of 29 August – 2 September:
Monday, 29 August: Les Roches Global Hospitality Education and Glion Institute of Higher Learning, 11:00-11:40 AM, HS Conference Room
Monday, 29 August: Shoreline Community College, 3:00-3:30 PM, HS Conference Room
Mark your calendars for the ISB Greater Bangkok University Fair which will be on the morning of 22 September on campus. Over 200 universities from over 20 countries will be present to speak about programs offered at their institution. All grade 10, 11, and 12 students will be released from class to attend the fair. Parents are invited to attend as well. Watch this space for details as the time gets near.
There are still many virtual events taking place and our students are invited to attend. Please have your child check the Virtual University Events spreadsheet to know what’s available. Please note that pre-registration is needed for some events.
The university counselors will be presenting many parent/family meetings during the year. Please watch this space for details and mark your calendars:
30 August, 6:30 PM, Senior Family Night, Chevron
15 September, 9:00 AM, Parent Coffee #1, Introduction to ISB University Counseling Program, MPB 1
28 September, 6:30 PM, Junior Family Night, Chevron
Class of 2023: Right now seniors should be meeting with their own university counselor to share their proposed university application list. Together they can assess the balance and diversity of the list. Finalizing a strong list is important as the student starts completing the applications. In addition, students should be sharing the current draft of their application essay and/or personal statement with their counselor for feedback.
SAT on Saturday, 27 August
ISB will be administering the SAT on Saturday, 27 August. Check-in will begin at 7:30 AM and the test is scheduled to start at 8:00AM. Students must properly wear their masks at all times. Any student who does not follow the strict COVID guidelines will not be allowed to sit the test. In addition, all students must bring the following items with them to be admitted to campus and the test rooms: School ID, National ID (passport or Thai national ID card), printed admissions ticket. Students are allowed to have a clear water bottle with them during testing but any snacks/food must be eaten outside. No food can be consumed in the testing room. Students may only bring pencils, erasures and acceptable calculators into the test room. Students must properly wear their masks at all times or they will be asked to leave the testing site and their test will be canceled without being scored. If you have any questions about the SAT, please reach out to Ms Shrestha in the HS Counseling Office.
Please check the ISB University/College Counseling website for loads of information. You will find university research tools, transition resources for students and parents, recordings of Parent Coffees and family presentations, virtual university visits, information about testing and how to sign up for the SAT at ISB, a list of summer programs about which the counselors have been informed, and the ISB School Profile.
Kindly,
Debbie