There are many ways for students to get additional academic support. If a student begins to struggle in class, the first action the student should take is to express his or her concern to the relevant teacher. AISL teachers often hold after-school and lunchtime extra help sessions for their students. There is also a voluntary after-school tutorial session held every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. These sessions are sponsored by one or more teachers and serve as a place where students can get extra help or work on finishing classwork or other assignments in a quiet, supervised environment. This is an excellent option for students whose after-school activities start later in the day.
Students in the DP may be assigned to Diploma After-School Help (DASH) sessions if they begin to fall behind on their work, fail to submit work on time, or show unsatisfactory self management skills. DASH sessions are held after school and take precedence over other after-school activities.
During the final years at AISL, students begin to apply to colleges and universities. The college counselor is available to guide students and their parents through this process, providing career advice, helping to plan the students’ further study, and working with students through the college admissions process. In addition to face-to-face contact with the counselor, a number of additional resources have been developed to assist college planning. These resources include a comprehensive guide to college admissions on the school’s website and the parent coffee morning presentations.
More specifically, AISL provides the following university preparation and career guidance support:
Grade 11 and 12 program and course selection (with the IB/DP Coordinator)
Introduction to international university admissions processes
Parent information sessions concerning international university admissions processes and transitioning to university
Career assessment
SAT/ACT preparation
University exploration
Finding a “best match” for each student
Scholarship search
Coordinating university admission representative visits to AISL campus
Essay writing
Personal statement writing
Curriculum Vitae (Résumé) and Letter of Intent writing
Assistance with obtaining letters of recommendation
One-on-one parent meetings to discuss the application process
One-on-one student meetings throughout the exploration and application
process
Transcript requests for university applications
Assistance with financial aid applications
Mailing or uploading application materials at specified times
College test requirement advice
Student study visa advice
Transition to university activities and information
Assistance with GAP year decisions
Most students apply to universities in the US, UK, Canada, or Europe; however, the AISL college counselor can assist with advising and preparing applications to college/university programs all over the world.
To make an appointment with Julie Baldry, the college counselor, please email jbaldry@aislusaka.org.
Testing Programs for College and University Admissions
AISL is a registered test center for the SAT (Standardized Achievement Test) and ACT (American College Test). The results of one or both of these tests are required by most colleges and universities in the US and some other countries.
The PSAT (Preliminary Standardized Achievement Test) may be taken by students in October or April. This test provides information about achievement, helps students to prepare for the SAT, and may provide access to merit-based scholarships. The PSAT will only be offered upon request.
The SSAT (Secondary School Achievement Test) is required by some secondary schools in the US before an application will be considered. If required, the test can be taken at AISL. The college counselor will arrange for testing on request.
Historically, AISL has also been a test center for entrance tests for UK universities and specific courses. Universities sometimes send the school a specific test that a student must sit at school. Please check with the college counselor to determine if the school is a registered test center for these.