Debbie McDowell
debbiem@isb.ac.th
The university counseling office remains a hub of activity! So much is going on with our students, presentations, and university events!
Thank you to those parents who joined us on 1 November for the Office of Overseas Schools presentation. Please click on that link to watch the recording of Ms Ellen Chow, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Johns Hopkins University, speaking about higher education trends in the US. It was great to have her join the counselors and our families to discuss university admissions in the United States.
On Thursday, we had an excellent turn out for the Parent Coffee on the topic of University Rankings. You can find that slide show and all Parent Coffee presentations at the link provided. Our next Parent Coffee will be on 16 January and will focus on the topic of Higher Education in the US. We look forward to a big crowd for that event!
Monday, 14 November was the 2022 Thai University Fair @ ISB. We welcomed 25 faculties from 12 Thai universities which have English language programs. Over 100 students from 5 other international schools in Thailand joined the fair. The event was a big success because many ISB students, parents, staff and faculty came by to speak directly with the university representatives. We are grateful to those who came and look forward to the next time we can welcome Thai university representatives on campus.
Grade 10
On Wednesday, grade 10 students took the Morrisby Profile. We encourage you to go over the results with your child. If they have not finished the assessment they should complete it at home over the weekend. There will be a debrief of the test in their advisory sessions next week. All students should refer to their Morrisby profile as part of the process to help them choose the courses for Grade 11. They will have the opportunity to discuss their results with their school counselor and their university counselor (Students will be assigned a university counselor in January.). We hope that the Morrisby Profile was a useful activity in which students learned a bit more about who they are, where their interests may lie, and helped identify what careers are available for them to investigate.
Grade 9
University counselors met with all grade 9 students during an Advisory lesson this week. An introduction to the university research process was mentioned but the most important message was that students should be focusing on their academics as well as concentrating on self-reflection and discovery. Students are encouraged to do their absolute best in their classes as academics are the foundation for all university admissions around the world. It is important for students to have balance and be able to demonstrate interests, curiosity, and commitment. So, activities, arts, sports, clubs, and outside events are all important as they develop their interests and discover their own paths. We encourage all students to practice balance in all things.
Grade 11
Junior Seminar assignments are due this week and next. Students should have submitted their Personal Mission Statement on Thursday this week and the Priorities and Preferences assignment is due on 24 November. If you are a grade 11 parent, please ask your child about these!
Grade 12
All transcript requests for any university application due before 15 February should have already been submitted. All requests received by 15 November will be processed before winter break. Counselors will do their best but those submitted after the deadline may not be processed before the counselors go on holiday.
The next big deadline looming is the 30 November, University of California deadline! Students must review their four Personal Inquiry Questions and application with their university counselor before submitting. Students should not wait until the deadline to apply!
Also, all UCAS applications must be submitted to the university counselor by 1 December!
Just a reminder that all students applying to university in Thailand must register on TCAS (mytcas.com).
Seniors are sincerely encouraged to submit all of their university applications before the winter break. They deserve a break and need to have downtime to recover from a hectic first semester. University counselors will not be available during the winter holiday to assist with reviewing essays and applications or with submissions.
Upcoming University Visits @ ISB
Tuesday, 22 November: WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (Germany), 3:00-3:30 @ High School Conference Room
Thursday, 24 November: Contra Costa Community College (USA), 11:00-11:40 @ HS Conference Room
Thursday, 1 December: Bard College (USA), 3:00-3:30 @ HS Conference Room
There are many virtual and off campus university events taking place which our students are invited to attend. Check the Virtual and Off Campus University Events spreadsheet frequently to know what’s available. Please note that pre-registration is needed for some events.
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 and slide shows from Parent Coffees and family presentations, virtual and off campus 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