Dubai American Academy College Night

1. Dubai American AcademyCollege Night

2. COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS 2012-2013 STUDENTS WITH THE LAST NAME BEGINNING WITH THE LETTERS: • A – G: Elizabeth Morris, e.morris_daa@gemsedu.com • H – P: Amy Carey, a.carey_daa@gemsedu.com • R – Z: Robbie Jefferiss, r.jefferiss_daa@gemsedu.com

3. Tonight’s Program: • The College Search • College Testing • Completing the Application

4. Choosing a College

5. Reflect • What are my interests? • What do I want to learn? • How do I like to learn in the classroom? • What motivates and inspires me outside of the classroom? • What careers most interest me and why?

6. Research Learn about programs, admission requirements, financial aid, etc. • University websites, Internet & virtual tours • College Fairs • Counseling Office books & materials • Campus Visits- This summer? • Communicate with college students • DAA Counselors

7. Things to Consider • Curriculum • Cost & Financial Aid • Location • Weather • Housing • Size • Programs & Activities • Demographics • Hobbies & Interests

8. Selectivity • Less selective: Minimum requirements • More selective: Above average grades, tests, recommendations & essays; challenging courses, involved in activities & service • Very selective: School record of high caliber from academics to athletics to extra-curricular activities. • Family Connection - Scattergrams

9. USING SCATTERGRAMS IN NAVIANCE

10. External Exams The SATs, ACT, TOEFL, and IB

11. International Baccalaureate IB Diploma and IB Certificates • Very Highly Regarded • Full Diploma – Most rigorous course load available • Required for some universities: UK and Europe • Helpful for all Universities • IB Higher Levels – Similar to AP’s or A levels • IB Predict Scores – used for college applications • Exams happen in May of senior year , results available in July • High enough IB score = Potential College Credit • www.ibo.org

12. SAT I & SAT II – College Board • SAT I • Critical Reading/Mathematics/Writing • 200-800 scale per section—out of 2400 total • SAT II– Subject Tests • Subject/content based • One hour exams, can take up to three in one sitting • Requirements vary by university • Use College Board web site for sample tests

13. WHO TAKES SATs? WHEN? • TAKE THE SAT- if you are applying to: • US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, UK - foundation • Take SAT I in the spring of junior year (May) • Possibly take SAT II in spring junior year (June) • October/November of 12th grade (October for ED/EA, foreign language with listening in November). • *DAA – closed test site • www.collegeboard.com *4 May 2013 – Register by 5 April 2013* 1 June 2013 – Register by 2 May 2013

14. American College Test (ACT) • Scores – 1-36 • Subtests • English • Mathematics • Reading - Social Studies/Science & Arts/Literature • Science Reasoning • Take the optional writing test • Who Takes the ACT and When? • US and Canada Universities, www.act.org • Next test dates: April 13th 2013- Offered at ASD June 9th, Offered at ACS Abu Dhabi

15. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) • Designed for international students whose first language is not English and who have not completely attended English instruction schools - Helps colleges assess a student’s English proficiency • Take the TOEFL if you are applying to: • US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand • UK – IELTS or TOEFL • If English is not your best, first, or passport language. • If you know your SAT Critical Reading is lower than 500! • Check each University’s requirements • Check with Counselor • Offered in Dubai many times during the year – don’t wait to register to avoid waiting list • www.toefl.org

16. The Application

17. What is included with a college application? • Academic Transcript from past 4 years • Predicted IB Grades • Standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, Toefl)- Sent by Student • Essay or personal statement • Counselor and teacher recommendations • Extra curricular activities are listed on the application • Resume • Any additional items? Check with your counselor

18. APPLICATIONS to USA • Most universities have some form of online application. • Common Application is used for 400+ colleges (www.commonapp.org) • The common application supplements • Most US institutions will require SAT testing, letters of recommendation, and essays- Holistic review process • Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision options

19. APPLICATIONS to CANADA • Individual applications to Colleges • Exception: Ontario provides a common application- OUAC- www.ouac.on.ca • Check the requirements for programs – Canadian universities vary greatly in terms of required qualifications - Do Your Research • Personal Statements and recommendations hold less weight

20. APPLICATIONS to UK • The UK is best for students who know exactly what they want to study. • Centralized Process via UCAS- www.ucas.com Workshop for UCAS will take place in the Fall. • Allows students to apply to 5 universities at one time. • Personal Statement should be directed towards area of interest and the letter from a teacher in the subject area • IB Certificate students will need to apply to a foundation year via direct application • Some UK universities provide quick responses. • Expect conditional offers.

21. APPLICATIONS to Europe, the Southern Hemisphere, and Other Destinations • European universities usually require an IB diploma • More European Universities are offering courses in English- Holland is a great option for cost in Europe. • American College Overseas- www.aco.eu.com • Australian and South African applications are sent in the spring/summer of senior year. • Australian Universities visit Dubai in the September or October- www.idp.com • Other Destinations- Every year we send applications to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and beyond!

22. General To Do List • Sign up for SAT • 4 May SAT Registration Deadline 5 April • 1 June SAT Registration Deadline 2 May • 13 April ACT Registration Deadline 9 March • 8 June ACT Registration Deadline 4 May • Take the TOEFL if needed • Meet with your counselor- We will be in Math Classes for group meetings starting tomorrow. • Start your research • Make plans to use your summer vacation wisely & productively

23. General Advice from the Counselors Mr. Jefferiss- Look outside the box. Small colleges provide wonderful launching pads for success. Read the book “Colleges That Change Lives” . Hedge your bets with an early action application. Mrs. Morris- Start early! Starting your applications and essays in August will greatly reduce the stress some seniors feel in the Fall regarding applications. Mrs. Carey- There is no “one right fit” There are many great schools out there for you. Think of what criteria would make you most happy.

24. How to make an appointment Individual Meetings with counselors begin in March during students’ break, lunch, or study hall, or after school if needed. Jan Evans, Secretary • Tel: 4 347 9222, Ext 242 • J.evans_daa@gemsedu.com Counselor email addresses • A-G: e.morris_daa@gemsedu.com • H-P: a.carey_daa@gemsedu.com • R-Z: r.jefferiss_daa@gemsedu.com

25. Question and AnswersThank you for coming!