Application Process

All Applications are DUE on the last day of school before the Winter Break-- usually at or around December 15th. The only exception is applications where the student has talked to Ms. Borgerding and they have developed a plan of action.  This is a TISA internal Deadline. 

TISA has limit of 11 applications we will support. This should enable students to apply to several places in the world as needed or necessary. Please note you do not have to use all 11 application slots, and if you applying to the UK, UCAS allows for five.  Please refer to the My Possible 11 page for more information about how applications fit with your predicted scores and how they are spread to better ensure you end up with University options that you are excited to choose from.  

Please note: Letters of Recommendation are confidential. As per school policy letters of recommendation are sent directly to the educational institution or organisation requesting them.

For students in the IB Diploma Program the University Application Process is a complicated, time consuming and demanding process.  This needs to happen while a student is taking on the very real challenge of the IB curriculum.  It is also an exciting and thrilling process as students work to develop future plans, dreams, goals and aspirations. Students are encouraged to take this seriously and start this process from the start of DP, and keep with it, a little bit each week.  The counselor is here to guide and support this process. This is an active process, and although we are here to guide and support the student is the focus and is in control of the University application process.  It requires that the student: 

• Take time to think about yourself: Academics, special talents, skills etc. Distinguish yourself. 

• Research courses and programs: good fit vs reach vs fall back.  Meet dreams and future objectives.

• Be aware of required tests: SAT, TOEFL, ACT, UKCAT, BMAT etc.

• Be aware of: Deadlines, forms, and requirements for admission for each school you apply to. 

• Make sure that your name on application, and all application parts, is the same as is in the student's official documents and passport.  

• Submit all required forms at the appropriate deadlines.

• Follow all TISA deadlines for requesting transcripts, letters of recommendation,and all other supporting documentation.  

• Keep your NAVIANCE up to date with the list of Universities that you are applying to, so that the counselor can support your process.  

• Check to make sure that the Universities have the documents they need to make an informed decision. 

• Notify the Universities of any changes including home address, email address, grades, and circumstances

• Follow through with any agreements you have made with Universities either written or verbal. These agreements are binding!  

The three most common application sites used by our students: 

Common App: The Common Application is used to apply to close to 700 Universities in the US and around the world.  

UCAS: UCAS is the website used for both research and application to Universities in the UK. Further information about the UK process can be found on the UK page under Where In the World. 

Check with your counselor for this years  "Buzzword" to link your UCAS account to TISA.  Linking enables TISA to be able to   upload your letter of recommendation and post your predicted grades, and better support your process.  The graduating class of 2025 Buzzword is: 2025TISATitans.

Studielink: Studielink is the website where you will apply for the vast majority of Dutch Universities.  It allows you to apply to up to four courses at a time.  Before the enrolment deadline you can change which course you are applying to, and if you are rejected by a University then you can add a different program/University. 

Please check to see if your program is Numerus fixus.  If it is then this is a more competitive application, with earlier deadlines. (Please take note of these deadlines!) They will only accept a small "fixed number" of students.  The minimum for application is just that a minimum, but they will only be taking the top students who apply until they are full.  You will most likely also be asked to take an additional exam as a part of the application process.