Choosing a University

What do universities want? How to choose your courses? Things to consider How to trade up? IB Diploma IB Certificates Country Requirements Criteria for choosing a university Sources of Information Contacts

Most academic students possible that will add to their university (especially highly selective)

Looking for: Rigor of School and programme (IB and

IGCSE) Rigor of subjects chosen Academic results in subjects taken (4 years) Subject requirements for the degree Pre-college courses, Work experience, ECAs Proof of independent love of learning

Start & end with yourself (Best Fit) What do you most enjoy? Where do you

excel? (strengths & Interests) What makes you light up?

IGCSE and IB keep many doors open (so should you)

So ask lots of questions until end Year 13 Think outside the box: courses take you to

interesting careers Astrobiologist? Mobile Experience Architect?

Admissions tests (Step Papers, BMAT, UKCAT, SAT, PSAT, ACT, TSA) We love our acronyms!

Subject requirements (keep doors open) Personality of the university? Work Experience (Law, Medical, Dental,

Pharmacy, Vet, Architecture, Engineering etc)

Keep the student in driver’s seat! Best social and academic fit

Choose your subjects based on strengths and interests

Work hard and get the very best grades possible

Choose the hardest courses in which you can do well

Arrange work experience Arrange a pre-college summer programme

that will challenge you Consider SAT Tests (Reasoning and SAT

Subject tests)

United Kingdom/Australia: favorably recognized in these countries and a qualification for admission to universities.

USA/Canada: Can be used for admission to university. (Advanced standing)

Other countries world wide: provides entrance to university but some restrictions may apply.

Note: check early with target universities

USA/Canada: Can be used for admission to many universities. (backed up the student’s results, recommendations, essays and SAT results.)

Australia/United Kingdom: recognized in these countries and a qualification for admission to universities, often at the foundation level or Degree Route.

Other countries world wide: provides evidence that students have satisfactorily completed Grade 12 and may allow entry to university.

Note: Academic to Academic United Kingdom United States Australia Canada Singapore Other

UCAS External Examinations: (I)GCSE &IB Personal Statement: student Reference: Tutor Predicted Grades Language Proficiency: IELTS (possibly) Visa

Application System- Individual/Common Application/State application system

References (Two): Subject Teachers Counselor Forms/Reference Predicted Grades Transcripts & Diploma SAT I & SAT II (subject) not all require SATS Language Proficiency: TOEFL (accept

IELTS?) Essay(1-3): Student Visa

Australian vs. International Students Entry Dates: July vs. February Actual vs. Predicted Results Individual Application & IDP IB Diploma Language Proficiency: IELTS Visa: country assessments

Individual Applications (Ontario & BC) Application References may be required Transcripts & Diploma Predicted Grades External Examination Results Language Proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS Visa

Application External Examinations (IGCSE and IB) Transcripts Predicted Grades SAT Tests may be needed (not often for IB) TOEFL & IELTS possible References possible

Country & Culture Location (proximity and geography) Size (university, class size 1st and 3rd year) Cost (tuition/living costs, internships ) Financial Aid/Home Status/scholarships Environment (urban/rural, city campus) Personality (conservative?, % International) Learning Style (exams? Projects?) Housing & Food available

Activities (touch rugby, horse jumping) Faculty (Teaching & Research) Customer Service Rankings: someone’s opinion Facilities & Access: IT, Library, Sports etc Options: Study abroad, Double majors &

Double Degrees Links to Industry & universities abroad Internships/Sandwich Alumni Networks and Careers Support

Link to strength and Interests Entry Requirements: Reach, Secure &

Insurance (5 point range) Teaching & Content Informal course rankings “rate my prof” Assessment: project vs. exams Theory vs. Hands-On Depth vs. Breadth

Careers & Resources University Representative Visits Education Fairs Websites (Careers, Keystage 5) Education Centres (British Council, UK

Consortium, IDP, Netherlands, France etc) Alumni: (Patana & University) & Teachers Family & Friends Rankings Facebook & Youtube College Tours (by far the best method)

Start now Do your research No perfect university only a perfect fit Organized Files Deadlines & Documents Student’s application and the student

should be in the driver’s seat.

Mr Robin Barton robo@patana.ac.th

Mr Jemison Foster jefo@patana.ac.th

Mr Andrew Haughton anha@patana.ac.th

Khun June mach@patana.ac.th

Khun Ae aoni@patana.ac.th