U.S.A. UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

1. U.S.A. UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

2. Uniquely USA • Over 4,000 institutions of higher education, all looking for qualified students • Undergraduate degree is 4 years long • Most colleges & universities offer a “liberal arts” program • Students do not need to choose a specific course before applying • Application process looks at whole student, not only examination results • Has more parts to consider than other countries • Passport and residence is a consideration in application and financial aid decisions

3. Finding the “best fit” • Universities are looking to build a community • Students should find a campus that suits their individual interests • Courses offered • Setting, location • Campus life, atmosphere • Sports, clubs, arts, activities • Diversity of population • Study abroad opportunities • Distance from home, family/friends

4. Research, research, research!BUT::::: Beware!! Online In person College representatives visit WAB Summer programs/tours College visits if travelling to the US over holidays • WAB’sNaviance site • College websites • YouTube channels • iTunes U • Social networking sites

5. A word about rankings BOSTON COLLEGE “…choosing colleges based on the entering statistics of the freshmen class, is like choosing a hospital based on the health of those in the ER — ultimately, it’s the treatment that really matters.” ~ Loren Pope, Colleges that Change Lives

6. Preparing to apply • Grades • All 9 through 12 shown on High School Transcript • Not IB exam scores • Importsnt • Student essay • Teacher recommendations • ASA Commitments • Curriculum • Most challenging coursework in which student can be successful • WAB – Full IB Diplopma • Standardized Testing • SAT • SAT subject tests • ACT

7. WAB HS Transcript .THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANY APPLICATION The WAB High School Profile explains our school and grading system.

8. Standardized Testing • Preparation • Read and write in School • Naviance Prep • Test prep class at WAB • NOT entrance exams (optional at hundreds) • Calendar • SAT – May, June of Gr. 11 or October, December of Gr. 12 • SAT Subject Tests • Required by selective universities (Usually 2) • Nov. Gr. 12 –Lang. Listen • ACT with writing

9. Additional Elements • Personal Statement • Truly personal – a student’s voice is essential • Recommendations • Teachers (2) • Explain the role of the student in the classroom • Counselor • Addresses the student’s impact on the WAB community, overall background, character and other information. • Extracurricular Commitments • Resume shows involvement and passion for activities - rather than a long list • Global Citizenship, WABX, others.

10. How to apply • Common Application online • Student • Online application, including essay(s) and activities • Requests standardized test scores to be sent directly to colleges (by the College Board) and/or TOEFL • WAB Counseling • Transcript • HS Profile • Recommendations • Parents • Financial aid/International certificate of finances forms, if applicable

11. Deadlines • November 1 or 15 • Early Decision, Early Action or Restricted Early Action plans • January 1 • Most competitive colleges & universities • March/April • Responses: Accept – Deny - Waitlist • May 1 • Common reply date to deposit at one university • No Thank You to all others • July 6 • Official IB results sent to student’s one university • used for possible credit and/or advanced standing

12. Selectivity • Most recognized universities are VERY competitive to get into • “Far Reach” schools accept 10% or less of applicants • Apply to a variety of universities – all of which are a good fit FOR YOU • No more than 8-10 thoughtful applications

13. ADMISSIONS STATISTICS General Observation: All universities in the survey reported smaller percentage of acceptance. Northeastern University Total applicants: 43,250 Total acceptances: 14,840 Overall accept%ancerate: 34.3% Harvard University Total applicants: 34,950 Total acceptances: 2158 Overall acceptance rate: 6.17% Emory University Total applicants: 17,027 Total acceptances: 4,410 Overall acceptance rate: 25.9% Brown University Total applicants: 30,946 Total acceptances: 2,692 Overall acceptance rate: 8.7% Boston University Total applicants: 41,734 Total acceptances: 19,905 Overall acceptance rate: 47.69% Amherst College Total applicants: 8,432 Total acceptances: 1,077 Overall acceptance rate: 12.76%

14. Finances • US citizens can apply for financial aid based on a family’s economic need • Aid for international citizens is more limited • Scholarships are based on merit • Academic, athletic, artistic, special talent. • International families must submit financial forms on behalf of the student, including bank statenment • Useful links on Naviance

15. Check your language, do not use “we” or “our”. • Attitude - try to be neutral, watch your own expressions. • Make your child do all the work. • Celebrate no matter what – be proud of your child’s efforts. • Treat college admissions process like you’re watching a performance. • Manage the timelines and deadlines. • Manage your anxiety – Parent is the shoreline. • Encourage free time – Doing Vs. Being. • Insist on Integrity – Especially on early programs. • - Help them protect their privacy.

16. Q & A Ms. Bernie Longboy (A-I) Mr. Peter Hauet (J-M) Ms. Aleka Bilan (N-T) Ms. Michelle Chow-Liu (U-Z)