Summer Programs Application Support
Summer Programs can be amazing for having hands on learning experiences both of an accademic and non- accademic nature. They can give students an opertunity to live on a Uni campus, or delve in to an idea/career/course/topic that they are interested in. The learning and the reflection on that learning may be beneficial in University or post TISA applications. I highly recommend that students engage in their world in the summer. That being said.....
Summer Programs at Harvard or Brown or... will not increase a students chances of getting into Harvard or Brown or...
Amazing Summer experiences can be found here locally in Baku as well, engaging with projects and people in the local community. It is the experience, learning and ability to reflect on that and show interest by then taking it to an other level of independent/extracurricular space that will make the biggest impact on University admissions decisions, no matter where in the world the student is engaging.
IF
I have found a summer program that I want to attend:
How do I apply? --
It is the responsibility of the family and the student to read the website, follow up with questions by emailing or calling the organisers, and knowing when the deadlines are and what documents and supports are needed. Ms. Borgerding is able to help if you have any questions, but the best resource for questions on these application is the organisation running the sessions. Their contact information should be available on the organisations web page.
How do I get a transcript or Report Card? --
If you are in M4 or above you can get an official Transcript, either digital or paper copy, through asking the TISA registrar Ms. Kamala Aliyeva. If you need grades from M3 or below you can pull your report off of Manage Bac. If you need an Official copy you can ask Ms. Kamala Aliyeva and she can print it and stamp it for you.
How do I get a letter of Recommendation?--
Asking for a letter of recommendation is a Life Skill! You will need to ask for Letters of Recommendation throughout your life, and they will be important to your future success. Please know the following three things, and then follow the directions below:
Strong Letters of Recommendation take time! We ask that you give your teachers as much time a possible to write your letters -- a month -- four weeks-- is the minimum we are shooting for. Please respect the fact that your teachers are busy and that they have lots to do, and that your letter is an "extra" request.
Teachers are not required to write you a letter of recommendation. They want to write letters that hold you in the best light possible and help you to achieve your dreams, but they are not required to. If a teachers says no then go see your counselor, and lets find a new plan.
Letters of recommendation from TISA are confidential. They will not be given to you directly but will only be sent directly to the receiving institution.
Directions
Read your directions in the application carefully. Who do you need to ask? Teachers or Counselors?
Take some time to think about the course, why you are excited about it, and what you want to learn from the course.
Email the Teacher(S)/Counselor whom you want to ask for a recommendation and ask for a meeting time. It is good to give them three or 4 possible times when you are available.
Go to the meeting at the arranged time and ask that person/people in person if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. (If you want to practice asking before you ask, Ms. Rachael and or Ms. Borgerding would be happy to help). Talk to that person about the course and why you are excited about it, and what you want to learn from the course. You may need to make an appointment to have this conversation. Let the person know that you will be sending them a link or request.
Once you have had this conversation-- THEN-- put in the electronic request and/or email the the directions and as needed the email where the letter should be sent.
Image by Tanja-Denise Schantz- Pixabay (From here into the Future)