Page 20 - FIS World

College Applications
Following Changes to the College Application Process
“You can’t be seventeen. Are you sure you’re...” my father began faintly to count under his breath. “Good grief, “ he muttered, eyes wide and dilated behind his glasses. That was years ago but I can can still remember the aston- ishment of my father as he realized I was almost an adult. Some of you may feel that your son or daughter has, quite suddenly, sprouted into an adult. Much like those nature programs that use time-lapse photography: a tiny shoot breaks through the earth, begins to sprout green leaves and is within seconds a tall and fully bloom- ing tree.
This is an exciting time for seniors; many of them will embark on the next phase of their education - the college years – and will continue their studies at universities all around the world. It can also be a stressful and emotional time. They are under a lot of pressure to get the grades they hope for and prepare for the IB exams which will secure their college of choice.
So what exactly is your senior facing when they make a college applica- tion? After they have decided where in the world to apply, they must tackle the application process. US and UK applications have distinct writing requirements. Applications have changed somewhat since you or I were at college and like everything else, have become more competitive.
UK applications
Students who are applying in the UK will apply to up to five colleges. These applications will be done online through UCAS. They must apply with specific course selections and include their predicted IB grades. Offers are made based on IB predictions and contingent upon actual IB results (stu- dents take IB exams in May and results come out in July). The deadline for applications is 15 January, except for Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry or Vet- erinary Science, which have early
deadlines of 15 October. In a nutshell, UCAS applications expect the student to a) explain why they have chosen the course b) provide information about their own academic achieve- ments and c) detail the experiences and skills they have that make them suitable candidates.
US applications
While there is no official limit, students are encouraged to apply to no more than eight different colleges. These applications are also made online directly to the specific colleges. The application deadlines will vary depending on the college but they are usually between 1 November and 15 February. Each college can have its own application and can vary in terms of requirements. They usually ask stu- dents to respond to writing prompts such as, “Describe a place where you feel perfectly content,” or “Write about a time when you experienced failure.” These applications encourage stu- dents to be original in showcasing themselves, so there is room for style and creativity in the writing. Colleges in the US will ask for academic records and grades achieved since Grade 9. Most of them will also ask for SAT or ACT test scores, details of extra-curric- ular activities and at least one teacher recommendation.
The Writing Process
Students will need to write a number of different drafts before they get these applications right. The counsel- lors and Writing Center provide guide- lines and work with students at every stage of the drafting process, for any university application needs. Whether it be starting to generate ideas, struc- turing what they have written, redrafting or reviewing the final polished draft, students are always welcome to make an appointment to meet with me.
“I’ve brought you some tea pet.” My
US Counselors Alison Hamley and Jessica Angelidis
father’s muffled voice came through the bedroom door. I imagined him standing there, tea in hand, staring at the Keep Out sign I had hand drawn and sellotaped there in a moment of defiance. Should I let him in? I thought. Writing my UCAS application was a battle between intellect and imagination. I was kind of enjoying it but I had wildly digressed into the pleasure of fiction. The train had come off the rails. “You can help me with this horrendous college application, ” I groaned as I opened the door. I remember the smile that lit up his face as he handed me my tea. “Is that what you’re up to?” he said, knowing full well what I was writing.
For more information contact Aodhnait Donnelly at the writing center at URL.
https://fis.haikulearning.com/ upper/2014upperschoolwritingcen- ter/cms_page/view
Aodhnait Donnelly, FIS Teacher
18 FIS World February 2015