As most high schoolers know, high school includes multiple difficult decisions and boundaries to overcome. Without support or guidelines, lots of high schoolers can find themselves struggling with these tough choices.
“Should I take IB or AP?”
“Which universities should I go to?”
“What do I major in?”
These are questions that have probably crossed the minds of high schoolers. But, they don’t have to think about them alone. Guidance counselors can help guide students along a path that is tailored to the student’s interests and abilities. Counselor Ms Deneene Ricketts from RIS has provided answers to some frequently asked questions by high school students. Below is the interview session with Ms Deneene:
Gunn: What AP/IB courses are offered at your school?
Deneene Ricketts: There are a lot! The best place to go to see courses on offer at RIS is the RIS Program of Studies, which is updated annually to show the courses offered each year. RIS offers around 21 IB courses and around 16 AP courses.
G: What are the advantages of taking AP/IB courses? What are the disadvantages?
D: I think AP courses are flexible as they are one year in length. Students who are interested in majors with different prerequisites will benefit from the flexibility AP courses provide as they can take as many or as little courses as they want. However, AP courses are very fast paced and rigorous as they are only one year in length. On the other hand, the IB is a holistic program that focuses on depth rather than breadth, so students can get a really deep look at the subjects they are interested in. IB provides students with a high level of preparation for university. However, IB is more restrictive as the courses are two years in length and require an external exam at the end of those two years. Both IB and AP are internationally recognized, and are accepted by universities.
G: How should students decide between doing IB HL/SL, IB Diploma, IB Certificate, or AP?
D: First, students need to reflect on their academic strengths currently, and reflect on what they want to study in the future. A general idea of what and where to study is perfectly fine. Look into what each university requires. The intersection of those two things will help students find out which path they should take.
G: How should students decide if they should take the SAT, ACT, IELT, TOEFL, BMAT, or other external standardized tests?
D: Again, it depends on where you’re applying. COVID has played a big role in the shift in the importance of standardized tests, especially the SATs and the ACTs in the US.
G: If students were to apply for a specific major, such as engineering or medicine, what subjects would you recommend they take? How about for students who do not know yet what major they want to pursue?
D: Again, it is important to review requirements for different universities. But for engineering and medicine specifically, take at least two out of the three science courses. Students can look at the Common Course Entry Requirements Matrix, which shows a starting point and allows students to see what courses they should take depending on if they are in IB or AP, and the location of the university they are looking to apply to. There is no blanket answer, because it will vary depending on the school, country, and program. So, research and staying organized is extremely important. Students who don’t know what to pursue should take courses that they like and enjoy, and the grades will come with the courses they enjoy. Once again, do your research: participate in virtual events, attend university fairs, talk to your guidance counselor, basically expose yourself to what’s out there.
G: What is the difference between applying for colleges in the US, UK, and Thailand in terms of preparation? How about for specific majors such as art or music that require portfolios?
D: Generally speaking, the US reviews applicants on a holistic basis, and does not look at just academics. They look at what you say about yourself, and who you are as a learner, and outside the classroom. The UK is looking for people who know what they want to study, and that they have prepared to enter the course that they want. Thailand would want to see that you are academically prepared through transcripts and standardized tests. The difference comes in the nuances of the applications, so again talk to your counselor, and do your research. Art and music majors will also look at your transcript in addition to the portfolio. Students should try to engage and expose themselves to different activities outside of the classroom to hone their craft and build their portfolio, because it is a really important part of the application.
G: Extracurriculars are an important component of college admissions. As a counselor, what is your role in helping students engage in extracurriculars they are interested in?
D: I would actually clarify that and say that extracurriculars are important for some university applications, such as in the US, in Thailand, and some in Europe. There are some universities that do not take extracurriculars into account. However, extracurriculars build communication, teamwork, and social skills, which is very beneficial to succeeding in life. My role is to just listen and get to know you as a student and recommend ways that you can take your skills and apply them, to help you look outside the box and challenge you to do things that will not just benefit you, but benefit your community as well.
G: Can you walk us through what the admissions process looks like for a rising senior at your school, and how you support your students as they apply?
D: The admissions process starts during the first semester of Grade 11. Universities will visit RIS and juniors will be exposed to different universities and have the opportunity to ask questions and find their best fit. Then, we start to dive into the admissions process, and explore differences between the requirements from universities in different countries. Break down the admissions process for different countries, and have one-on-one meetings with students to get to know their plan and goals. Students are the drivers of the car, and counselors sit in the passenger seat to help students get to their destination.
G: How do students decide which college is the best fit for them?
D: You have to know your values and priorities first. By that I mean what is important for you, what is important for you to thrive and succeed at university, and decide what you need from your university. Also, this conversation should include parents, to see what goals the parents have for their students. Best case scenario, students and parents are on the same page, but if not, then counselors will help them find middle ground and get them on the same page. Best fit school: meets geographic needs, social needs, emotional needs, financial needs, as well as academic needs + aligns with your values.
G: What do colleges look for in a student? What essential tips do you have on building a strong portfolio and standing out?
D: What they look at depends on the university and the admissions process. Because again, not all schools require an essay, or extracurriculars, so what colleges want will vary. Essential tips: starting early. The earlier you start, the more time you have to figure out what you want and to understand what options are out there. Once that’s done, you can make a plan in place to make yourself stand out. If you don’t do your research and know your school, how can you stand out? Challenge yourself, and be honest with yourself. Know yourself, and know what’s out there.
G: Would you like to share a final closing remark?
D: We know this process is daunting and stressful, but you can do it, and you will find a school or a pathway that will be the best for you, and we’re here to help you, answer your questions, and support you along the way.
As stated by Ms Deneene, although the journey of getting into a university is stressful, don’t forget that there are multiple people high schoolers can turn to for support and assistance.
Best of luck to all high school students!
Written by:
— [Writer] Thanakorn (Gunn) Vajirakachorn can be reached at [thanakornv25@rism.ac.th].
Follow him on Instagram [not_gunn].
