VIS University & Career Advising

The whole process related to university selection is indeed a laborious one. So many aspects of the journey need detailed attention. Though you will be supported along the way, you need to be aware of the following responsibilities:

• It is your responsibility to attend IB+ class, group and individual meetings called by your University Counsellor. Scheduled meetings are required to be respected as the Counsellor’s time needs to be equally distributed with all students requesting attention – and hence efficiency around time usage is paramount. Honouring your commitments in terms of appointments is very important to secure a swift process, turning what could potentially be a daunting task, into a simplified, efficient one.

• The ultimate ownership of a University application is that of the student. Though supported by the University Counsellor, parents and teachers, the management and the actual filling in of the online application lay on the students.

• Students would need to have at hand their students’ IDs given by their University, passwords and any access to online university applications so as to be able to work on the ongoing application with the University Counsellor.

• It is your responsibility to ask the University Counsellor for official documents such as Transcripts, and other letters communicating date of Graduation, English as the school’s official language of tuition and Anticipate/Predicted Grades. Please be reminded that such documents need to be authenticated by your University Counsellor on behalf of the school.

• Whilst students are advised to apply to universities with entry profiles, which match their academic performances, such as PGs, SAT scores, LNAT, BMAT/UKCAT scores and others, VIS cannot fully support a student’s candidature to universities with higher expectations than the student could possibly match.

• Though the University Counsellor supports students in the research of the university study programmes, the student takes the responsibility to understand if there is a fit between one’s aspirations and goals, and the chosen programme.

• Students need to be aware of any admission testing required by their chosen universities. Online registration, adherence to application deadlines, accessing the rigour of the testing and preparing for them is the sole responsibility of the student.

• Meeting university application deadlines is the sole responsibility of the student. Note that different courses, different universities worldwide set different deadlines.

• Requests for letters of recommendation need to be confirmed with chosen teachers and then go through the office of the University Counsellor. The Counsellor would then confirm your chosen teachers to write such letters, with specifics for those application portals, then submit on behalf of the student if needed.

• Students are requested to notify the University Counsellor of any acceptances and/or rejections by universities as well as the final choice of University.

The whole pathway to University inevitably requires parental involvement. As early as Grade 9 and 10, but more intensely at Grade 11 and 12 it is essential for all the stakeholders, namely students, parents and University Counsellor to come together, over more than one meeting to establish and align plans, so as to craft, as efficient as possible, the many steps involved in the application process.

Parents are called for introductory group meetings as well as individual meetings – to better understand implications involved in choices, fees, living and expenses, accommodation arrangements etc. The more planning and discussion made, the less room there will be for stress.

However, it is vital for students to own their university journey and the application process. This process supports the student to an independent life soon to be lived away from home, on campus with friends and other fellow students.

Whilst parental guidance towards decisions is vital, students need to retain their autonomy. This matters not only in terms of choices, but also in terms of content of university essays and personal statements. These have to retain the student’s authentic tone.

It is recommended for parents to:

• Have ongoing discussions about the different university options and to discuss the implications of the various projected university lists.

• Support with research of study programmes at different universities.

• Keep an eye on deadlines for admissions tests and university applications.

• Work on the financial aspect of a university tuition costs and living, travelling and accommodation costs.

• Go over online applications prior to submission.