PLANNING FOR UNIVERSITY

Saturday September 1st 2018

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INTRODUCTIONS

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• Pathways to University.

• How to apply for University.

• How to stand out from the crowd in the

application process.

• Preparing now for University.

• The role of parents.

• Questions

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Agenda

IGCSE

qualifications

A Level qualifications

Employment: making a positive contribution to Myanmar and the world

Vocational Training

University entrance

A Level courses

C (sometimes B) or above

Foundation Course

Masters Degree/PhD

Batchelors Degree

INCREASING CHOICE

IGCSE results 2018

At least 5 A*-C grades

Year comparison 2017 2018

% students 84% 97%

Number of students 44 39

Grade Actual %

A* 127 41.8%

A 100 32.9%

B 49 16.1%

C 17 5.6%

D 8 2.6%

E 1 0.3%

F 0 0.0%

IGCSE results 2018

IGCSE 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Number of Candidates 3 9 12 12 17 33 31 44 39

Number of IGCSE Courses 5 7 8 7 11 15 16 18 21

Number of Exams 13 63 85 81 104 211 217 290 293

Candidates who secured at least 5 A*-C 1 1 10 10 10 22 26 37 38

% 33.33% 11.11% 83.33% 83.33% 58.82% 66.67% 83.87% 84.09% 97.44%

AS and A level

results 2018

A2 Level

At least 3 A*-C 78%

AS Level

At least 3 a - c 53%

A level results 2018

Grade Actual %

A* 4 13.3%

A 10 33.3%

B 9 30.0%

C 3 10.0%

D 3 10.0%

E 1 3.3%

A Level 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Number of Candidates 1 4 2 5 8 9 9

Number of A Level Courses 4 6 8 8 8 8 9

Number of Exams 4 10 8 16 24 26 31

Candidates who secured at least 5A*-C 0 0 2 3 4 8 7

% 0% 0% 100% 60% 50% 89% 78%

Choosing the “Right” University

Where in the world should I go?

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USA

CANADA

EUROPE

ASIA

AUSTRALIA SINGAPORE

Universities offering places to our students this year.

• University of Southern California USA *

• Northeastern University USA • American University USA • University of California San Diego

USA *

• University of California Irvine USA*

• University of California Davis USA*

• Boston University USA*

* Russell Group (UK ) or ranked in the top 40(USA)

• University of Western England, Bristol UK

• University of Arts London UK • Sheffield Hallam University UK • King’s College London UK* • University of Warwick UK * • University College London UK* • University of Manchester UK* • University of Liverpool. UK* • St George’s, University of

London UK

• Middlesex University UK • University of Sheffield UK*

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Making YOUR Choice

• Is the University with the highest ranking always the “best” for YOU?

• Looking for “BEST FIT”

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Making YOUR Choice

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Make a University wish list. Write down everything you want

from a University.

Making YOUR Choice

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❑Do some research and list all the universities that fit your dream criteria.

❑Use resources on the internet and in the counselling office to create your wish list.

Where can I get information?

• Use independent University search websites and surf

specific university websites • Browse materials in counselling office

• Attend University Fairs • Visit University campuses if you get the chance

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How to apply

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Application Options

❑Regular Application

• Deadlines usually fall between December 1 and February 15, you can weigh all offers before deciding

❑Rolling Admissions

• May apply any time during the

year as long as spots open, usually

hear back within a few weeks

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More Application Options:

❑Early Action (EA) • Apply by the early deadline (usually between

November 1-January 1) and receive admissions decision early; Do not have to accept offer early

❑Early Decision (ED) • Apply early to only one University, (usually by late

October-early November) must attend if accepted

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Standard Admissions Documents

• Application Form • Secondary School Transcript • Secondary School Report and School Profile • Admissions Test Scores • Letters of Recommendation • Personal statement or essay • An Interview may also be required

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Factors Influencing Admission Decisions

Considerable Importance

Moderate Importance

Limited Importance

None

Grades recorded in transcripts and reports

79%

9%

4%

8%

Admission Test Scores

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33

9

7

Grades in all subjects

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36

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8

Class Rank

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35

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Essay/writing sample

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Teacher recommendations

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46

25

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Counsellor recommendations

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49

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Interview

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25

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Community Service

5

33

40

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Work/Extracurricular Experiences

4

44

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Ability to Pay

2

6

11

81

1

12

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Standardized Admissions Tests

• Some universities require exams for admissions for International Students:

– SAT AND SAT SUBJECT TESTS (if required) OR ACT

– TOEFL or IELTS language tests.

SAT tests are important for UK and Australia where A levels are not taken.

Some universities in the USA do not require

SAT tests from A level students.

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Application Hints

• Communicate early and often with your school counsellor!

• Universities have staff willing to help, usually a specific representative for international applicants

• Organize yourself: make a master calendar of what needs to be done, by

whom and when 25

Paying for University

• Some Universities give merit aid to international students, very few give needs based aid to international students

• For all Universities: families must show proof that they can pay for at least the first year; proof required sometimes with application, sometimes after admission and after paying enrollment deposit

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ips

• Some Universities award scholarships based on application and no other application is needed

• Always check the financial aid page for each University website

• You can always apply for outside scholarships

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STUDENT VISA

Apply AFTER a student is accepted, and decides to enroll (May 1 is the U.S. enrollment decision deadline) The process varies somewhat from country to country but requires paperwork from University, payment of fee, appointment with and paperwork from Embassy.

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Year 9

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Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Year 13

Start considering possible career pathways.

Think carefully about the options you choose

for IGCSE.

Attend options evenings with parents so you

are fully informed. Teachers will help.

Focus on your studies.

Think about future possibilities with the

subjects you really enjoy.

Continue into the second year of your two year

course in order to complete your IGCSEs.

Attend University Fairs and Post-16 Option

evenings

Research careers and Universities

Moving from IGCSE to A level studies is a

challenge. Focus on developing your skills to

study successfully at this level.

Research universities and visit University Fairs

Speak to teachers.

Get involved in extra-curricular activities.

Choose the courses you want to study and

understand the process of application

Apply to Universities.

Gather together all of the evidence you need

and study hard so that you can meet the entry

requirements.

What should I be doing now?

Year 12 & 13 - What should I be doing now?

• Research, research, research - use the internet, attend university fairs, email university admissions departments, speak to teachers, friends, parents. Keep notes on what you have researched.

• Find out the university’s social media presence and get in touch with students who are there now.

• Find out exactly what is needed in order to apply to universities you would like to apply to. Write down key deadlines and stay organised - don’t leave things to the last minute.

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What can I do to stand out?

• Work hard - the higher your grades are, the more choice you will have.

• Get involved in extracurricular activities—focus on a few and try to gain leadership experience within one or two. Think about the skills you are developing through these activities and how you will write about them in your applications.

• Universities are particularly interested in activities that are related to your area of studies - look for opportunities to pursue these.

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What can I do to stand out?

• Establish a good relationship with you academic counsellor, tutor or a teacher who knows you well. They will be writing your recommendation letters!

• Build good study and time management habits. • Try to constantly improve your writing and reading

skills. • Manage your online self. Make sure your Facebook,

Twitter, and other social media accounts show the person you want the college to see.

• Write a strong essay or personal statement.

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What can I do to stand out - Essays and Personal Statements

• Try to sound interesting, unique and personal. • Don’t state the obvious or include irrelevant

information. • Focus on why the university should give you a place

on the course. • Demonstrate a genuine interest in your subject and

university. • Make sure you know what the university is looking

for and follow the application guidelines • Proof read and have other people prood read you

essays. Don’t leave them until the last minute or rush them.

• Attend advice sessions.

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Tuition or not?

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‘Students tutored to perform often become dependent on that support to sustain them in their academically elevated position. They become stressed and the tuition becomes a crutch.’

Murray Morrisson

The Royal Society of Chemistry

PARENTS:

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Maintain clear communication about your expectations for your child and what the family financial or other limitations are

• Show interest in the process they are going through and ask questions

• Communicate with the school and school counsellor whenever you have questions, especially if you are considering a different route to university.

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PARENTS:

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Be supportive and be a good listener when they get frustrated

• Be careful about eliminating choices or limiting possibilities.

• Enjoy the process—it is an exciting adventure!

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Graduates

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QUESTIONS

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