1.  Review of the college counseling program  The American higher education system  The UNIS College Counseling Portal  College Visits

2.  College Fair – Monday, April 27 th, 4:30-6:30  Future Planning Seminars – in school, for students  Individual Planning Meetings  Essay Writing and Interview Workshops  Summer Schedule  CIS College Fair, September 17, 2015  Breakfast With Admissions, September 26, 2015 HIGHLIGHTS

3.  important terms  colleges and universities, private and public  liberal arts programs  professional programs (e.g. engineering, nursing, pharmacy)  typical Bachelor’s degree programs  declaring a major

4.  In the USA when people refer to “college” they mean institutions of tertiary education that offer bachelors’ degrees only; universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs.  In the past, students aimed at a professional training for life; today’s graduates will probably have several different jobs or careers.  In the 21 st century as traditional professions like journalism, the music industry, and computer science change rapidly, employers often prefer that students have a wide-ranging undergraduate education featuring a curriculum aimed at imparting general knowledge and developing general intellectual capacities. A skill set will often be more important than a specific undergraduate major, in contrast to a professional, vocational, or technical curriculum. Many students will choose go on to a Masters or Doctoral graduate program, or to law or medical school.  Employers look for flexibility, critical thinking skills, strong communication skills, and the ability to apply knowledge to problem- solving. They also desire employees who have an appreciation of other areas of knowledge – hence the value of liberal arts study.

5. Liberal Arts College  Smaller size – often suburban or rural location  Often only bachelors’ degrees.  Generally, small classes and more individual attention  Residential  2-year exploration of many subjects before declaring a major  Usually have high retention and higher numbers graduating in four years University  Large size – mostly in urban areas or college towns  A mix of large and smaller classes  Offers Bachelor’s, Masters and Doctoral degrees as well as continuing education  Professional schools – law, medicine, engineering – as well as arts and sciences or liberal arts.  More extensive library and research facilities

6.  Over 200 colleges and universities  Both public and private institutions  Academic system is similar to that of USA  Cost is often lower than in USA  Many schools will make admissions decisions based on IB scores  Students apply to specific programs, but changing later is possible  Opportunity to double- major

7. Brown University Purdue University Dartmouth College Carleton College University of Toronto The Cooper Union

8.  Is it within reach, academically & financially?  Is it a good match for your son or daughter?  Does it offer exciting academic programs?  Are the professors accessible?  How large are the classes?  What is the ‘campus climate’?  Are the students and faculty engaged and happy?  Does it support your son’s or daughter’s learning style?  Is the campus safe and well-maintained?

9.  It is possible to apply directly to professional school or a particular major if students are sure about their goals (engineering, medicine, business, etc.)  UK and European universities usually require earlier specialization in professional or subject study.  While business and engineering are both undergraduate and graduate programs in the USA, law and medicine are post-graduate degrees.  Many small liberal arts colleges have a great record in preparing students for entry to these programs. (see Colleges That Change Lives by Lauren Pope) http://www.ctcl.org/

10.  Normally 120 credits are required for a bachelor’s degree (varies by school)  Each one-semester class is 3 credits and normally a student will take five classes in a semester (15 credits).  A bachelor’s degree will often have two sets of requirements, general education (often called a core curriculum) and the requirements of the major. Core Curriculum An exposure to liberal arts, including courses in writing, the sciences, fine arts, the humanities, and social sciences. Course-Specific Requirements Courses essential to the major plus related elective courses Most schools offer a varied program including lectures, seminars, independent research projects, and study abroad programs.

11. UK, Australia, and Europe  Degree courses are more subject specific, shorter and more intensive.  It is hard to change your major (some exceptions in Scotland)  Classes are large; students are expected to be self-starters.  Entry is usually (with some exceptions) a straight academic competition based on IB predicted grades There are also:  University Colleges in the Netherlands – e.g.Utrecht, Amsterdam – which are based on US Liberal Arts programs and which are taught in English  American Universities in various European capital cities – Paris, Rome, London – and in the Middle East – Cairo, Amman, Beirut  Additional degree programs taught in English around the world – e.g. Japan, Eastern Europe

12.  the UNIS Portal  Naviance  collegeboard.com  updates on college visits to UNIS  up-to-date information for the Class of 2016 on the college application process and T4 year will be presented in the fall.

13. Marjorie Nieuwenhuis mnieuwenhuis@unis.org Tel: 212 584 3016 Maude Bond mbond@unis.org 212 584 3101 Jane S. Gabin jgabin@unis.org 212 584 3149 Jennie Gonzalez jgonzalez@unis.org 212 584 3004 Elsa Aguayo eaguayo@unis.org 212 584 3018

14.  Parent Coffee II: Tuesday, April 14  COLLEGE FAIR: Monday, April 27  Parent Coffee III: Tuesday, May 5  JUNE: Follow-up Meetings with College Counselors: