1. Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, this academic year has been difficult for many seniors. How did this affect the admissions process at your school and what challenges were there?
Response 1:
Said Ghorayeb, Ruamrudee International School
A lot of big name universities received record numbers of applications this year, making it even more competitive for students to get accepted. We are lucky that our students are stellar, and we received the normal percentage of acceptances that we get every year, even in this competitive atmosphere.
Response 2:
Kevin Keller, Bangkok Patana School
This year has certainly been unprecedented in global university admission. Until recently, we were considered lucky in the global community to have in-person learning when many students were still learning virtually. This allowed advising, testing and the application process to continue relatively normally. However, the number of international students applying to universities in the most popular country destinations, like the UK, USA and Canada, has increased dramatically. This called for our students to think differently about their admissibility to their chosen universities and to be creative in how they are demonstrating interest in their subjects and the universities themselves. While Patana students did have the opportunity to participate in school-based activities, the Careers and University counsellors also encouraged them to engage more meaningfully outside of the classroom in their subject of interest on virtual platforms and through reading to ensure they were positioning themselves to be top applicants.
Response 3:
Kristine Yim, International Community School
Since our school was in physical session during the first semester, Covid-19 didn’t affect the admissions process too much. It’s true that students were not able to meet college representatives because they stopped traveling, but they were able to attend some virtual sessions with college reps. Seniors were able to get plenty of support from the college counselor and school counselors. Since our school was online in January for two weeks, I think students applying to Korean universities might have had some stress preparing to apply.
2. What should the incoming class expect in the upcoming year? Any advice on how to prepare?
Response 1:
Said Ghorayeb, Ruamrudee International School
Be prepared to be flexible. Last year’s graduating class ended up without their external exams, and it seems that more and more schools in Thailand are cancelling this year’s external exams, so work hard on your internal assessments and make sure that your internal grades are good enough. Also, do not attach a lot of emotional value to things like prom and graduation. Enjoy every day you are together as a group.
Response 2:
Kevin Keller, Bangkok Patana School
Next year’s graduating students should continue to prepare for a very competitive environment. Many universities in the USA will not review SAT scores and the SAT subject tests will no longer be offered, this means that students will need to differentiate themselves from other applicants through demonstrated interest, engagement in community based activities or finding a “passion project” that will give universities an insight into what interests, excites and motivates them. Meanwhile in the UK, universities will continue to be focused on students who meet and exceed their basic academic requirements and who demonstrate deep engagement in their subject of interest through reading and other sources. I would encourage students to keep an open mind about prospective universities and choose a range of universities that fit your profile personally and academically. Increased competition can sometimes mean receiving surprising results (positive and negative!) so ensuring that you’re comfortable attending every single university that you apply to is important. Three or four years is a long time to attend a university that you didn’t properly research before applying. Be open to universities which aren’t “popular” among your classmates, you might find that it’s the best fit for you!
Response 3:
Kristine Yim, International Community School
Since no one knows what the Covid situation will be in August, I think it’s wise to not procrastinate and start the college search and application process early. The following college search engines help students to narrow down a huge number of universities to a manageable number of 8 to 10 schools.
3. What advice do you have for Seniors transitioning to colleges far away from home?
Response 1:
Said Ghorayeb, Ruamrudee International School
It’s going to be okay. This is not a normal year, but this lack of normalcy will make you resilient, and you will have plenty of stories to tell in the future. Be kind and work hard, and you’ll be fine.
Response 2:
Kevin Keller, Bangkok Patana School
Moving to another part of the world can be daunting and exciting at the same time and there will be many highs and lows through the first few months. Make sure you actively engage in any orientation or “freshers week” activities at the university. These events are a great way to find your first group of friends and start making the university feel like home. It’s also good to make connections with faculty or staff members at the university who can serve as a trusted resource and who can help you should you need support navigating what can sometimes be very confusing university processes. I also recommend keeping a journal or at least a list of the reasons you chose to study abroad at your chosen university, when you find you’re having a difficult day or are missing home, it’s important to look back on your writing to remind yourself of why you made the decision to be there. Embrace the new culture around you, try new things, work hard and don’t forget to call home!
Response 3:
Kristine Yim, International Community School
Try to build a RAFT.
R – Reconciliation
Reconcile with anyone that you have a difficult relationship with. You don’t want something bothering you with a person from home when you’re miles away from home. This can affect how much you enjoy your new home.
A – Affirmation
Affirm people and thank them for something they have done or for being a part of your life. Let them know that they are special to you.
F – Farewell
Say goodbye to people and your home, school, city, or country. Come up with a bucket list of the last things that you want to do before you leave.
T – Think Ahead
After you go through the first three steps of building a raft, think ahead to your new destination. Think about what excites you about your new place. Prepare all the things that you need to do to get to your new place.
4. As a school counselor, what was a notable moment during this school year?
Response 1:
Said Ghorayeb, Ruamrudee International School
Seeing how amazingly flexible and resilient our students and teachers are. This year has thrown all sorts of things at us, and everyone made the best of it.
Response 2:
Kevin Keller, Bangkok Patana School
Watching students receive their admission offers is easily my favorite part of being a university counselor. For that reason, I can’t narrow it down to one moment and I have to highlight every opportunity that I was given to celebrate with students receiving good news from universities. University offers are the culmination of years of hard work and watching students receive word that universities that they’ve admired have chosen them for admission is very rewarding. Of course, it’s not always good news when students receive admission decisions and while I hate to see the disappointment, I always take the time to remind them that these decisions are difficult for the universities and no one should place their self-worth in any university’s choice.
Response 3:
Kristine Yim, International Community School
I had some students needing to take online classes in order to make up for lost credits. I communicated to them and their parents the importance of doing well on these online classes. It’s encouraging to see these seniors follow through and work hard to graduate.
5. Any final words for the graduating class of 2021?
Response 1:
Said Ghorayeb, Ruamrudee International School
Best of luck on your new adventures. We will miss you at RIS, but you make us proud.
Response 2:
Kevin Keller, Bangkok Patana School
You are leaving high school at a time unlike any before. So much seems uncertain and the accompanying stress levels are high. Remember that you’ve spent years building a solid foundation of personal values and motivation with help from parents, siblings, teachers and mentors, and it’s enough to get you through. The world may throw you some curveballs, but take every change in stride and look at it as a new adventure. I’m so excited to hear about your success! Good luck!
Response 3:
Kristine Yim, International Community School
I don’t know how Covid 19 will impact the rest of your senior year, but nobody can take away the special memories that you’ve had so far with people who are dear to you. Try to remember them fondly.
